PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026. It has been a great start to the year, with our classes settled and working exceptionally well in our calm and orderly learning environment. We have welcomed around 180 new students to SCSC, and there has been a real buzz around the College over the past few weeks as students and teachers have settled into their new year levels and classes.
Swimming Sports
Last week we held our annual Swimming Sports at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre on a warm summer’s day. Student attendance this year was exceptional, with over two thirds of our students participating in races, novelty events and fun activities. It was a pleasure to see our students enjoying themselves, cheering on their friends and simply having a great day out at such an important school event.
This year saw the highest level of participation we have had at our annual Swimming Sports, almost double the attendance from three years ago. It is very pleasing to see our students getting involved and making the most of these opportunities. I wish all students who progress to the next round of interschool Swimming Sports all the best as they represent Surf Coast Secondary College with pride.
Student Voice
Our team of College Captains, Finlay, Hunter, Sienna and Taitum, have been leading a number of new initiatives and opportunities to enhance student voice, agency and participation this year.
Our College Student Representative Council (SRC) is up and running, with fortnightly meetings that bring together student representatives from all year levels to discuss priorities and perspectives that are important to our students. Our captains then provide feedback to the College Leadership Team and School Council to ensure that student perspectives are heard and considered in decision making.
Other student centred activities commencing this year include lunchtime sports competitions, the formation of a College choir, a journalism group that will connect with local media producers, an Environment Taskforce, and Girls in STEM to encourage greater female participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
2026 is shaping up to be a very active year for student leadership, with a broad range of activities on offer for our students, led by students.
Racism Prevention and Intervention Policy
SCSC has a long standing Inclusion and Diversity Policy that includes addressing racial discrimination. In 2024, our school was an early adopter of the Department of Education’s new policy resources, which led us to develop our own local Racism Prevention and Intervention Policy.
We take an educative approach with our young people on this topic and support them to develop a deeper understanding of the impact of racism, while also fostering inclusive behaviours and acceptance of difference among all people.
To support all students, we offer a range of inclusive learning and wellbeing activities throughout the year that are relevant and age appropriate. We also have a wellbeing team and school leaders who are experienced in supporting victims of discrimination with sensitivity and confidentiality.
Respect is one of our core values at SCSC, and I encourage all members of our community to intervene, speak up and communicate if you are aware of incidents of racism, discrimination or exclusion. Together we can create the safe and inclusive environment that all our young people deserve.
Meeting with Staff Members
SCSC is a large and complex organisation with over 900 students and 110 staff. Our days are full of scheduled classes, activities and meetings. All staff members have busy schedules and important commitments that must be met.
This year we have seen an increase in parents and carers presenting to the College reception requesting to see staff members immediately. This is rarely possible due to the busy nature of an educator’s role. Just as appointments need to be made to meet with other professionals, appointments also need to be made to meet with teachers and school leaders.
We therefore request that parents and carers who would like to meet with staff first make contact with the College via email or phone. Staff members will respond at their earliest opportunity; however, this may take one to two working days.
I hope you enjoy reading the rest our newsletter.
Take care,
Shane Elevato
Principal