Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

As I write this, in what will be my final newsletter contribution as Principal, I find myself reflecting not only on the journey we have taken together, but on the people, the values, and the culture that have made this school such a remarkable place to lead.

It has been an enormous privilege to serve this community one that is passionate about young people, unwavering in its belief in public education, and deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. This role has asked much, but given even more.

This past week has been a powerful reminder of everything that makes our school special. The whole-school NAIDOC Week assembly and the incredible workshops that followed were deeply moving. To hear the didgeridoo reverberate across the gym, to witness the traditional dances where you could hear a pin drop, and to feel the collective respect as our students and staff clapped in time it was unforgettable. Watching staff and students alike connect so meaningfully with culture and history is a clear example of how far we have come in embedding respect into the daily fabric of our school. Thank you to everyone who made those moments possible. Your efforts don’t just deliver an event, they shape a more just and inclusive future.

And of course, the Big Freeze was the perfect balance of laughter, leadership and community spirit. Seeing staff plunge into icy waters to raise funds and awareness for MND, cheered on by students, is the kind of memory that stays with you. Events like these don’t just raise money they raise connection. They remind us that schools are about more than classrooms. They are communities of care, courage and character.

Across my time here, I’ve been proud to see our community lead with moral purpose. From the steady growth of our Sports Academy, to the thoughtful ways we have amplified student voice and agency, particularly through our SRC and Student Leaders. We have begun building structures that will serve students well into the future. Events like RUOK Day, Do it for Dolly, IDAHOBIT Day and our growing focus on wellbeing demonstrate that our school doesn't shy away from complex challenges. Instead, we lean in together.

This kind of culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built by people who care. It’s built by teams who show up for each other. It's built through staff who engage in professional learning with the goal of better supporting every learner especially our most vulnerable. Whether in our PLCs, Domain meetings our leadership teams, or our yard duty chats, I’ve seen a shift: more collective efficacy, more shared responsibility, more alignment to our values.

And while I’m incredibly proud of the progress we have made, it’s also time for me to step away both to be closer to my family, and to open the next chapter of my own story. The loss of my father at the end of 2023 brought into sharper focus the importance of time with my daughters and those closest to me. As hard as it is to leave, it’s a decision made with love and purpose.

I’m pleased that Josh Willersdorf will be stepping into the role of Acting Principal. Having already been an integral part of our current leadership team, he brings deep knowledge of our school context and a strong connection to the vision and culture we have built together with the staff. I have every confidence that with his leadership and with the support of the outstanding team around him, Red Cliffs Secondary College will continue to thrive and grow.

Thank you for trusting me, challenging me, working alongside me, and welcoming me. Thank you for your commitment to our students and to the moral purpose of education. I’ll carry this community with me always.

With deep appreciation,

Justin Matt

Executive Principal

NEW DOCTOR & DAY AT RED CLIFFS SC

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