Principal's Report

As Acting Principal while Neil Baillie is on long service leave, it has been a privilege to get to know the wonderful staff and students at Epping Secondary College.

In my time here, I have been impressed by the strong sense of community, the professionalism and dedication of the staff, and the enthusiasm the students bring to their learning and wider school life.

It’s been a vibrant and productive term so far at Epping Secondary College, with students and staff embracing our values of Respect, Resilience, and Care in all areas of school life.

From exciting excursions to powerful guest speakers, innovative classroom learning to sporting achievements, there has been plenty to celebrate.

Students have been engaging in a wide range of academic opportunities. A highlight was the Australian Maths Competition, where Years 7–10 students challenged themselves to apply problem-solving and mathematical thinking in new ways.

We also hosted PISA testing for selected Year 10 students. This large-scale international assessment, run by the OECD, measures how well students can apply their skills in reading, mathematics, and science to real-world situations – preparing them for lifelong learning and participation in society.

Assemblies this term have been full of energy and pride. Selecting subjects for 2026 has also been a key focus.

The Year 7 assembly was a standout, where student leaders celebrated their cohort’s NAPLAN results with genuine joy and encouragement for their peers.

We were also honoured to welcome Anasina Gray-Barberio, Australia’s first Polynesian MP, who met with our Pasifika group. Students performed powerful cultural dances, and Anasina shared her inspiring journey, encouraging our young people to embrace their identity and break down stereotypes.

We recently celebrated a remarkable milestone for Peter Kaskamanidis, who was acknowledged for 35 years of service to the Department of Education. Peter’s dedication has impacted countless students over his career, and we thank him for his outstanding contribution to education.

Our annual Parent, Caregiver, and Guardian Opinion Survey will be sent out via Compass on Monday 18 August. This Department of Education survey helps us understand your views on school climate, student behaviour, and engagement. While participation is optional, your feedback is greatly valued and will help guide our planning, improvement strategies, and professional learning to best support our students. 

Epping Secondary College is proud of the incredible achievements of our students and the dedication of our staff. With longer days and a touch more sunshine, we encourage everyone to take time to enjoy the things that bring them joy – and we look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and celebrate together. 

                                                                      Melissa Stephens

                                                                Acting College Principal