Principal's Report

It is great to be back at Patterson River Secondary College after spending 16 weeks seconded to the Department of Education as a Senior Advisor for schools in the City of Kingston. While the role extended longer than expected, it was a valuable experience — particularly spending time with many of our local feeder primary schools and gaining a deeper understanding of their approaches to teaching and learning.

I would like to thank Adam Slater, who did an outstanding job as Acting Principal in my absence, along with Lyndal Ford, who stepped into the role of Acting Principal (Student Operations) and Sarah Simmons, who filled the VCE Leader role.

Although I have only been back a few weeks, it has been wonderful to return in time for a number of key events, including R U OK? Week, the Year 12 v Staff competitions, parent–teacher interviews and the 33rd Annual Spring Music Concert. It was also a highlight to farewell our group of students heading off on their World Challenge adventure to Sri Lanka and to celebrate with our triumphant Year 7 Boys State AFL Champions.

Best-Ever NAPLAN Results

Continuing a trend of year-on-year improvement, our Year 7 and Year 9 students have once again outperformed both the state and statistically similar schools in NAPLAN proficiency levels in 2025. This also includes strong Year 7–9 growth results.

See our Junior School Report for further details.

Parent Opinion Survey – Closes Friday 19 September

Today is the final opportunity to participate in the annual Parent Opinion Survey. To complete the survey, please visit https://research.orima.com/parent, search for Patterson River Secondary College and enter PIN: 154041.

Thank you to all parents who have already contributed.

Patterson River Students Save the Day!

Two of our Year 11 students have been praised for their bravery and quick thinking after helping an elderly man in Patterson Lakes.

On their way home from work at Coles, the boys noticed the man unconscious and bleeding through the window of his unit. Acting immediately, they:

Called emergency services
Sought help from a neighbour
Gained entry to the house
Retrieved a defibrillator from nearby shops

Paramedics commended their actions, saying they may have helped save his life. When I visited the boys in class to congratulate them, they just happened to be in the middle of a First Aid lesson! The students said their confidence came from the first aid training they’ve received at school and the practice they’ve done using our CPR dummies.

These CPR dummies — purchased through targeted voluntary parent donations — are used across the College in programs including Year 9 Learning 4 Life, the Community Leadership Program, VCE Vocational Major and Outdoor Education.

Expressions of Interest – 2026 Trade Contractors and Canteen

Trade EOI

Patterson River Secondary College is seeking expressions of interest from trade businesses to become approved suppliers of services in 2026. Services include general maintenance, emergency works and planned works.

Being an approved supplier allows businesses to complete all inductions and OHS requirements in advance, enabling quicker access for any required works. Please note that approval does not provide exclusive access to projects; it places your business on a short list of trusted providers the school may contact as needed.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by COB Monday 13 October. The school will then follow up with any additional information or questions before finalising approved contractors for 2026.

Further information and the EOI form can be found here: Trade Contractor EOI 2026 – Patterson River Secondary College

Canteen EOI

Patterson River Secondary College is also seeking expressions of interest from operators to run the College Canteen for 2026. The College canteen provides food and drink options for students and staff during the school day and at selected events.

We are looking for an operator who can:

Provide a wide variety of healthy, affordable and appealing options that align with the Victorian School Canteen and Healthy Eating Guidelines.
Deliver efficient and friendly service to students and staff.
Manage all operational requirements, including staffing, ordering, compliance, and food safety.

Expressions of Interest Documentation

Mr Daniel Dew

College Principal