Teaching & Learning Report

Assistant Principal's Report

As we conclude the 2025 academic year, I'm thrilled to reflect on our collective success in navigating through the challenges and accomplishments this year has brought us. Your support has been invaluable in ensuring a smooth and productive year for our school community and I sincerely thank you for partnering with us to ensure your child’s best possible learning outcomes.

Step-up and Preparing for 2026

All of our students have completed their semester two exams, engaged in the goal-setting interviews, and the crucial step-up program, pivotal in aiding their transition to the next academic year. For our senior school students, preparing for the upcoming year involves holiday homework, a key step in paving the way for their successful senior studies in 2026. Your encouragement and support in ensuring the completion of holiday homework will greatly benefit their educational journey.

Wyndham Central College Awarded National AVID Demonstration School 

Wyndham Central College is proud to celebrate a decade of excellence as an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction, a title we have held since 2016 as the first secondary college in Australia to achieve this honour.

We are now delighted to announce that, as of 3 December, Wyndham Central College has been officially recognised as an AVID National Demonstration School, placing us among the top AVID schools both nationally and internationally.

AVID National Demonstration Schools represent the highest standard of the AVID University and Work Readiness System. They serve as exemplary models of AVID implementation, showcasing what is possible when a school commits to ensuring high expectations, rigorous learning, and strong support for every student. Becoming a National Demonstration School requires a rigorous validation process confirming that AVID strategies are embedded schoolwide with fidelity, quality, and measurable impact.

Independent Research Confirms Exceptional Impact

This recognition is further strengthened by an independent evaluation conducted by Dr Peter Goss, formerly of the Grattan Institute, who analysed Wyndham Central College’s student learning data.

Dr Goss found that WCC is making a significantly greater impact on student learning than comparable schools. His analysis confirmed that:

• Our value-add growth exceeds that of any similar school
• Our growth also exceeds that of any school in our local area
• Students at WCC achieved a remarkable 18 months of growth in writing, with similarly strong results in reading and numeracy

This independent research validates the effectiveness of our AVID schoolwide model and reinforces the depth of our commitment to student success.

A Centre of Learning and Excellence

As an AVID National Demonstration School, Wyndham Central College now serves as a centre of learning for educators and students across Australia and beyond. Schools seeking to implement or strengthen AVID can visit our campus to see a highly successful AVID system in action.

Visitors to Wyndham Central College can observe:

• AVID as a schoolwide approach to university and work readiness, evident across all learning areas
• Dedicated implementation of the AVID essentials across Instruction, Systems, Leadership, and Culture
• Strong and committed leadership driving university, career and work readiness
• Clear and consistent evidence of outstanding student achievement
• A highly trained and passionate team of AVID educators
• Exemplary inquiry-based AVID tutorials in the AVID Elective and Collaborative Study Groups in classrooms
• A dynamic model of rigor, high expectations, and support for every learner

This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our students, and the steady support of our community.

Wyndham Central College — Empowering learners. Elevating futures. 

AVID USA Visit to WCC                          

On Tuesday 2 December we were thrilled to welcome a team of AVID US Educators to our college for an exciting visit that highlighted the incredible impact of the AVID program on our students. This visit offered a unique opportunity for our students to showcase their AVID journey and share their personal stories of growth and success. They engaged in meaningful roundtable conversations, led a school tour, and provided insights into how AVID has transformed their learning experience. 

Thank you to the following students who diligently represented the college on the day:

• Connie Addamo AVID Captain
• Eva Bricknell 
• Vedika Desai 

The day provided a wonderful moment to celebrate their hard work and dedication while demonstrating the powerful role AVID plays in shaping confident, future-ready learners.

WCC Student Representation at AVID Summer Institute

The excitement continued on December 4, when the students had the unique opportunity to engage with teachers from across Australia and the United States. These students confidently shared their AVID experiences, explained how Cornell Notes support their learning, and showcased their exceptional organizational skills using their AVID binders. Their presentations were met with admiration and served as a testament to their hard work and dedication.

We are incredibly proud of our students and alumni for representing our college with such confidence and enthusiasm. Their contributions demonstrate the transformative power of the AVID program and the strength of our community.

Thank you for your continued support of the AVID program and our students’ educational journeys.

Celebrating Achievement at Awards Afternoon

The recent Awards Afternoon held on Friday 12 December, was a wonderful occasion where we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our students. We were fortunate to have our alumni Beaulah Vergara Class of 2020, address the students. Beaulah shared her journey since graduating in 2020, highlighting the resilience required to navigate challenges and changing pathways beyond school. She encouraged students to embrace that life is not linear, to persevere through uncertainty, and to take pride in both their own achievements and those of others in the school community. 

Congratulations to all our award winners and credit to every student for their resilience, perseverance, and solid determination throughout the year. Each student's dedication to striving for their best deserves recognition. 

Thank you

As the year draws to a close, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts in crafting engaging unit plans and lessons, transforming the Victorian and VCE/VM curriculum. Their hard work, coupled with the invaluable support of our education support staff, forms the backbone of our students' educational journey.

It has been an absolute privilege witnessing the growth and development of our students this year, and I eagerly anticipate continuing this journey with you all in achieving even greater milestones in 2026.

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas, a joyous New Year filled with happiness and good health, and a rejuvenating and safe break.

Connie Faranda - Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning