College Principal Report
I want to acknowledge how genuinely humbled I am by the trust placed in me to continue acting in the role of College Principal while Mr Sykes continues to take some leave. It is a privilege to serve this community, and I remain deeply committed to leading with integrity, care, and a strong focus on student learning and wellbeing.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This belief sits at the heart of everything we do at our College. I am proud to share that our data across all key areas shows a strong and consistent positive trend. These results reflect the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the strength of our partnerships with families.
Celebrating Outstanding 2025 VCE Results
Our 2025 VCE results demonstrated clear and measurable improvement. We saw a higher median study score, an increase in study scores above 40, and some exceptional results!
I am especially proud to acknowledge our College Dux, Mouy Soung Ly from Acacia Campus, who achieved an outstanding ATAR of over 97. This was closely followed by Ken Ho from Banksia Campus with an ATAR of 96.3. These achievements reflect not only academic excellence, but also resilience, determination, and a culture of aspiration that continues to grow across our senior years.
Significantly, our College median study score of 28 outperformed every other government secondary school in our network.
Our improvement journey is increasingly driven by deep analysis of student learning data. This ensures more targeted teaching and timely support, enabling every student to be known, supported, and challenged. We remain firmly focused on our Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan, ensuring continued progress across all areas of the College.
A Positive and Energetic Start to 2026
The 2026 school year has commenced extremely positively across both campuses, with full staffing and smooth operations from day one. Students have settled quickly and are engaging confidently in their learning, reflecting both the professionalism of our staff and the strength of our school culture.
Our Year 7 Welcome Parade was a wonderful highlight, warmly introducing our newest students and reinforcing a strong sense of belonging. The Year 7 Induction Program and House Activities Day provided valuable opportunities for students to build friendships, confidence, and pride in their school community.
We were also delighted with the strong attendance at our VCE and VCE-VM Meet and Greet, which strengthened partnerships with families and clarified expectations and supports. Alumni guest Raymond James shared valuable insights into post-school pathways, inspiring our students to think confidently about their futures.
Similarly, the Year 7 Meet and Greet was a fantastic evening, allowing students, families, and staff to connect and celebrate a successful start to secondary school.
It was fantastic to see families engage in the Compass Parent Support event! Another great initiative to engage with our families and build connection.
Early completion of VCE Verification Tasks has enabled staff to quickly identify students who may need additional support and implement timely interventions.
School events such as the Year 7 Induction activities and Valentine’s Day celebrations have also contributed to a strong sense of connection, engagement, and wellbeing across the College.
Expanding Vocational Pathways and Opportunities
It is exciting to see our new Vocational Centre at Banksia Campus fully operational. In partnership with Community College Gippsland, the centre is delivering VET programs to our students and those from neighbouring schools, expanding opportunities and strengthening pathways.
Our Applied Learning students are also participating in TAFE taster programs, providing valuable exposure to future career pathways. Additionally, our Year 10 Applied Learning students have commenced their fortnightly ‘Community at Work’ program and have been approved to wear hi-vis t-shirts as they contribute to projects within the College and the wider community, including partnerships with local primary schools.
Moving Forward Together
The strong start to the year, combined with excellent student outcomes and engagement, confirms that our College continues to move in a very positive direction. It is a privilege to serve this wonderful community, and I look forward to an exciting and successful second half of the term!
Ms. Natalie Fode
Acting College Principal