Campus Principal Report
The year has kicked off on a high note, with laughter, optimism, and a strong sense of momentum filling the air. While we’re only a few weeks in, the community spirit is already thriving, woven into the very fabric of campus life and setting a positive tone for the months ahead.
Our new Year 7 students were welcomed in true school tradition, greeted with enthusiastic clapping and cheering as they paraded into the gym. Though a little timid in that first moment, they will soon find their stride and grow into the school, becoming just as proud of it as we already are of them.
Pride was a theme that resonated with me over the holiday break. I spent 3 weeks travelling through Vietnam and Cambodia, two countries that form the heritage of many of our students yet places I had never visited before. I had the pleasure of being shown around by friends who spoke the language and were raised there so I got to experience the non-tourist side of the country.
Amongst some truly memorable experiences I got to see small rural villages, obviously some locales that were poor and had their hardships. Out of this I would see young students walk (or triple dink on a moped) to the local school. What struck me wasn’t the conditions they came from but rather the pristine white of their school uniform shirts, the care that they took in getting their uniform spotless and looking perfect for school. The pride in their access to education was palpable, the care they took was wonderful and uplifting to see.
It made me consider what we have.
Australia is indeed a lucky country, largely untouched by civil unrest, offering education for all, and providing merit-based pathways into higher learning. Yet, in a world where abundance can be the norm, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Surrounded by iPhones, earbuds, sneakers, North Face jackets, and NY baseball caps, we can sometimes focus more on the want for more things than on the values that shape who we are. Not everyone in Australia has an ‘easy’ life but the potential is there to improve your lot through education, hard work and community spirit.
Malcolm X said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” In those villages, education was not taken for granted, it was honoured. The spotless uniforms were not about appearance alone, but about respect, opportunity, and hope. They were a quiet reminder that access to learning is a privilege worth cherishing, it is the vehicle with which we can change our future.
Another quote that resonated with me during this time was from Aristotle: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” The pride I witnessed was deeply rooted in gratitude, effort, and community, qualities that sit at the very heart of education and I believe, in particular, at our school.
As we move forward into the year, my hope is that we pause to reflect on what we have, and more importantly, who we are becoming. If we can nurture gratitude alongside ambition, and pride alongside compassion, we will continue to grow not just successful students, but respectful, grounded, and thoughtful citizens. That, ultimately, is the fabric of a strong school community—and one worth celebrating. This is my challenge to you!
Mr. Richard Hastings
Banksia Campus Principal
Welcome to the 2026 School Year!
We have started the year as we mean to go on – with purpose and focus. Walking around the campus in the first few weeks has been a pleasure. Students are focused and engaged with their learning in class, while also renewing connections with their friends.
Our first day back on Thursday 29th January saw us welcome our returning students and staff from a well-earned break and induct our new Year 7s (the Class of 2031) as members of the wonderful Keysborough College community. Our Year 7 Leaders, Ms Bardwell and Mr Zabala, led the parade of students to a rousing welcome from our Year 8–12 students. We are excited to work with the Class of 2031 over the coming years and look forward to getting to know them.
We have the pleasure of welcoming a number of new teaching staff to the Acacia Campus:
- Ms Kennedy – Inclusion Aide
- Ms Zhou – Inclusion Aide
- Mr Shields – Instrumental Music Teacher
- Ms Mooney – Careers Administration
- Ms Copec – Careers Practitioner
- Ms Neave – Health and PE Teacher and VCE-VM Assistant Leader
- Ms Kaneez – Numeracy Support Officer
- Mr Salim – Digital Technology Teacher
- Ms Ying – Humanities Teacher
Ms Lay – VCE-VM Teacher
You will have the opportunity to connect with many of these staff members throughout the year as they work with your students in class.
The Student Leadership Team has been busy organising the much-anticipated Valentine’s and Casual Clothes Day. Throughout the day, they delivered roses to unsuspecting students in class and ran a range of activities during recess and lunchtime. Funds raised (over $400) through the event will be donated to the National Heart Foundation.
While students have been busy getting to grips with new ideas in class, there have already been a number of opportunities to take part in sports and excursions. Our interschool sports teams have represented the Acacia Campus in volleyball, cricket, tennis and baseball – congratulations to all students involved, and thank you to the staff coaches. Year 10 students visited the Melbourne Holocaust Museum as part of their humanities course, the Debate Team started the 2026 season with a debate at Haileybury, and Year 8 students visited Ricketts Point as part of their Humanities coursework.
With many more excursions and events planned for the term and year ahead, please keep an eye on Compass to provide permission for your child to attend.
With such a busy and positive start, I look forward to working with our students and families throughout the year. Keep up the hard work, and let’s make 2026 a year to remember.
Mr Sloan
Acting Acacia Campus Principal