Farewells

Farewell to Sam Luck….

As we farewell our exiting Principal Sam, it is most important that we look back over the nine years of his tenure and really understand the enormity of the commitment and responsibilities that this prestigious position entails. This is not a Monday to Friday commitment, but more so a twenty four hour/ seven days a week duty that truly takes over your life. Collingwood College, the school buildings, the students, the teachers, the parents, the School Council, the cleaners, the ES Staff and the entire community are always the real focus of what this job is about. 

We have all witnessed the growth of the school as every Principal takes on their predecessor’s plans and designs, adding their own additional enhancements to further improve the facilities and appeal of the school. Primarily the focus is always about attaining and maintaining a high standard of educational opportunities, strategies and implementations in ensuring that our student body is given every opportunity to experience  and thrive in lifelong learning and future successes.  In order to achieve these high expectations, one must have a willing and motivated cohort of teachers and students under the guidance of a visionary and insightful leader.   

When one looks back over some of Sam’s successful Collingwood projects, one cannot help but be impressed with his stamina, foresight and actual completion of so many different undertakings.  There have been some very major projects, in so many areas that have been completed and some that are still underway today. 

The completion of the Front Oval, the redevelopment of the Science area, the creation and refurbishment of the Year 8 area to the contribution and design of the new Wurun Senior Campus( from initial design to completion), the rebranding of Collingwood College, the focus on marketing initiatives like screen advertising around the school and electronic signage and notifications, the establishment of a new kindergarten on campus, the sourcing of funding for the theatre upgrade and initiative for securing funding for the roof replacement. But there’s more……

The resurrection of the China Trip Cultural exchange Program (YLCP), the primary playground redevelopment, the introduction of the IB program in year 7, the increasing International Program, the navigation of Covid online education, not one, but two whole School Reviews, recarpeting in the school, installation of air conditioners and the purchase and distribution of new furniture in all rooms. Attendance at after hours School Council Meetings, Principal’s meetings, Sub school meetings, Panel representation, staff meetings and many other meetings. But there’s more…..

And while all this has been happening, Sam has been overseeing the overall, day to day management of the Collingwood Primary and Secondary schools, Wurun, CAS, and Operation Newstart…… a never ending, exhausting, but satisfying leadership role.  We wish Sam a happy start at the new school and a good long satisfying tenure. He will be missed at Collingwood College. 😊

Farewell and Good Luck to our lovely Sormeh

Fifteen years ago a young, energetic and vibrant young lady entered the hallowed halls of Collingwood College, brimming with enthusiasm, energy and ready to become one of the esteemed members of this institution. There is no doubt that her original hopes and dreams were not only achieved and attained, but she  far surpassed those initial expectations throughout the course of her tenure here.

The simple statement of  ‘she will be missed’ is   an ‘understatement’ of her presence and worth over the years.  When one has worked under her competent leadership and positive guidance over the last fifteen years, when countless parents have shared their joys and challenges with her, when children have cried in her arms or shared moments of hilarity and joy, one realises the impact and steadfast contributions that Sormeh has always bestowed on the school. 

Are we sad with her unexpected departure? Of course we are! But rather than take it as a devastating loss, we are looking at it with a mixture of perspective and understanding. We will miss really her presence! She will no longer be buzzing around the corridors from one commitment to the other…. we won’t be hearing her explosive sounds of mirth as she often saw the funny side of unexpected surprises. But we have to look beyond our own needs and wants. 

We understand her desire to spread her wings and enter a new phase in her educational journey. By moving on to another school (not too far from Collingwood) we know and appreciate how lucky they are to have her with her excellent skillset, her insurmountable energy and her distinctive style of leadership. A change they say ‘is as good as a holiday.’ And maybe ‘they’ are right.

 Sormeh loved and still does love Collingwood College so much. She gave it her heart and her soul, and we totally understand that a new opportunity came along with new challenges she wants to take on.  We also know she will always pop in, and not forget us.  She will still be as dedicated as she always has been. We know she will enjoy her new adventure but will always cherish the many memories and great moments she has shared with so many people here. And by moving on, she will be sharing her expertise, her knowledge and her wonderful, effervescent personality with another lucky school community.

Have a great time in your new school Sormeh. We know they will love you just as much as we do here at Collingwood College.