Principal's Report

Report from Westall 

Dear Westall Secondary College Community, 

Welcome back to 2026 to our Westall students, parents and carers. As Acting Principal of Westall SC, I am delighted with the positive way staff and students have commenced the academic year. Our Junior, Middle and Senior Sub-Schools report that students have settled well into their classes, with strong attendance rates throughout the opening weeks of Term 1. 

We know that consistent attendance directly improves learning growth and achievement. This year, we are working to lift our overall attendance from 84% in 2025 to 88% in 2026. When families actively support regular attendance, students respond positively. Shifting the mindset from “I have to go to school” to “I get to go to school” is key to sustaining this improvement.

As the term has progressed, our focus has moved to understanding each student as a learner—assessing literacy, knowledge and skills to ensure teaching and support are precisely targeted. At Westall SC, personalised learning remains central to our work. 

Learning and wellbeing continue to be equally prioritised by the Victorian Department of Education—an approach long embedded at Westall. Our Sub-School model underpins wellbeing structures and is strengthened in 2026 through the delivery of Brain Care curriculum in Years 7 and 8, the BioDash program in Middle School, and Study Without Stress for our senior VCE students.

High achievement is built on students and staff feeling safe, connected and engaged. The “Westall Way” defines our shared expectations across school values, teaching and learning, wellbeing and behaviour. In 2026, we will continue to encourage students to set high expectations for themselves. Our clearly defined learning behaviours align with our iCARE values, supported by a reward system that reinforces positive choices and a consistent, school-wide approach to behaviour management.

Following the strong success of last year, our selective entry Aim High program will expand into Year 9 this year. In response to parent and student feedback, adjustments have been made to reduce time out of regular classes while continuing to provide extension opportunities across multiple disciplines. 

Targeted supports—including MYLNS, EAL, Equity and Inclusion funding, and our ES staff—ensure every learner receives focused support, with a particular emphasis on strengthening literacy and further building teacher capacity in 2026.

Our iCreate program continues to grow and diversify, guided by student voice and agency. This year, our Academy-style model expands beyond volleyball to include soccer and badminton. Investment in facilities, professional coaching and interschool competition will support this growth. Alongside these sport themed iCreate subjects, our 12 other iCreate programs continue to offer students meaningful opportunities to pursue their passions through elective learning experiences.

Looking ahead to Term 3, Westall SC will undertake our School Review with the Victorian Department of Education. This process will enable us to reflect on progress, celebrate strengths and identify clear priorities for the next phase of improvement. It will bring together staff, students and community voice, alongside external reviewers, to ensure our future direction remains evidence-based and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for every student.

School Council plays a vital governance role in our school. I thank outgoing members for their valued contribution and invite parents and community members to consider nominating in March. Meetings are held twice per term on Thursdays from 4:30–5:30pm. To express interest, please contact the school on 9546 3233 or email westall.sc@education.vic.gov.au.

Child Safe Standards remain central to our operations, guiding recruitment processes, VIT compliance, wellbeing systems, mandatory reporting and the leadership of designated Child Safety Officers.

Last week, Westall Secondary College welcomed Nick Staikos, Minister for Consumer Affairs, alongside our local MP, Meng Heang Tak, Member for Clarinda, as part of the Consumer Affairs schools program for our Year 11 and 12 students. The session focused on practical and important topics including understanding consumer rights, buying a first car, and renting a first home. Students gained valuable insights into real-world responsibilities and decision-making. The presentation concluded with an interactive quiz and Q&A session, where prizes and small giveaways were distributed to encourage participation, making the experience both engaging and memorable for our senior students.

Jason Tickner

Acting/ Principal

Westall Secondary College