Principal Team Editorial
As the term draws to a close, it’s always a good opportunity to pause and reflect upon the great things our students and school have achieved in such a short period of time.
Last week’s Open Night is always a highlight of the term 1 calendar as the school comes together to showcase the breadth of opportunities we have on offer at Wantirna College. We had lots of positive feedback as prospective families spoke with students and staff about the extensive programs, great facilities and high support that we provide.
Earlier this term our Academic Review Conferences were strongly attended by parents and students with students leading conversations about their learning.
Using learning and engagement data on Maestro, students reflected on their areas of strength and discussed what they needed to focus on more to be investors and drivers of their learning.
Additionally, we introduced the 35+ club for our Unit 3 students and provided targeted tutorials designed to challenge and stretch them. We also requested students who were struggling with keeping up in class to attend the day giving them the opportunity to work with teachers and catch up on their learning.
Other highlights of the year have been production rehearsals of Matilda starting up, welcoming new year 7 families and students with family night and camp, year 8 challenge week, senior sunrise and our swimming carnival…the list continues!!
College Council – new parent members
We welcomed new College Council parent and community representatives with the first election in many years, and we look forward to working with our new College Council and hearing their fresh ideas and perspectives.
Sally Bond
Neil Crighton
Laura Hunter
Sitha Devarapalli
Preeta Panicker
Staffing Update
We farewell Tim Pearson (Senior School Leader) as he takes on an Assistant Principal position at Croydon Community College next term. We know Tim will be dearly missed by many staff and students and we wish him all the best in his new role. Replacing Tim will be Michaela Piriditis as our yr 11/12 leader and Erin Robinson as our yr 9/10 leader.
Open Night 2026
One of our favourite nights of the year, the annual College Open Night on Wed 25 March, provides a small sample of all that Wantirna College offers. This year, families were able to explore different areas around the school, meet teachers and students, participate in activities and get a sense of the 'vibe' of the College - something that is hard to put down on paper.
College Tours are still available and families can book them HERE.
iCan Challenge – YES, WE CAN!!
And finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the iCan Challenge Team of walkers and crew. This year, our team and crew have been bigger and bolder with aspirations to raise 100k.
Our team started training in Term 4 last year and have shown grit and determination to not only get fit and conditioned to take on 50km, but do it for a good cause and raise money for the Good Friday Appeal.
This community event is an opportunity for our school to come together and raise awareness for those who need it most and I thank everyone who has got behind us with donations of time, money and support.
It's not over yet, we will be giving a cheque to the Royal Children's Hospital at the Good Friday Appeal tomorrow and though our goal was to reach our target by Good Friday, we will continue to raise money until the end of financial year.
I wish everyone a safe and relaxing break.
Carrie Wallis
Principal