Principal's Report

Welcome

I wish to begin by welcoming everyone to the 2025 Horsham College school year, I especially welcome new students and their families that are now part of the Horsham College Community. 

We have had a great start to 2025. Staff began with two days preparing for the year ahead focusing on improving student achievement in literacy, numeracy and VCE/VCE-VM, and increasing the active participation of all students in their learning and wellbeing.

Thank you to the Year 7 Team led by Liam Price (Assistant Principal 7 & 8), Mrs. Jessica Wright (Year 7 Leading Teacher), Mr. Cam Bruce & Miss Belle Healey (Year Level Coordinators) for their work in preparing and running the Year 7 Bootcamp. This day allowed for Year 7s to get to know their surroundings, each other, and their teachers. 

Thank you to Mrs. Louise Amor (Year 11 & 12 Assistant Principal), Mrs. Ranaye Johnstone (Year 12 Leading Teacher), Mr. Nick Rigas & Mrs. Taylor Shelley (Year Level Coordinators) for their work in leading the Year 12 Bootcamp, which again allowed students the opportunity to reconnect with each other and get to know their teachers in 2025, as well as a presentation by Elevate, which assists in managing stress and developing effective study habits.

New Staff

This year we have a number of new staff joining Horsham College, as well as a staff member returning from leave.  

The new staff are listed below: 

Support for Students

The College continues to prioritise supporting students with their education through the use of Sub-Schools in 2025. Student engagement and wellbeing is as set out below. 

Year 7 & 8

• Assistant Principal: Mr. Liam Price

• Year 7 Leading Teacher: Mrs. Jessica Wright

• Year 7 Year Level Coordinators: Miss. Belle Healey & Mr. Cam Bruce

• Year 8 Leading Teacher: Mrs. Fiona Rowe

• Year 8 Year Level Coordinators: Mr. Gareth Hose & Mrs. Kate Gardner

• Year 7 & 8 Wellbeing: Mr. Tom Dunn

Year 9 & 10

• Assistant Principal: Mr. Liam Offer

• Year 9 Leading Teacher: Miss. Joanne Merryfull

• Year 9 Year Level Coordinators: Mr. Kade Petering & Miss. Bec Cope

• Year 10 Leading Teacher: Miss. Madeleine McQueen

• Year 10 Year Level Coordinators: Miss Courtney Scherger & Mr. Matt Nield

• Year 9 & 10 Wellbeing: Mrs. Cass Roberts

Year 11 & 12

• Assistant Principal: Mrs. Louise Amor

• Year 11 Leading Teacher: Mrs. Kellie Gardy

• Year 11 Year Level Coordinators: Mr. Tim Pitt & Mrs. Emma Hopper

• Year 12 Leading Teacher: Mrs. Ranaye Johnstone

• Year 12 Year Level Coordinators: Mr. Nick Rigas & Mrs. Taylor Shelley

• Year 11 & 12 Wellbeing: Mr. Hamish Roberts

VCE-VM Dimboola Road & McKenzie Creek

• Assistant Principal: Mr. Daniel Garner

• VCE-VM/VPC Leading Teacher: Mrs. Susan McKenry

• McKenzie Creek Leading Teacher: Mr. Ben Murphy

• Wellbeing: Mrs. Treena Hogan

 Sun Smart

In Term 1 and Term 4, students are required to be sun smart and wear a Horsham College hat during recess and lunch times. If your student has lost their hat, replacement hats can be purchased from the Administration Office. The Australian sun can be very harsh, and with one of the highest incidences of skin cancers in the world, it is important that we all support our students to be safe when in the sun. Students can also access free sunscreen from their Year Level Offices.

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches

As per the Department of Education policy, students are not to access their mobile phones or smart watches when at school. Students can either hand in their phone at the start of the day to their year level office or leave it securely in their lockers. If students bring these devices to school, they are responsible for their safe keeping. 

College Council Elections

The Horsham College Council is a fantastic group of people within our community who work together to ensure the College is meeting its requirements in regards Department processes and achieving the outcomes which provide for student success.  The Council provides strategic support and guidance to the school leadership team and oversees governance issues across the College.

Nominations for the Horsham College Council will open shortly.  Being a part of the College Council is a fantastic way to be involved in the College and understand our processes and overall goals and targets.  I would encourage any members of our community who are interested in joining the Council to contact me.