SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Once again, our combined school community came together to celebrate the incredible talents of our South Gippsland students and the hardworking team of music teachers across the SGSMP program who have supported them at the annual SGSMP concert at Mesley Hall on Thursday night.  Here is an excerpt from my speech as Principal of the SGSMP host school.

“South Gippsland Schools Music Program has been successfully operating a model of shared learning and resourcing of instrumental teachers for over 30 years which is an outstanding achievement in itself…This evening is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of what happens when young people are given the chance to explore music. Music for all means that every student, regardless of background or experience, is invited into a world where creativity is encouraged, effort is recognised, and every contribution matters.

Learning music does far more than develop technical ability. It cultivates persistence, sparks imagination, and strengthens the capacity to think critically and solve problems. When students rehearse and perform in groups, they learn to collaborate, communicate openly, and rely on one another. These are the kinds of skills that stay with them long after the final note fades.

Performing in an ensemble teaches students how to listen closely, respond sensitively, and understand that each part—whether bold or subtle—helps create the whole. Those lessons translate into life beyond the rehearsal room: respect for others, confidence in their own voice, and the ability to work together with purpose. With the majority of schools in the program being small rural schools, this combined concert provides students with an opportunity to work in larger ensembles that would not be possible in their own school setting.

At its heart, music brings people together. It bridges schools, communities, and generations, creating shared experiences that build belonging. What you’ve seen on stage tonight is more than performance—it’s connection, courage, collaboration and harmony.”

We are fortunate to have the Martin Carlson Foundation, Soundhouse and the Korumburra Lions club sponsoring music scholarships for our students. The incredible performances on Thursday night and Year 12 students' reflections on their time in the program demonstrate the program's strength. 

Our VCE results showed an overall improvement on last year of 12.5% with a mean study score of 27. We congratulate our Dux for 2025, Holly Fowler, who also contributed to the College as school captain and lead role in the 2025 school production, If This Couch Could Talk. We wish all our Year 12s and any other students exiting the College every success for their future.

On Tuesday evening, our school community will come together for the Korumburra Secondary College Annual Presentation Evening. We warmly invite families to join us from 5:45 pm for a casual sausage sizzle before the formal presentations begin at 7:00 pm. This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work, growth and achievements of our students across the year. Last year’s BBQ created a friendly, relaxed start to the night—and it certainly helped take the pressure off organising dinner beforehand—so we are pleased to offer it again. We look forward to sharing this special evening with you and celebrating our students' accomplishments together.

This is our last newsletter for 2025. I look forward to continuing to engage with the school community in 2026 and wish you all a safe and joyous festive season.