Principal's Report

Dear school community, 

It is with a combination of sadness and excitement that I am confirming with the school community that I have accepted a position as Principal at another Government school. I have begun this role as of the first day of term 2.

The Department of Education has begun the process of appointing a new Principal for Tarneit Senior College. This will be completed in two stages. An Acting Principal will be appointed for term 2, while the process to select the substantive principal proceeds. The Department of Education will then work with School Council to appoint the new substantive Principal.

I would like to congratulate Mr Shane Cole-Hayhow who has been appointed as the Acting College Principal of Tarneit Senior College for Term 2. I know he will have the support of the Tarneit Senior College community.

It has been an incredible honour and privilege to lead Tarneit Senior College since being appointed Principal at the start of 2019. As I have often said, I have found Tarneit Senior College to be a very welcoming, positive, and respectful school community that embraces its diversity. From my very first day I was impressed by the warmth and openness of the Tarneit community. As educators our rewards are simple – we delight in seeing our students learn and achieve their pathway goals, when we see them embrace the opportunities provided and grow their understanding. As educators we also celebrate just as much for the student who achieves a remarkable result (and there have been plenty of those over the years) to the ones who persist, work hard and make sure they achieve as best they can. I have enjoyed and sometimes marvelled at our student’s enthusiasm, energy and the way they each embrace each other’s culture and heritage. As Principal it has been an absolute joy to celebrate the graduation of so many students over the past four years and recognise their achievement in completing their schooling, ready to take on the world. 

I am proud of the culture of aspiration, achievement and inclusion that is on display every day at Tarneit Senior College, and I want to acknowledge the efforts of all staff, students and families who have made and continue to make this possible over these past 4 and half years.

I particularly want to thank the team of amazing Assistant Principals and the wonderful Leadership Team of the College who work tirelessly and with such integrity, innovation and focus in leading their respective teams on a journey of school improvement that continues on a daily basis. Although there are too many to name here, I continue to be in awe of their ability and commitment to this school. The work of Assistant Principals and College leaders can often be over looked and under estimated, but their impact on a daily basis to ensure each year we achieve greater results for our students than the previous year’s needs to be acknowledged and celebrated.

The school has also been blessed with outstanding School Council members during my tenure and I have very much appreciated their supportive leadership and the efforts of all involved on School Council to ensure Tarneit Senior College meets the aspirational needs of every student who walks through the gates, whilst providing them a holistic school experience.

I also want to acknowledge the commitment of the many outstanding teachers and education staff we have currently at the College – Tarneit Senior College is fortunate to have a diverse group of staff who are truly ‘here for the students’. Their dedication to the students and ability to remain flexible during all the constant changes and growth of the college over the past few years is commendable. I am not always sure that the students understand that we have so many dedicated staff who are committed to ensuring every one of them is provided the best learning opportunities and support required for them to achieve their pathway goals.

Tarneit Senior College has always been a school that focuses on ensuring each young person is supported to achieve their pathways goals. Each student has their own hopes and dreams and our role at Tarneit Senior College has and always will be, about providing the necessary opportunities for students to achieve their individual goals. Whilst their time with the college may be short with only 3 years, it is hoped it is a memorable one that will support them not only on their pathway journey – whether that be university, tafe or employment – but also support them in developing life skills that enable them to be active contributors to our community both locally and abroad.

Thank you for the experiences and memories that all members of the college community have gifted to me over the past few 4 years. I will miss Tarneit Senior College; this is a fantastic school, great community and I have appreciated my time here. I wish every family all the best and hope that every student enrolled here continues to enjoy the exciting educational opportunities provided by this school and achieves their aspirational pathway goals.

Kind Regards and best wishes for the future,

Simon Haber