From the Principal Class Team

Dear Parents & Guardians

As another year draws to an end, we have so much to celebrate at our school – our most successful VCE results ever, the careers of several colleagues who are retiring, the leadership & achievements of our students, the return of our Japan travellers, and, of course, the coming holidays.

Farewells

This week we are bidding farewell to a number of staff, several of whom are retiring, and others who are moving to new positions.

On behalf of the students, parents, staff and school community, I would like to acknowledge and thanks Ms Pam Foreman, Food Technology Assistant, Ms Jo Harris, Library Coordinator, Mr Jon Kortuem, Careers / Managed Individual Pathways Coordinator, and Ms Micki Minogue, Junior Sub School Assistant, for their outstanding contributions across a range of teaching, leadership and administrative roles across the school.

Pam’s work in the Food Technology Department for 21 years has been significant in shaping a strong, successful learning area.  Staff and students alike appreciate Pam’s positive attitude, her generous support of everyone with whom she has worked, and her keen sense of humour are among the things we will miss about her; as well as her dedication to her team & the students.

Ms Pam Foreman

Jo Harris joined the staff of St Albans Secondary College 10 years ago as Library Coordinator.  Jo’s passion for literature and her commitment to instilling a love of reading and writing in students have characterised her work as Library Coordinator.  Many students have enjoyed & appreciated Jo’s reading recommendations and book conversations.  Over the past few years, Jo has taken a leading role in the renovation of our library, and leaves a vibrant, colourful space for all of us to enjoy – a wonderful legacy.

Ms Jo Harris

Micki Minogue tool up the inaugural position of Junior Sub School Assistant 5 years ago, and quickly became known for her welcoming manner, her calm, measured approach, and her commitment to supporting students, parents and her team.  Micki’s work is characterised by the warmth, respect and kindness she shows to everyone, & she will be remembered very fondly by all of us for this.

Ms Micki Minogue

Jon Kortuem has taught commerce at St Albans Secondary College for the past 25 years, following 7 years at Norlane Secondary College in Geelong.  However, Jon is better known to generations of students and their families for his work as the Careers / Managed Individual Pathways Coordinator, a role which has seen him have a significant impact on the aspirations, pathways choices, and lives of countless students.  Jon’s breadth of knowledge in the careers field, his approachability, and his genuine commitment to the success of each and every student have been instrumental in the development of a pathways program that is recognised for its positive outcomes at the state and national levels.  Jon’s leadership and dedication to ensuring high quality post school options for young people have extended beyond our school to his work as coordinator of the regional Careers Teachers’ network for 15 years.  The influence of his work is evident in the comprehensive, well coordinated program that Jon leaves with us.

Mr Jon Kortuem

Our most sincere thanks and congratulations to Pam, Jo, Micki & Jon for their outstanding contributions to our college, and to the government school education system, and on all you have achieved throughout your careers.  Each of you has created a legacy and many fond memories and friendships at St Albans Secondary College for which we are very grateful.

We wish each of you all the very best in your retirements.

As well as our retiring staff, we say goodbye to Mr Nick Lovell who is moving to Roxburgh Park Secondary College, Mr Jason Whittle who will join the staff at Sunbury College, and Ms Kristy Neilson who is moving to Mansfield. 

Mr Nick Lovell

Mr Jason Whittle

Ms Kristy Neilson

We will also farewell Mr Simon Moore, Ms Lorie Miller, Ms Amber Echols, Mr Joe Bazzano and Mr Adam Watson.

Best wishes to you for the next stage in your respective careers, and thank you for your dedication and commitment to the students and their families & to your colleagues.

Finally, several staff are taking leave next year.  We wish Ms Melissa D’Amico, Ms Patricia Herr, Ms Stephanie Leontiades and Ms Amanda Winkworth well for the coming year.