From the Desk of Diarmaid Fennessy

Dear Parents, carers and students,

It has been my great pleasure to be welcomed to Swinburne Senior Secondary College. As a passionate art teacher and educational leader, I am extremely excited to be part of this incredibly special and unique learning community. It is comforting to know that the experience of starting anew is one that is fresh in the minds of all the students at Swinburne. I am sure this has played a hand in the empathy and kindness that has been extended to me as I awkwardly introduce myself around the school.  The students have a great openness to discussing their learning and I have been greatly impressed by the breadth and complexity of the work I have seen thus far.

This is my 22nd year teaching, I started teaching at St Helena Secondary College in Eltham North and have worked for the last 13 years at Upwey High School in the Dandenong Ranges.  I trained in painting, art history and creative writing at the Victorian College of the Arts in the mid 90’s and spent several years exhibiting and dishwashing before finding teaching. I have always been intrigued by the educational environment at Swinburne and the experience that it offers students. It really is a very special place.

I look forward to meeting you at the various celebrations and pathways events later in the year.

Best Wishes

Diarmaid Fennessy