Principal's Report

Dear Families,

I hope everyone had a great week now that winter has finally arrived!

Facilities - Front Oval

There has been much speculation about our front oval in recent times.  Rightly so, it’s not doing what it needs to do in its current state.  This has been an issue for BES (Building, Environment & Sustainability sub-committee), School Council as well as our student population for almost two years.  I thank everyone for their input over this time.  Your thoughts and opinions are acknowledged and always welcome.  

The current state of the oval has been raised as a potential OH&S risk and with the loss of Victoria Park as a sporting venue in Semester 2, we need to start the process of capital works urgently.

School Council has approved works for an artificial sports oval to be placed where our current oval stands, within the existing oval footprint.   Money has been set aside for works outside and around the oval.   The design and composition of this surrounding area will be the task of the BES Sub-committee.  I encourage anyone who is interested to join!

A draft scope of works was completed by a Landscape Architect in order to be able to come up with a feasible design that fits within our budget.  The architect will also assist in the preparation of tender documents as it is a large project.

Students through a variety of channels have had input in relation to this decision.  I have personally met with the SRC and will continue to do so.   Dale, in the previous year also spent much time with students and community members talking through the issue at hand.  I think we all agree that it is essential to have student voice within the BES committee and also contributing to final designs with our nominated architect.

Please be assured that the school would prefer more natural surfaces and green areas, but in this case, it proved unfeasible.   That said, we are looking at ways where next year we can operate on a different timetable where Secondary and Primary students do not need to share the outdoor spaces, opening the nature areas at the rear of our new stadium to the Primary children. 

Stadium

The stadium is coming together beautifully and surprisingly on budget.  I have had the luxury of visiting last week with Collingwood Allstars reps and took some photos.  I’m told that the building will be finished in September for a handover in October.  At this time, contractors will work on the rear oval filling with soil, levelling and planting grass.  The school is currently in negotiations to ensure the rear oval is irrigated, with water provided from our large water tanks connected to the theatre and the stadium. 

Theatre

Throughout the holiday period, we are going to start a renovation/facelift of our great theatre.  Yes, the purple walls will be a thing of the past. It's fitting we do this now, as part of stadium works, the theatre was retrofitted with heating and A/C.  Our self-funded upgrade will include new paint (including foyer), new seating, soundproofing, curtains, carpet and electrical work.  This highlights the recognition and importance we put on the Arts at Collingwood College, particularly in the area of Performance. 

Prep Garden

School council also sees our prep garden as an area of the school that requires some attention.  Particularly in relation to the pathway that connects classrooms and the playground.  We are willing to discuss all and any ideas and suggestions.  I’m available for a chat most days if you ask for me at reception, but we would really prefer BES to drive these decisions. Should you be interested please make contact via front reception.

Gasworks site.  Collingwood College and FHS

The state budget was released early last week and as we expected mentioned the new Senior Campus that will be built in time for doors to open in 2022!.  This is wonderful news for all Collingwood College students, particularly for those in the Primary School who will stay with us for the full journey to VCE.  When finished, this campus is going to be big news.  It will house some of the best and most modern facilities that a state senior campus can offer.  

Many more updates and information coming your way over the next several months.  Stay tuned!