Congratulations - we have made it to the end of another remarkable year. A year which we will all remember for the continuing challenges we have faced with COVID-19 but a year we should also remember for the innovation, collaboration and resilience that has again been shown by students, parents and carers and our amazing Epping Secondary College staff. We have as a school grown stronger from the experiences of the last two years and we have lived our values of ‘Commitment, Respect, Honesty, Fairness and Perseverance.’

I would like to wish our students the very best for the Christmas and New Year break. You all deserve it. You have done an amazing job throughout 2021 and I could not be prouder of our students at Epping Secondary College. I would in particular like to wish our Year 12 VCE students all the very best for the final week when results come out. This is always both a nervous and exciting time and I hope you all receive what you have aimed for but also ask you to remember that you are not defined by a number. Make sure you understand the lessons you have learnt and the importance of self-awareness and help, of helping others and the community you live and work in. The last two years have highlighted to all of us the importance of living life to its fullest and the value of supporting and caring for each other.

I would like to acknowledge and thank all School Council members for their support throughout the year. Despite the challenges of 2021 your calmness and guidance and support for the staff and myself have been invaluable. Your passion and focus to making Epping Secondary College the best school it can be for our community is of the highest order and a vision and legacy for the College which will be felt for many more years to come.

It would be remiss to not acknowledge our wonderful and dedicated Assistant Principals: Frazer Thomas, Hans Mulholland and Antoinette Hooper and the members of the Leadership Team: Dean Malcolm, Melissa Foresio, Ned Harper, Ray Stevens, Grace Edis, Sean Hawkins, Ric Gill-Atkinson and Sarah Darling. Their commitment, guidance and collegiality have been invaluable to the students, staff and myself. No matter the challenge faced they have not only risen to the occasion but showed an empathy and dedication to our College community that has been simply above and beyond.

I would like to also acknowledge all of the staff who are moving to opportunities and experiences beyond Epping Secondary College.

Teaching Staff Leaving

Christine Anile – Williamstown High School
Antoinette Hooper – North Western Victoria Regional Office
Ray Stevens – On leave in Term 1, 2022 and then retirement
Jessica Bedelis – St Monica’s Epping
Sean Hawkins – Wesley College
Christopher Hill – Preston High School
Michael Rogneda – Hazel Glen College
Leila Maddela – finished tutoring commitments with ESC
Katherine Czarnecki – finished tutoring commitments with ESC
Branko Lukic - finished tutoring commitments with ESC
Maree Lukic - finished tutoring commitments with ESC
Camille McDonald - heading interstate

Teaching Staff on Leave

Irene Laws - Term 1-2
Sam Holt - Term 1-4 – teaching in Queensland
Silvia Mitrevski – All year
Grace Edis – Term 1-3
Kylie Doumtsis – Term 1-3
Madeline Austin – Term 1 & 2
Sarah Darling – Term 1 & 2
Alexandra Drohan – Term 1 & 2

ES Staff

Mark Jenkin – Edgars Creek Secondary College
Kath Scott – Hazel Glen College

I would like to publicly thank these staff for their efforts and acknowledge their commitment to the school and wish you well on your various journeys and adventures. To those who are leaving I hope that your time at Epping is one you look back on with fond memories. I would in particular like to acknowledge Mr Ray Stevens who is retiring after a distinguished career. Ray has had a career of over 40 years in education. His commitment and passion for public education is genuine, as is Ray’s commitment to his students and colleagues and his advice for leadership will be something that we will all miss.

The success of Epping Secondary College continues to be based upon the goodwill and commitment of its staff and students and parents working together to achieve success. I would like to wish everyone the best for the festive season and hope everyone has a great summer holiday and more importantly than ever, a safe and relaxing holiday.

Year 11 VCAL 2022 Commencement