Principal's Message

Welcome Back for Term 2!

A very warm welcome back to our College Community for Term Two.  My name is Aaron Smith and I will be the Acting Principal at Pakenham Secondary College this term.

I have been involved in education for over 25 years filling a number of leadership positions across a number of different schools.  I am happily married with two children living in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.  I enjoy sport, socialising with friends, gardening, reading, travelling and following the mighty Carlton Football Club!

I really value teamwork.  A strong team is the sum of its individual parts and I believe students, staff and families working closely as a team can deliver improved outcomes for our students.  I will bring a personable, positive, reliable, committed and effective approach to my work and leadership throughout the term putting students at the centre of my decision making.  ‘Growth and Connection’ is important to me as the stronger we can connect as a College Community, the better the outcomes we can deliver for our students.

The Department of Education and Training (or DET) have made it clear that schools need to really focus on learning (with an emphasis on Numeracy) and Wellbeing in 2022.  We want to be able to continue to help students establish a sense of routine with their on-site studies given the impact of Covid-19.  Furthermore, we want to catch up and extend student learning as much as we can whilst looking after the wellbeing needs of our students. We want to work in partnership with families in this important work. 

I am thrilled with my appointment as Acting Principal of Pakenham Secondary College.  I am very happy to be a part of a College Community that seeks to further improve outcomes for our students.  Pakenham Secondary College is a great school characterised by a real team approach amongst students, families and staff.  Our hardworking and dedicated staff at Pakenham Secondary College will continue to offer a personalised approach to teaching and learning. 

Term Two promises to be a very busy term at the College.  Students have settled into their learning, co-curricular activities are being provided and various events are a feature of what will be happening at Pakenham Secondary College throughout the term. 

I have already been made to feel incredibly welcome here at Pakenham Secondary College by students, families and staff alike.  I have found our College Community to be helpful and supportive and I look forward to having a positive impact throughout the term.

Thank you and regards,

Aaron Smith

Acting College Principal – Pakenham Secondary College