From the Principal 

Steady at the tiller

Here we are, sailing into Semester Two, and I’ve found myself captain of this rather wonderful ship. By way of introduction, I was educated here at Preshil, from Kindergarten to Year 12, I taught here at the Primary School in the 1990s and again more recently, my own children are here, and I’ve been leading the Primary School in the International Baccalaureate since 2018, and leading that campus since 2020. I do sometimes refer to myself as a “Preshil tragic”, and it is in that spirit that I am stepping in to support my favourite place. 

It is important to openly acknowledge that we have experienced considerable change here at Blackhall Kalimna with some of our beloved teachers leaving to pursue new challenges. It's been tough. Particularly tough because at Preshil, social relationships are at our heart. When we welcome newcomers to our community we do so generously, and when we farewell teachers, or students, we do so knowing the enormous impact that will resonate for those of us remaining. We are all feeling this together, and we can do much to reach out and support one another.

When teachers leave our community, we always hope that they carry something of Preshil with them into their new adventure, some recognition of how special our School is, and how they have been a part of our enduring story. It is difficult to define what that “something of Preshil” might be, but I hope it is a respect for the people that students are today, not what they might become. I hope it is the joy of knowing what it is to share a community with mutual respect as the cornerstone. I hope it is the understanding that students live and learn in their own unique ways, and that when they feel safe, understood and seen, the whole community shines.

Our School existed long before any of us were a part of the story, and I wholly expect it will endure long after us all. Preshil is, after all, Australia’s oldest progressive school. We turn 90 this year! When we are in times of change it is important to remember what an incredible achievement this is. I was taught, and cared for fiercely, by Mug, the second of the two Lyttle Women. Those of us who grew up with her considered that Preshil and Mug were one-and-the-same. Inseparable. No one could quite conceive of what might happen once Mug was gone. But she is gone, and Preshil has thrived.

What is remarkable is how much can change at our School, while our core remains solid and unshakeable. We’ve embraced technologies, changing curriculum, the increasing regulatory requirements imposed on schools and the introduction of the International Baccalaureate programmes from kindergarten to graduation, and yet, at our core remains our identity, that of a school in which relationships come first. That is quite an achievement.

For some I am a familiar figure in the School, for some I am another change. I hope that we will get to know each other across the semester ahead. Each Monday morning at the start of the school day, I am hosting an informal meet and greet in the Principal’s office at Blackhall. No appointment necessary. I hope you will consider joining me one Monday.

Cressida Batterham-Wilson

 Interim Principal 

cressida.batterham-wilson@preshil.vic.edu.au