In the Know

From the Leadership Team

Rob French, Principal 

Farewell Class of 2022

As I sit down to write this article, I have just arrived back at my desk from the Tree House, where I'd been chatting to some of our Year 12 students about their fast-approaching final day of School.  

Most of the students shared that they're excited about the next stage of their lives and are very ready to spread their wings. Others stated they feel a bit anxious about what lies ahead and are feeling a degree of sadness about leaving their close-knit School community.  

 

These are all normal reactions for students as they approach the significant milestone of graduating from secondary school and all that it entails.

Reflecting back to the start of the School year, I remember clearly the experience of meeting our Year 12 cohort for the first time (it was a hot day in early February!). 

 

At the time, one of the things I shared with the students was how they'll find that the year will just speed by, as Year 12 is really only three terms and a few weeks in duration. 

 

I also recall telling the students I'll always remember them, since they'll be the first Year 12 Kilvington cohort I'll have the pleasure to work with. 

 

Now as we near close to the end of the year, I can genuinely say I've found this cohort to be a wonderful group of young people. I've constantly been impressed by the strong bonds they share as a year level, as well as by their humour, optimism and positive energy. 

 

I often refer to our core aim of developing young people of character who will go out and make a positive difference in the world, and I know this will be the case for our Class of 2022, as they (complete with hoodies!) embark on life after School.

 

I wish them all the very best for their examinations and for the next chapter of their lives beyond the School gates. 

End-of-Year events

I am very much looking forward to seeing many of you as we finish 2022 in style. From the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner to Celebration Night on November 25, we have much to look forward to.  

 

We commenced the year amid quite a degree of uncertainty regarding COVID-19 and potential further lockdown periods, but we have been able to enjoy a full year of face-to-face teaching. It is also wonderful that our students have been able to participate in the full suite of co-curricular activities once again.  

 

Whether it be in sport, drama, music, debating or any other activities beyond the classroom, we have seen how important these activities are in building community, developing important skills, and providing enjoyment for students. 

 

I have no doubt that for many students, their fondest memories of their school days will be activities that they are involved in beyond the classroom.

Staffing news 

Karen Chandler will join us in 2023 in an exciting new role of Deputy Head of Junior School. Karen has extensive leadership experience in schools, most recently as PYP Coordinator at Firbank Grammar School.  

 

She has also been Acting Deputy Head of Campus at Firbank and has held teaching positions at St Margaret's School and Melbourne Grammar School, as well as Hallam Primary School and Eumemmering Primary School. Karen has a Masters of School Leadership majoring in Gifted Education from Monash University and a Diploma of Teaching.

 

Nicola Devlin will join us in 2023 as Academic Dean of Humanities. Nicola is currently the Head of Learning at Korowa Anglican Girls' School and previous Head of Humanities. Nicola teaches History including VCE History Revolutions and VCE Business Management. 

 

She is a member of the Teaching Excellence Program and has extensive experience in assessing and mentoring graduates through both VCAA and HTAV. Nicola has a Bachelor of Arts/Commerce from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Teaching and a Specialist Certificate in Education (Clinical Teaching) from University of Melbourne.

 

Fiona O'Rourke will join us in 2023 as Head of Library and Digital Resourcing. Fiona is currently a Teacher Librarian at Burke Hall, Xavier College. Prior to this, she has extensive experience as a teacher librarian at various schools including Loreto Mandeville Hall and Geelong Grammar School.  

 

She also has experience embedding ICT practices in the classroom. Fiona has a Masters of Education (Teacher Librarianship) from Charles Sturt University.

 

A special welcome to Justin Tkacz who joins us as an ICT Support Technician. Justin has been an AV and IT Support Technician at various organisations including Monash University and Courts Victoria. He has a Diploma in Information Technology and Networking. 

 

We will farewell Academic Dean of Humanities, Jessica Chamoff on 11 November, and Head of Library and Digital Resources, Kathryn Schravemade and English and Legal Studies Teacher, Anna McKenzie, at the end of Term 4. We thank these staff for their wonderful contribution to the School and wish them the very best in their new roles.