Acting Principal's Report

Dear Westall Secondary College families, 

The end of the term is just about upon us, and students and staff are preparing for a well-earned term break. 

The end of this term marks 6 months here for me as Acting Principal and I have enjoyed every minute of my involvement with the school. Tristan Lanarus met with me today for handover and I know he is excited about returning to WSC next Term. 

All the most important and good things in life link back to one main concept, positive relationships. I have been honoured to lead the school through the first half of 2022 and I thank you all for making me welcome. During this time, it has been my good fortune to have the opportunity to make and develop new relationships with the students and staff at WSC and in the broader Westall community. I will miss many of the people I have worked with daily, the leadership team, the teaching staff, the teacher support staff, school councillors and Westall HUB staff, the WPS leadership and our own admin team. This school has such a diverse and connected base, it is truly wonderful!

To illustrate this in a small way, here is a snapshot of an activity we did together as staff on our last student free day. This is a static picture of an interactive site on which all staff identified their own and their parents’ heritage by birthplace. 

As you can see from the picture, your children’s teachers come from all around the world, and like your families, this diversity brings with it a wonderfully broad base of experiences, knowledge and skill. This, I think, is the essence of Westall SC’s unique spirit. 

For me, an activity like this shows us that ‘we are far more similar than we are different' which is the important basis of a truly inclusive school. 

Thank you for having me. After a trip to Europe to catch up with my own family, I will be returning to my original school in Term 4. I hope you enjoy the holiday break with loved ones, friends and family and that everyone remains safe and well as the year progresses, 

Warm regards, 

Ms Marcelle van Maanen