Shepparton Year 12
In 2023, students across Shepparton and nearby areas took up leadership roles, bringing diverse passions as school captains and vice-captains.
Christian College school captain Christiaan Buys pursued music and medicine, embodying change, while Michaela Moore aimed to unite year levels.
Layla O’Callaghan and Xavier Schmedje of Goulburn Valley Grammar School pursued varied interests such as arts, sports and sciences, each seeking to enhance their school in unique ways.
At Notre Dame, Lachlan Howard and Ella Kightly focused on football, fishing, netball and science, seeking personal development and positive influences.
Shelby Hutchins and Ben Woods, the vice-captains, emphasised studies, sports and unity.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s Neighbourhood 1, 2, and 3 college captains pursued interests in education, coding and medicine, seeking student representation and positive change.
Approaching graduation, seniors braced for exams, reflecting on their Year 12 challenges while planning future studies, travel and community contributions.
High achievers such as Angel Tacey, Christiaan Buys, Xavier Schmedje and Matthew Hanns celebrated their ATAR scores, eager to enter fields such as zoology, medicine, engineering and computing.
All Saints Anglican School
Throughout 2023, the Anglican Schools Commission paved the way for Shepparton’s inaugural Anglican school, appointing Hansen Yuncken for the $24 million stage-one construction of All Saints Anglican School.
This phase featured 13 classrooms, specialised learning zones and extensive outdoor facilities.
Construction kicked off on the 16-hectare Verney Rd site, aiming for an official 2024 opening. Chief executive Reverend Peter Laurence expressed enthusiasm for the project, citing strong interest and an enrolment surge.
By December 2023, principal Jim Laussen eagerly awaited the school’s term one, 2024 launch.
With 240 students enrolled across various year levels, including Preps to Year 7s for the junior wing, the main buildings stood complete, poised for a January handover.
Mr Laussen, optimistic and prepared, anticipated a smooth start, confident in welcoming his new students.
Update on old Wanganui site
Former school sites in Greater Shepparton, including Mooroopna, McGuire and Wanganui Park, have seen neglect since the amalgamation to form Greater Shepparton Secondary College two years ago.
Concerns about their future and community involvement have been raised. The Victorian Department of Education emphasised consultation for these sites, outlining plans for McGuire and Wanganui campuses to have educational and community use.
Meanwhile, the Verney Rd School relocation, initially set for 2026, is set for completion by the end of 2024, with students expected on site by 2025.
This accelerated timeline marks significant progress in the reconstruction, aiming to offer more learning, recreation and play space for students than at the current campus.
However, the government addressed concerns about the rundown buildings, asbestos and safety, ensuring progress towards its commitment to maintain these former campuses for educational purposes.
40 years of service
Judy Grace celebrated 40 years of teaching at Goulburn Valley Grammar School, reminiscing on her journey.
She was initially lured by a comprehensive scholarship, which set the stage for her enduring passion for teaching economics and geography.
Beyond the evolving tech landscape, her commitment to guiding students remained constant.
Her love for the job stemmed from the unpredictability of each day and the unique dynamics in every class.
Her care extended beyond students; she offered unwavering support to her fellow educators.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame College’s Maree Geisler celebrated her four-decade tenure, which began with a temporary role.
Despite primarily working in finance, she found joy in teaching dance at the Year 10 Ball.
She witnessed significant changes in the school, but her camaraderie with colleagues endured.
Both educators expressed gratitude for the support and unity within their school communities.
While Maree remains content with her present roles, Judy looks ahead, embracing the uncertainty with a cheerful outlook.
Teacher awards
In October, teachers from Mooroopna Park Primary School received statewide recognition as finalists for two Victorian Education Excellence Awards: Outstanding Primary Teacher and Outstanding Education Support Team.
Lauren Jeffery, nominated for Outstanding Primary Teacher, highlighted her passion for early reading and writing.
The school’s education support team — Brooke Bowles, Lisa Hueston and Surabhi Budhiraja — exemplified holistic support, earning appreciation for their community connections and dedication to student wellbeing.
Mooroopna Park Primary School clinched the Education Support Team Award, earning praise for its work in improving student and family outcomes.
In November, Brendan Kenna, assistant principal at Wilmot Rd Primary School, gained global recognition, being named among the top 50 teachers worldwide.
His focus on student engagement and wellbeing and implementing innovative approaches earned him a spot at the Global Teacher Prize ceremony in Paris.
Mr Kenna, humbled by the acknowledgement, praised his school’s commitment to lifelong learning and diversity, aiming to equip students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Shepparton’s student awards
In November, Goulburn Valley Grammar School’s Denise McCarthy embarked on an enlightening trip to Canberra as one of Country to Canberra’s 15 national competition winners.
Attending workshops, meeting influential women, including politicians such as Tanya Plibersek, and participating in programs such as public speaking workshops, Denise found the experience invaluable, stating it was fascinating to witness how the country operates.
Among the winners were Flavio Fontana, Rhiannon Almond and Tyson Thompson. Flavio won the Spiritual Art Award for his painting Fioritura, Rhiannon received the Spiritual Art Award and The People’s Choice Award, and Tyson was acknowledged for his artwork titled Summer.
In December, Bourchier St Primary School students clinched a share of $20,000 worth of classroom stationery in the national ‘Sticking Together’ primary school competition.
Their winning entry highlighted how they foster a sense of community through a buddy system pairing Prep and Year 6 students.
NAPLAN
Victorian students, in line with their peers nationwide, have begun receiving their NAPLAN results, marking a significant change in the grading system aimed at providing valuable insights for teachers, school support staff and families to aid students in achieving their best.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority has introduced a new four-band format for NAPLAN results.
The new system presents four levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs Additional Support.
Unlike the previous numerical banding, the new bands offer a clearer picture of overall student performance and achievement, making it easier for parents and schools to comprehend their progress and cater to individual learning needs.
Notre Dame College director of learning and teaching Susan Nabbs highlighted the positive impact of NAPLAN Online, which the college had been trialling for several years before it became a nationwide requirement.
Students completed all four tests on their laptops.
Local universities
In a series of developments across regional campuses, Dookie Campus received an $11 million upgrade, including $2 million from Growing Victoria’s Agriculture Industry Project and $630,000 for animal facilities.
The University of Melbourne funded the rest for 85 new student bedrooms. Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney praised the impact of state-of-the-art facilities on agriculture education.
La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus began a $20 million renovation.
Its nursing lab opened, promising a larger, technology-rich facility.
The campus’s emphasis on practical learning was celebrated at the opening ceremony.
In other regional news, the Murray River Culinary Championships celebrated its 17th year.
Originating from Jacq Campbell’s initiative to offer practical experience to hospitality students, the event has flourished.
Shepparton hosted the competition after a pandemic-induced delay.
GOTAFE’s commercial kitchen hosted the event, benefiting both students and the community.
Echuca College claimed victory at the grand final, showcasing the talent of Year 10 and 11 culinary enthusiasts.
The event fostered crucial connections between students and industry professionals, highlighting the potential for future careers in hospitality.
Verney Rd
Verney Rd School hosted its inaugural Student Pathways Expo, transforming the Visy Community Centre into a hub of opportunities for Year 12 students.
Various exhibitors, from Shepparton Access to GOTAFE, showcased post-schooling options, aiming to assist students in charting their future paths.
Assistant principal Carolyn West highlighted the event’s novelty compared to traditional info nights, providing a more interactive platform for students and families to explore diverse pathways.
The expo welcomed not only Verney Rd students but also attendees from regional schools such as Euroa and Numurkah, fostering a collaborative approach to support students’ individual needs across the region.
In August, the school unveiled its Mini Woolies store, a unique initiative offering a safe, educational environment for students to develop essential life skills.
Principal Angela Buxton emphasised the significance of this immersive experience, enabling students to practise independence and learn fundamental skills through hands-on activities, a collaboration further enhanced by Verney Rd’s partnership with Melton Specialist School.
Woolworths Group praised the initiative’s innovative approach and its potential to shape students’ futures.
Indie school opening
Shepparton’s Indie School kicked off the new school year by expanding to two classes and welcoming fresh faces, aligning with its ethos of supporting students who felt detached from traditional schooling.
Offering tailored learning plans and emphasising wellbeing, the school attracted students seeking alternative pathways and teachers keen on a supportive educational setting.
Head Liz Withall expressed excitement about the new team and the prospect of nurturing young talents.
Teacher Kat Essex highlighted the significance of personalised care, especially for students who felt unsupported in mainstream education.
Indie School, funded federally with no cost to students, aimed to empower individuals by addressing their unique needs, fostering engagement and offering diverse educational experiences.
At the school’s official opening, leaders emphasised its commitment to student empowerment, with guests hearing firsthand accounts from students appreciating the school’s environment and extra support.