COHUNA Secondary College’s principal will hand over the role to his deputy heading into 2018.
Stephen Brain, who confirmed last month he will take up a position as the Department of Education and Training’s executive principal for the Mallee region, will hand over leadership of the school to Fiona Miller.
The announcement of the college’s new principal was one of the highlights of the 61st annual awards evening on Tuesday.
The night celebrated students’ achievements during 2017, ranging from sporting and academic successes to recognising those who contribute to the wider community.
“Whilst our academic results lead the way in the State, we do not want to rest on these standards,” college council president, Andrew Rigg said.
“We are in year one of a four-year plan, and the improvements in results speak for themselves.
In his valedictory speech, Mr Brain paid tribute to the work his predecessor, Gaell Hildebrand, had contributed to the school during her five-year tenure as principal.
During his six-year period as principal, Mr Brain helped the school redesign the curriculum using Department of Education and Training guidelines to ensure what students learn in Years 7 to 10 met the needs of Victorian Certificate of Education coursework.
“Although our NAPLAN results were positive, they were not equating to VCE results,” he said.
“Whereas seeing a student receive an ATAR of 90 was not common, the school now has an expectation of seeing a student receive this ranking.
“It is the same with VCE subject study scores. Scores of 40 or above were not common place, now high scores are expected.”
This was also achieved through developing relationships with students, parents and the community via numerous meetings and surveys.
“Sometimes you may not get this process right, but as my old man said, ‘If you are not having any blues, you are not doing it right’,” Mr Brain said.
Numerous capital works projects have occurred during Mr Brain’s time in charge, including the installation of solar panels to cut electricity costs, the addition of refrigerated air-conditioning in classrooms, new carpet and paintwork throughout the whole school and the use of ergonomically designed tables and chairs – all which aim to make classrooms an engaging place to learn.
“Thank you to the college community for the support you have shown me for the past six years,” he said.
“Students have amazing opportunities at the college, which would not happen without the amazing support of the staff.
Mrs Miller, who has held the vice-principal position at Cohuna Secondary College after moving from Pyramid Hill College, described the appointment as “an honour” and “a privilege”.
“This school has an amazing group of young people with creative ideas, who challenge us, amaze us and what makes teaching a wonderful profession,” she said.
“I wish Stephen all the best and thank him for all that he has done for the past six years.
“I encourage the school community to continue on the college’s learning journey in 2018.”
