“I often share with families my desire to be certain that educational environments ‘graduate’ from the school I attended over 40 years ago. I’ve got great memories of my high school, but the education challenge is so different these days,” says Timothy Cottrell, principal at Lalor North Secondary College.
After two years as principal, Tim says that high-impact learning calls for quality relationships and a strong sense of partnership between students, families, and educators.
“This is how we build community trust and belief. Families must know that we inquire into and invest in the individuality of every child – and, most importantly, that we walk our talk every day,” he said.
“If a meteoric rise in demand for places at the college, and data that analyses student views and feelings about belonging, safety, opportunity, and quality of teaching, is any indication. the vision of the college is bearing fruit.
“It’s this simple: to make a difference, we need to be different.”
In terms of innovation, Tim cited the Elite Sports Program, which has up to 120 boys and girls training at 7.30am twice per week and three days per week after school.
“You get better at what you practice,” he said.
Then there’s the inclusive and wide-ranging leadership programs based upon doing good for others – particularly those less fortunate – comprising more than 35 percent student enrolment. Students contribute to the community through local primary schools, nursing homes, and elsewhere.
The inquiry-based Dynamic Learning Program at Year 9 prepares students for their senior years, and the Global Learning Domain language program has seen students study up to 15 languages over the past 18 months.
“The thought that in such a culturally diverse community that is Melbourne’s northern suburbs we might offer two or three language studies is incomprehensible to me,” Tim said.
“I want to ask the student what language they wish to study, not tell them what they may study.”
Creativity and artistic pursuits remain a steadfast pillar of the learning program.
“Our Big Night Out has become a fully-fledged music festival in the north, involving 15 primary schools and attracting 1500 people over two nights to the college,” Tim said.
“We have a responsibility to be a pillar of learning and higher things.
“With rapidly increasing demand for places, our grounds looking especially beautiful, and the great endeavour of our students everywhere evident, we can’t help but feel excited for the future of our college and its ‘family’ of young people.
“Our dedicated staff continue to work hard every day to bring every possible opportunity to our students to enjoy success.
“We thank them, and we celebrate the continuous learning of our students.”
Tim encourages anybody interested in learning more about the college to take a personal tour with him, which can be arranged by calling reception on 9401 3888.
