“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 everyday,” he said.
“If a meteoric rise in demand for places at the college, and in 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.”
Tim cites the Elite Sports Program that sees 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” – the inclusive and wide-ranging leadership programs based upon doing good for others (particularly those less fortunate) comprising of over 35 per cent whole student enrolment (students contribute to the community through local primary schools, nursing homes and elsewhere), the inquiry-based Dynamic Learning Program at year 9 that prepares students for their senior years, or the Global Learning Domain’ language program that has seen students study up to 15 languages over the last 18 months, as examples of innovation.
On language studies, Tim comments “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. 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. We have a responsibility to be a pillar of learning and higher things,” Tim says.
“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 who is interested in learning more about the college to take a personal tour with him which can be arranged by calling reception on 9401 3888.
