2025 has been my first full year as Principal of Marnebek School, and it has been an absolute privilege to witness our school community continue to grow from strength to strength.

Throughout the year, our students have embraced a wide range of opportunities, from camps and excursions to community experiences, all of which have linked meaningfully to their classroom learning. These experiences not only enrich their academic growth but also build confidence, independence, and connection.

We are now in our third year of our new buildings, and we continue to enhance our environment to better support our students. This year, we introduced a new Bike Education space and developed new garden areas across the school. Looking ahead, I remain focused on the ongoing development of Marnebek’s facilities, with plans already underway for a new Sensory Garden at our New Holland Drive campus and a Technology Centre at Corrigan’s Road. These exciting additions will further strengthen our applied learning programs and provide greater opportunities for students to develop skills linked to post-school pathways.

In addition, this year we placed a strong focus on developing our specialist programs. In 2025, we either added staff to or expanded our Music, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Hospitality, and Allied Health teams. These areas are vital in allowing our students to develop a love for learning and engage in high-interest activities led by passionate and dedicated teachers. Another exciting development has been the growth of our Wellbeing Team, which now includes two Youth Workers and four Social Workers who provide invaluable support to our students.

Our reputation as a school of excellence has continued to flourish. This year, several of our leaders were invited to present at various professional events, showcasing the outstanding work we do in supporting and empowering every student.

At Marnebek, we remain steadfast in our belief that with the right supports, resources, and opportunities, all students can learn and succeed. Every visitor to our school comments on the positivity that radiates from our classrooms, the warm welcome from both staff and students, and the genuine relationships that make our school such a special place.

I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved together this year and look forward to continuing to build on this success in the years ahead.