Your Voice, Your Choice: Voting for the Future of Independent Schools
As we approach the school holidays, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our parents and staff for their dedication and support throughout Term 1. Your partnership and commitment have made a significant impact on our students’ learning and wellbeing. We are especially grateful for the way our community has embraced opportunities for growth, encouragement and connection.
Our recent Endeavour Assemblies highlighted the outstanding efforts of many students who have exemplified our core values of Courage, Curiosity, Craftsmanship, Collaboration, and Compassion. This term, our focus on Courage has encouraged students to persist through challenges, manage distractions, take risks in their learning, and remain open to growth. These are lifelong skills that extend beyond the classroom, equipping students to navigate change with confidence and resilience. I encourage parents to continue reinforcing this language at home, supporting their children as they develop these important attributes.
School Choice in the Federal Election
As we head into an election season, there is much at stake for families who have chosen an Independent school for their children. I want to draw your attention to the School Choice Counts campaign, a national initiative by Independent Schools Australia that highlights the importance of maintaining fair funding for non-government schools.
The campaign is based on a simple principle: if funding to Independent schools is reduced, schools may be forced to increase fees. Families should not be penalised for choosing a school that best meets their child’s needs.
We believe it is essential for families to be informed about the education policies of major parties, particularly as they may influence funding for Independent schools. Below are public statements from key representatives summarising their positions:
Party Positions on Independent Schools
Labor (Senator Deborah O’Neill)
“Labor stands with Independent schools and the invaluable work they do, particularly in supporting vulnerable students. The idea that Independent schools are ‘castles’ is nonsense—most are modest, community-focused, and provide critical outreach and learning pathways. We don’t believe in pitting one sector against another—every child matters.”
Coalition (Senator Sarah Henderson)
“The Greens have made it clear they want to defund Independent schools entirely—calling them ‘leeches’ on public education. This is an outrageous attack on school choice and family freedom. A Dutton government will stand strong for non-government schools and ensure families aren’t penalised for their choices.”
Greens (Senator Penny Allman-Payne)
“The Australian private school system is a leech on public education. It doesn’t ‘take pressure’ off the public system—it sucks resources and students from it. And they get to play by their own rules… Labor should immediately end government overfunding of wealthy private schools and redirect that money to public schools.”
We recognise the sacrifices families make to send their children to a school that aligns with their values and educational needs. This campaign provides an opportunity to protect that choice—now and into the future. For further information, visit the School Choice Counts website: schoolchoicecounts.isa.edu.au.
Please be aware that the College will be a polling place for Hume electorate, if you live in the area this may be a convenient location to vote.
As we enter the Easter season, may this be a time of rest, reflection, and renewal for you and your families. May you find joy in the hope that Christ’s resurrection brings. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting term of learning and growth.
God bless,
Mrs Naomi Wilkins
Principal
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
1 Peter 1:3
