From the Principal

Principal Report
Dear Families,
In this report, I would like to outline some of the things that have been happening at Auburn High School. Staff and students are well over halfway through Semester 1, with staff observing high levels of achievement among our students. As a collective, staff professional development has focused on getting to know the students well so that differentiation and engagement can be maximised.
Our GANAG instructional model is powered by high-yield strategies, and multiple staff development sessions have been dedicated to reviewing our teaching to ensure consistency. On the 21st of May, there will be a student-free day, allowing a full day of professional learning where all staff will invest time in collaborating on teaching strategies and learning more about the implementation of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0.
The Victorian Curriculum 2.0 emphasises explicit teaching, ensuring students receive clear, structured instruction that builds foundational knowledge. It integrates supported application, where students actively apply their learning through guided practice and real-world problem-solving. Additionally, it prioritises student engagement and focus, using evidence-based strategies to create inclusive, well-managed learning environments that foster deep understanding. Fortunately, Auburn High School began embedding these factors into our programs in 2022 in response to student and staff feedback.
Financial resources and the management of our budget are a key part of school leadership. I would like to personally thank Jo Hayes and Fiona Thomas for their commitment and leadership in creating our annual budget, which will be presented to the School Council next week. Our accounts payable staff, office staff, and education support staff are also doing a stellar job managing day-to-day operations.
There has been an additional workload placed on school staff in managing the School Saving Bonus, as this welcome fund has an extensive administration process around it. Business Managers around the state are providing feedback on the process to ensure that parents can use the funds efficiently and effectively.
Auburn High School is a unique school. Many of the additional programs we run, additional supports we provide, and equipment and resources we have are not directly funded by the DET. STEM programs, school productions, extra-curricular clubs, debating programs, careers support, and upgrades to our physical spaces are dependent on parent payments.
In our local area, there are disparities between public and private school funding, which continues to impact resources and infrastructure. Auburn High, along with many government schools, faces shortfalls despite intentions to close the gap. Every decision made by our school aims to improve student engagement and learning outcomes, and there is no denying that additional funds provide a significant advantage in meeting this aim.
In 2022, over 80% of parents contributed state education fees (approximately $580 per year). In 2024, this dropped to 57%. Currently, we have less than 40% of parents who have contributed, and many of the programs listed above may have to be adapted. Parents can contact the office to arrange a payment plan or pay their 2025 contributions in full.
The drop in payments equates to approximately $200,000 of funds that the school does not have access to. This money would be spent on expanding programs, resources for STEM and language acquisition, upgrading student breakout spaces (indoor and outdoor), and classroom resources to enhance learning outcomes across all subjects. It would also bring forward by up to two years some of our planned upgrades, such as:
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An additional science laboratory
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Renovated study centres
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Improved sports facilities
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Oval renovations
In addition to this amount, parents can also contribute to the building and library funds, which are used for larger projects. For example, we would like to create a wellbeing hub, an innovative makerspace, and build a pedestrian path between our two buildings to ensure student and staff safety. Any contributions to these funds are tax-deductible and most appreciated.
This term, we’ve seen outstanding contributions across various programs. Our sports teams have demonstrated incredible skill and teamwork, with students excelling in AFL, soccer, basketball, netball, and cross-country running. The music and drama departments are preparing for this year’s highly anticipated school production “The Little Mermaid”, where creativity and collaboration shine.
In STEM, our students are preparing for competitions, fostering a love for innovation and problem-solving. Additionally, our debating and public speaking teams are making great strides, showcasing their confidence and critical thinking. We are proud of their success in competitions, reinforcing Auburn High School’s reputation for excellence in communication and leadership.
Staff changes are continuing to provide challenges for the school. We currently have vacancies in junior and senior maths, as well as careers education. We are actively recruiting in these areas and are also working with Melbourne University to find potential additions to our staff team. In the meantime, our teaching teams are ensuring that students have the best opportunities available to them by working above and beyond.
Finally, as you can see, there is an amazing amount of proactive and positive action at Auburn High School. We continue to work together to create a high-quality school for our local families.
Until next time,
Ross Pritchard