- Minister for Education
The Andrews Labor Government's plan to ensure young people in Shepparton have more educational opportunities, choice and support is fast becoming a reality.
Minister for Education James Merlino today visited Wanganui Park Secondary College to unveil the leadership team for the new Greater Shepparton College (interim name), and to announce free travel assistance for students attending the College until the college opens on a single campus.
Free travel during the transition period will be available to students that currently use the School Bus Program and those new to the program.
In addition, government secondary school students travelling on public transport to the College will have ticket costs fully reimbursed through the Conveyance Allowance Program until the single campus opens. Free travel will help make the transition to the exciting new secondary school as easy as possible for students and families.
Mr Merlino also announced the new leadership team for Greater Shepparton College (interim name). The leadership team, who combine extensive educational experience and local knowledge with a commitment to growing the learning environment for every child in the Shepparton area, are:
- John Sciacca (Principal, McGuire Campus) - current principal of Nathalia Secondary College.
- Stephen Bolton (Principal, Mooroopna Campus) - current principal of Mooroopna Secondary College
- Ken Murray (Principal, Wanganui Park Campus) - current principal of Wanganui Park Secondary College
- Megan Michalaidis (Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning) - current assistant principal of McGuire College. She will work across the three campuses to lead the college's approach to teaching and learning.
The leadership team will be led by Executive Principal Genevieve Simson, who previously taught at Mooroopna Secondary College and McGuire College.
The Labor Government has committed $21.5 million to make the long-term Shepparton Education Plan - including the new Greater Shepparton College (interim name) - a reality, to ensure every student in the region gets the opportunity for a great education at a great local school.
As noted by Minister for Education James Merlino
"Making bus travel free for the transition period will help ensure a smooth transition that minimises impacts on students and their families."
"Despite the great work of our teachers, student outcomes in Shepparton are below national averages. The Shepparton Education Plan will give every student in the region access to a fantastic education with a wider range of subjects, support and facilities."
As noted by Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
"These leaders are some of Shepparton's best and brightest educators and I know their passion for learning will match that of the school community."
