Wednesday, 9 February 2022

Wantirna College

Mr TAYLOR (Bayswater) (19:09): (6199) I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Education. The action I seek is for the minister to join me at Wantirna College in Wantirna to help me celebrate some fantastic educators there, particularly the VCAL team. Last year I was absolutely stoked to hear that Wantirna College’s VCAL team took home the Team Teaching Innovation in Lockdown award in the teacher award category at the statewide VCAL awards, an amazing achievement. This team—Daniel, Matthew, Anthony, Kimberley, Katrina, Christopher, Hervaye, Alex, Rohan, Kathleen and Tim—were rightly acknowledged for their work to ensure their students kept engaged with their education throughout COVID over the last couple of years.

The team went above and beyond throughout a really tough period in education and one they never trained for or expected but of course did not shy away from, and they continue to innovate and inspire. Indeed Wantirna College is an incredible local school, one of many we are lucky to have out our way, and I have worked closely, very proudly, with them and their principal, Kevin Murphy, better known as Kev, since I was a local councillor and now as a local member of Parliament. I should probably clarify: I call him Kev. I am not sure about others. He is a ripping bloke, that Kev; he is an absolute gentleman. It has been a great journey, and they have gone from strength to strength. It is their staff, students and parent community that form the core of their supportive culture. They have got a very big future ahead of them, and I am so proud to be backing them in every step of the way.

I thank the minister for his consideration of my request, and I am looking forward to hopefully welcoming him out to my community to hear about the successes, achievements and wonderful people at Wantirna College.