Maribyrnong College

Maribyrnong College
File:Maribyrnong Logo.jpg
Location
Melbourne , VIC Australia
Information
Motto	Pride in performance (formerly "Aim High")
Established	1958
Headmaster	Nick Scott, formerly Brian Rodgers
Grades	7-12
Enrolment	c.500
Campus	Urban
Colour(s)	Red
Website	www.maribsc.vic.edu.au

Maribyrnong College (AKA Maribyrnong Secondary College) and formerly Maribyrnong High School is a Victorian Government Secondary School in Maribyrnong in the inner Western suburbs of Melbourne.

It is located on River St, Maribyrnong; it was formerly in Maidstone but the area seems to have been rezoned.

Maribyrnong celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 15 2008 with an open day and function at the school.

History

The College has a long history in the suburbs of Maidstone and Maribyrnong as it was established in 1958. The area has changed dramatically since the college first opened and it is now seen as an inner-city college as it is located only 8 km from the Melbourne CBD.

MSC had a unique place among Melbourne's high schools. Being so close to the Maribyrnong Migrant Hostel (now closed) the school had an integration program for kids from the hostel who were from all around the world, including many refugees. The school was truly a multicultural one.

Detentions and Discipline

Launched in August 2009 by new principal Mr Nick Scott, there will be saturday detentions for 3 hours, replacing general suspensions. The move is to encourage good behavior and to enhance learning at Maribyrnong College. So far, many parents and students have had strong negative reactions to the three hour detention policy

Specialist Sport Program

In 2005 the school commenced its Specialist Sport Program with selective entry for talented sports students. As of 2007 there are 56 Specialist Sport students from a total school enrolment of 380. Several sports receive a major focus: AFL Football, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming and Tennis.

Principal's message

It is with great delight that I write to you for the first time as the newly appointed Principal of Maribyrnong College. As a local resident for the past twenty years; and with primary school-aged children of my own; I have watched the recent developments at the college with great interest. I was aware that significant improvements had been made in student learning and that there was considerable interest in the Sports Specialism program. However, it was not until I arrived at the school that I was able to determine how many of the college's philosophies and practices were aligned with my own.

Support for students and classroom and individual discipline are strong. The college uniform is worn with pride. Teaching practices that engage students and encourage high performance are evident. The VCE and NAPLAN results for the past few years are very encouraging and highlight the academic ability within the college. Students in the Sports Specialism program work hard to perform at their best in their chosen athletic endeavour, while also maintaining a conscientious approach to academic studies. Students are generally working to their potential.

I have been made to feel very welcome by staff and students; and the recent innaugural Parents and Friends Association meeting provided a great opportunity to meet parents of the school who are committed to supporting Maribyrnong as it moves into the next phase of its development. I would encourage all parents to take an active part in the life of the college as our development as a community will be a key indicator of the future success of the school.

2010 marks a new beginning for the college. The first stage of development of the sports specialism facilities will be complete and these works will pay dividends for all students in the college. This will also provide an opportunity for the college community to be involved in the planning and development of the next building project - which will serve to transform the physical environment at Maribyrnong. The next few years will see considerable improvement in the computer resources of the school; in the extension of programs in the arts and music; and in opportunities for student leadership. New staff will be employed as enrolments grow to over 1000 students; however the school's vibrant, diverse and high-performance culture will remain integral to the future success of Maribyrnong College.

There is clearly a high level of excitment surrounding the future of Maribyrnong College, and exceptional opportunities for students and parents to be part of this future. If you would like to discuss our plans further, obtain more information or arrange a visit, please contact the college on 9318 1355.

Nick Scott Principal

Sport Director's Message

Welcome to Maribyrnong College. The strength of our sports specialism lies in its holistic approach to each student’s academic, athletic and personal development. A team of passionate, highly committed professionals, working together in an integrated manner, deliver the core elements of our Specialist Sport program. It is exciting to see the collaborative efforts of teachers, parents, coaches, mentors, fitness professionals, performance analysts, physiotherapists, sports psychologists and dieticians all contributing to assist young people achieve their goals in school, sport and life. The development of an “athlete friendly” culture at the college is an exciting initiative that will help to deliver a flexible curriculum to assist the achievement of student goals through individual learning plans.

We are excited by the level of partnerships that this project has generated - the Victorian Institute of Sport, Victoria University, Western Bulldogs and numerous State and National Sporting Organisations have joined forces with the Victorian Government and the Department of Education to help Maribyrnong College realise the vision of Victoria’s first government sports school. The expertise and credibility that these partnerships provide are invaluable in attracting young people to the programs offered.

While many schools have developed specialist sport programs from within their own resources, the Maribyrnong College project has attracted significant state government investment for ‘state of the art’ facilities and program staffing. It is truly a project of state significance. Stage One of the redevelopment will realise $10M of iconic indoor and outdoor sports facilities which will provide an outstanding training and competition environment for all students at the college. This will be added to over another two stages which will transform Maribyrnong College into a ‘cutting edge’ academic and sporting precinct. We are proud to be a strategic partner in the western suburbs’ “Sports Triangle” which will provide around $100M of major educational and sporting infrastructure at Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, Whitten Oval and Victoria University (Footscray campus) over the next five years.

Students are already travelling large distances to access the programs on offer at Maribyrnong College, including several who have relocated from country Victoria and others who travel across Melbourne from the eastern suburbs. We value the commitment and investment they have made in their future. We are also delighted with their efforts to integrate into college life and contribute to our emerging performance culture. We recognise the strong contribution that our parents play in the development of the student’s academic, sporting and personal skills. The staff and I look forward to playing our role in the partnership as we share the journey of these young athletes towards their goals and dreams. Our new college logo features the words “Pride in Performance” and it has meaning for all involved in bringing this exciting concept to reality - may we all be proud of our roles in establishing this worthy venture.

Rob Carroll Sport Director

Transport

Tram 82 (Footscray - Moonee Ponds) stops right in front of the school on River Street. Bus services to Highpoint Shopping Centre also provide close public transport to the school.

Maribyrnong College with Tram stop at entrance

The Maribyrnong River is only a short walk from the college (ie college is located on River Street) and the Maribyrnong River Trail can be used by students to commute to school.

Notable alumni

• Michael Leunig

External links

• Maribyrnong College website
• Official ex-students web site of Maribyrnong High School
• Education and the bunghole of life, Michael Leunig's story which features Maribyrnong High