Principal's PERSPECTIVE Celebrating Twenty Years

This year we are delighted to be celebrating the College’s Twentieth Anniversary. In Term Two, we commenced our formal celebrations with our inaugural Founders' Day. This was a day of great joy and pride for all of us who have been a part of this wonderful school. I was so honoured to recognise the many special guests who have been so instrumental in the development of our College and were able to join us for a tour of the College, a historical display and a special assembly. We have also welcomed our past students back to the College for a Twenty-Year Reunion and celebrated with our parent and staff community at our inaugural Black-Tie Winter Ball.

Found amongst the archives was a newsletter dated 13 November 2002 which stated the following:

"A number of people are familiar with independent schools and are very supportive of establishing one in Wangaratta Many others appreciate the proposal of a school that will strive for high academic standards within a caring and nurturing environment where every student is cared for as an individual and encouraged to work to his or her highest standard Most families want a safe and happy environment where learning is valued "

Fast forward twenty years, and the objectives of the visionaries who planted the seeds of establishing such a school have indeed been realised.

When the Diocese of Wangaratta opened Cathedral College Wangaratta on the grounds of the Close in 2003, 34 students commenced from Prep to Year Seven. Under the stewardship of Bishop David Farrer, the dream was realised to open an independent Anglican school that provided the families of Wangaratta and the northeast region with a high-quality, Prep to Year Twelve independent school founded on Anglican values. Our strong Anglican identity remains a key pillar for our College community. It is the bedrock for the exceptional education, pastoral and wellbeing care that our College is now renowned for.

It was fantastic to welcome founding Principal Mrs McDiarmid and former Principal Mr David Everett to our Founders’ Day celebrations I would also like to acknowledge founding staff members Mrs Julie Findlay and Mrs Michelle Lloyd, who remain current staff members and who also celebrate 20 years with Cathedral College Wangaratta in 2023

During the early years at The Close, the small and closeknit community worked together to establish a kind, warm and welcoming school environment The new College was an aspirational learning environment that encouraged students to pursue excellence During this time, new families put tremendous faith in our brandnew school and worked together to establish the foundations of the College we enjoy today