New school chief takes the helm

BILLANOOK College celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, with a new principal at the helm.
The college had grass-roots beginnings.
In 1980 a group of local residents called a public meeting of interested parents to look at the possibility of establishing an independent co-educational school in the outer east.
“At that time there were no independent schools that catered for parents wanting an education that catered for both girls and boys,” said Chris Brown, chairman of the Billanook College Council.
“Following the meeting, local resident Carolyn Stone, together with a committee of committed parents, set about the daunting task of establishing Billanook.”
Thirty years later Billanook College, the school created by that dedicated group of parents, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
It is a very successful co-educational school for students from Prep to VCE and enjoys an outstanding reputation.
The school celebrates the milestone with the appointment of new principal Roger Oates after his predecessor, Alan Ross, retired after 13 years as principal at the end of last year.
“Mr Oates was part of a team of senior leaders who were instrumental in the school establishing a formidable reputation for educational leadership, all round performance and particularly for academic excellence,” Mr Brown said.
“He has a strong background in independent schooling and was deputy headmaster and senior master at Girton Grammar School in Bendigo for a number of years prior to his appointment as principal of Bishop Druitt College.”
Mr Brown said that as an educator, Mr Oates had earned a reputation for his commitment to academic excellence, his focus upon developing well-rounded students and for his support and encouragement of all members of his school communities
“He has a particular interest in the role that technology plays in education and has had oversight of this area in previous roles in independent schools,” Mr Brown said.
“It would be Mr Oates’s aim to lead an already strong team of staff who will live out its mission in a dynamic and inspiring manner.
“He will ensure a nurturing school learning environment, which is dedicated to achieving individual excellence for staff and students.”