From humble beginnings nearly 26 years ago, Overnewton Anglican Community College has grown to become a prep-year 12 school with campuses at Keilor and Taylors Lakes and a separate year 9 campus.
Principal Jim Laussen attributes the college’s success to its rich and varied academic and co-curricular program at all year levels.
“Our success is also linked with parents of students contributing 18 hours of service to the college each term.
“This is key to the success of students’ experiences here because they know they have the support and commitment of their parents behind them,” Mr Laussen says.
A hallmark of the junior school is a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, alongside an enquiry-based approach to the broader curriculum.
“A ‘You Can Do It’ program is another emphasis”, says Mr Laussen, “which is based on developing confidence, persistence, organisation, getting along and resilience.”
Art Costa’s ‘Habits of Mind’, highlighting 16 habits to help individuals be successful, is provided to middle-school students.
“They are asked to consider these habits when planning, reflecting on and undertaking tasks and in their personal endeavours,” says Mr Laussen.
“And Canowindra, the year 9 campus, allows students to focus on their individual development and maintain peer interaction through an integrated hands-on program.”
One student reaping the benefits of Overnewton’s education is year 11 student, Dino Vlachos, who was presented with a Spirit of Anzac award from the Premier for his essay on the Anzac spirit.
