Parade College , Bundoora

At the beginning of 2009 the College formally commenced running a second campus at Preston on the site of the former Samaritan College. Housed at Preston were streams of each of Years 7, 8 and 9 and the VCAL students in Years 10 and 11.

The Commencement Assembly brought all students and staff together in the presence of many distinguished guests to inaugurate the new venture and bless the school year. The College held its focus firmly on providing as many and varied opportunities possible for development of the students as whole persons and fostering teaching and learning styles to maximise educational outcomes for the students. The VCAL program was successfully extended to include Year 10 students and a special extension program (ExCEL) was commenced for Year 9 students.

During the year, the College took up the services of Mr Gerard Sholly to investigate and report on the attitudes and needs of students in regard to sports offerings and the best development of the sports facilities into the future. The ensuing “Sholly Report” made a series of recommendations which the College was pleased to include in its strategic planning.

As a result, Mr Phil Gaut was appointed High Performance Director (Sport) and the decision was taken to construct a soccer pitch, six tennis courts and an athletics track in artificial surface in front of College Hall. This also gave rise to discussions about the need for more water harvesting and a firm was commissioned to construct storage of 2.5 million litres and the necessary reticulation for all sports areas over the summer.

During 2009 the College also mentored the formal re-establishment of the Old Paradians Association and the new committee was announced in August. A former student in Mr Tony De Bolfo joined the College staff as the Executive Officer of the new Association and is setting up on-line communication with former students.

During the year the College was successful in gaining some Commonwealth funding for a Trade Training Centre and the new building was planned, constructed, staffed and equipped by the end of the year. Ms Cate Livingston enjoyed her first year as Deputy Principal and Mr Andy Kuppe was welcomed in August as the new head of the Ministry Team.