Celebrating 25 Years of Find Your Future – A note from our Principal, Dr Karen Read AM
Sevenoaks Senior College proudly celebrated its 25th Anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the College’s history and providing an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey of a school founded on the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed. Since opening in 2001, Sevenoaks has supported more than 8000 students from over 60 nationalities, helping thousands of young people find their future through pathways leading to university, apprenticeships, traineeships, employment and further education.
Our anniversary celebration brought together past and present students, staff, families, community members and distinguished guests to recognise the many contributions that have shaped Sevenoaks over the past 25 years. The event featured a Welcome to Country from Jacquie and Gerrard Eades, cultural performances, reflections from former Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett, founding Board Chair Lydon Rowe, second Board Chair Sharon Brown, Foundation Principal Dave Wood and current Board Chair Dr Marnie O’Neill.
Elder Jill Abdullah who had a significant role in the foundation years in planning for Sevenoaks and Elder Christine Ross who was a former Board member also joined in the celebrations. We are grateful for their efforts in ensuring Sevenoaks succeeded and providing cultural guidance for First Nation families.
A student panel representing different eras of the College shared inspiring stories of their experiences and achievements, highlighting the lasting impact of a Sevenoaks education. We thank Aaliyah Nestoridis (2022) including Zac Robertson (2021), Saba Sarandili (2024) and foundation student, Rachel Bullock (nee Sueren) (2001) for their wonderful reflections.
We acknowledged foundation staff, Merv Alcock, Lynnelle Wilton, Fiona Thompson and Lesley Whitehouse who still work with us, plus many other foundation staff members who joined us on the day. The celebration also provided an opportunity to acknowledge foundation staff members and many former students and families who returned to reconnect with the College community. Guests commenced a tour at our Yarning Circle, led by Vice Principal Katie Edwards, toured key learning areas including the Koolark Centre, STEM Centre, Trade Training Centre, Academy, AMA Nursing facilities and Creative Industries spaces, showcasing the breadth of opportunities available to students today.
The afternoon celebrations were complemented by a delicious BBQ, canapes served by hospitality students, performances on stage, a photobooth, and visual display for reminiscing.
As we honour the achievements of the past 25 years, we also look confidently to the future. The strength of the Sevenoaks community, its commitment to inclusion and innovation, and its unwavering focus on student success which continue to ensure that every student has the opportunity to discover their strengths, pursue their goals and find their future.
College Board Chairs 25th Anniversary Highlights
Our three Board Chairs shared the story of Sevenoaks Senior College as a bold educational experiment that evolved into a highly successful and innovative senior secondary school. Together, they traced the College’s journey from its founding vision, through its growth under strong leadership, to its ongoing commitment to helping young people find their future.
Beginning with the reflections of inaugural Board Chair Lyndon Rowe, the College was described as an experiment in school-based autonomy, flexibility and community governance. Founded with representation from industry, universities, TAFE, parents, staff and the Aboriginal community, the Board believed that educational quality was determined by what happened in classrooms rather than central administration. Strong Aboriginal representation was important from the beginning being represented by Jill Abdullah and Eric Hayward who made significant contributions to the initial discussions as Board members. The Board’s role was to protect the school’s autonomy, support innovation and appoint outstanding leaders, beginning with founding Principal David Wood.
Building on this foundation, Sharon Brown reflected on the Board’s original vision of creating a state and national leader in senior secondary education through enterprise learning, industry partnerships, work-based learning and innovative use of technology. She acknowledged the contribution of David Wood in establishing the College and paid tribute to Dr Kathleen Partridge OAM, whose passion, commitment and pride in Sevenoaks left a lasting legacy for students and staff.
Current Board Chair, Dr Marnie O’Neill focused on the leadership of Dr Kathleen Partridge, OAM, identifying four defining elements of her tenure: Vision, Opportunity, People and Partnerships. Under her leadership, Sevenoaks expanded opportunities through initiatives such as Independent Public School status, the Trade Training Centre, the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation’s Follow the Dream program, the Clontarf Foundation, the Wirrpanda Foundation, the Big Picture Academy and industry partnerships with organisations including Cummins, Komatsu and BG&E. These opportunities were supported by staff commitment, strong student voice and enduring community relationships.
Across the Board Chair reflections, a common theme emerged: Sevenoaks’ success has been driven by a clear founding vision, strong governance, courageous leadership, committed staff and deep partnerships with industry and community. Twenty-five years on, the College continues to embody its purpose of helping every student to “Find Your Future” while remaining true to the innovative ideals on which it was founded.
