Hello Preshil community,
Welcome to another edition of the Weekly!
What a week it’s been—and I’m not just talking about Halloween!
I want to begin by expressing my deep pride in our community and unwavering belief in what we do. Preshil will continue to lead in progressive, human-centred education, and moments like this only reinforce that vision.
As we move through this transition, my commitment is to keep communication open and timely. This process is not just a change—it’s an opportunity to grow and strengthen what we offer our students.
What We Heard
Primary School Families – The Introduction of a Middle School
There is significant excitement about the potential to establish a uniquely Preshil space and learning approach dedicated to early adolescence. The continuation of the Arlington experience into Years 7 and 8 offers a tremendous opportunity for our children and families.
This week, I spent time with the Sunroomers to hear their specific questions. They’ve already begun imagining what they want in their future spaces—their ideas have been creative, thoughtful, and filled with optimism.
This direction also aligns with a recommendation from the 2024 Educational Review, which stated:
“A middle school program be established which focuses on the developmental and transition needs of early adolescent students.”
Some concerns raised by parents included:
- Disruption from building works during the transition;
- How the 2027 Year 5s will be supported when they remain at Arlington as Year 7s;
- Ensuring they still have access to a robust high school experience and don’t feel isolated.
We will continue to focus on these areas in future communications as we gather more detail over the coming weeks and months.
Secondary School Families
There was a strong overall sense that this move represents a positive repositioning for Preshil. Many parents could see the potential for greater accessibility and purpose-built functionality that supports our distinct educational philosophy.
Some of the key concerns included:
- The potential 2028 temporary relocation to the Carey Sports Precinct adjacent to Arlington (the former MCC clubhouse/function space). We want to be clear: this is only a contingency plan and would only be used if the new Senior Studio site is not yet ready.
- Doubts around whether the new campus will be ready by 2028, with some anticipating a delay into 2029.
- The potential impact on current Year 9s who may complete their senior years in transitional spaces.
Following our next round of online community information sessions (details below), we will provide a comprehensive roadmap outlining:
- The phases of our transition,
- Community consultation timelines, and
- Key milestones across this next phase of development.
We anticipate this roadmap will be available within the next fortnight and will aim to address many of the broader questions raised so far.
Upcoming Online Sessions
To include all families in the conversation, we’ve scheduled:
- Alumni Session – Wed 5 Nov, 7–8pm
- 2026 K–6 Families – Tues 11 Nov, 7–8pm
- 2026 Years 7–10 Families – Thurs 13 Nov, 7–8pm
Co-Creating Our Future
Design workshops will begin in late November/early December, inviting students, families, and staff to help shape our next campus through three lenses:
- Human – How do we want people to feel in the space?
- Functional – What should the space enable?
- Environmental – What must the space offer?
This is a rare and exciting chance to design a future that reflects who we are—and who we’re becoming.
Thank you for your support, trust, and partnership as we move through this next phase—together.
Warmly,
Aaron Mackinnon
Principal
