INTRODUCTION WORDS TO AFFIRM
In a recent brainstorming exercise, Senior Campus students were asked to write down words that described and defined their experience of being a Fintona student. They offered a wide vocabulary which included, but is not limited to: Understanding, supportive, community, teamwork, strength, empathy, encouragement, acceptance, friendship, safety, belonging, and respect.
The words are affirming. They affirm that the past year has been one of stability and growth, and that the school is more than just an educational institution; it is a welcoming place where students willingly embody our values, are determined in their undertakings and are embracing the fullness of a Fintona education.
The annual events that populate the School calendar are always well attended and we are never reticent when it comes to building on our sense of community which the students refer to, or appreciating the work and input of parents, staff, our alumni and students that is so important to the successful running of the School and to the outcomes we have enjoyed over time.
Our parents and staff continue to support the learning of the students, in addition to their cocurricular activities, and to celebrate
their many achievements and successes. Nothing we do could be achieved without the work of our academic and general staff, and the commitment they have to their profession. Our teachers, most particularly, bring wisdom, passion, ideas and energy to work every day and they nurture students’ minds and hearts, sparking curiosity and developing in them the ability to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
The core elements of a Fintona education continue to be the traditions that are proven and appreciated, alongside the generation of innovative ideas which keep us aligned with thinking to support our students well into the future.
One of the highlights during the year was the 24 Hour Giving Day which saw our generous community donate in excess of $250,000, to provide a means-tested scholarship for a student whose family could not otherwise contemplate a Fintona education. A deep sense of commitment and belief in the School is evident in this amazing outcome, and everyone involved is so proud of both the efforts behind the organisation of the Giving Day and the generosity displayed from our fabulous community. An offer has now been accepted, and a student will join us in Year 7 2025.
The year has gifted us with many rewards and moments that proved the strong connection we have to our school community, the other communities we move through, and beyond to the greater world, and the issues facing so many across the globe.
I hope you share the overwhelming sense of gratitude I have for our staff, students and parents, who go above and beyond, and to the Board of Management, who continue to be supportive and firmly focused on the future.
Much of what we do and who we are is reflected in the words of our students: Kind, resourceful, positive, independent, memorable, humourous, adventurous, talented, harmonious and courageous.
It is a privilege to lead Fintona.
Rachael Falloon Principal
WHO WE ARE
At Fintona, we see the extraordinary in every individual.
Here, students are encouraged to develop their talents and interests - to become fearless and adaptable leaders of the future. Every individual is seen and nurtured to move beyond their comfort zone and unlock their natural potential.
Our learning programs are immersive, integrated and practical. We offer a distinct and stimulating approach to academic excellence by nurturing a love of learning that spans an abundance of disciplines.
Our students are driven to make a difference and are supportive of each other’s success. Fintonians are bound together by a sense of belonging, a drive for change and an ability to lead, which challenges the status quo.
OUR ETHOS
A Fintona student can be recognised as one who faces her life with the simple belief that to live is to learn.
In every endeavour, she aspires to do the very best she can. She is able to learn and work independently, yet enjoys the opportunity for interdependent and collaborative work. She holds secure moral principles and beliefs, believes in a healthy body, whilst remaining attuned to the intellectual, emotional and spiritual dimensions of her being. As a communicator she is poised and confident, is largely self directed but will ask for help, if needed. For her, the pursuit of excellence is assumed, not contrived, and she knows this innately. We hope that she accepts her limitations and believes that within those limits she can be inspired to make a difference. She nurtures a love of tradition and heritage whilst maintaining a positive vision for the future. She is protective and proud of the School’s reputation and her own and aspires to be truthful and kind in her interactions with others. Her outlook is optimistic and global, essentially because she is tolerant and believes in the inherent decency of all people. She tries to look upon others as individuals rather than a crowd, and is respectful of difference. Like all people, we hope she understands that she has her faults, yet she also reflects on her own behaviour. In all aspects of her life, she eschews what is vulgar and mean-spirited, and directs herself to what is good and noble.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
The graphs below indicate that the majority of Fintona’s income is derived from Tuition Fees. Government Grants represent 18% of income. Prudent management of expenditure is key to Fintona’s healthy financial position. Employment is the largest expense in all schools, and we continue to value and reward staff as we are able to within our means. ICT remains a constant focus with its staffing and infrastructure.
The School continued its refurbishment program during 2023 and this included:
- Sound proofing the Tuckshop
- Renovation of the Junior School staffroom
- Renovation of the Performing Arts Black Box
- Staff and student toilet renovations across the School
- Roof repairs and replacement of flashing on the Glencairn Building including repairs to the chimney
- Repurposed a room for administration office space
- Tuckpointing of Tourmont brick work
- Completion of new IT area and Help Desk
- Installation of new cabinetry in the Junior School
- Upgrade external door security system
OUTSTANDING RESULTS
Fintona Girls’ School is renowned for consistently achieving outstanding VCE and NAPLAN results, placing Fintona among the highest performing girls’ schools in Victoria. The 2023 results once again affirm this strong position.
Joint Duces Leila Dubow and Jiayi (Dora) Li Achieved an ATAR of 99.95 95 2023 VCE Highlights at a Glance
DESTINATIONS
NAPLAN
The 2023 NAPLAN results place Fintona amongst the best performing schools in Victoria for both Primary and Secondary. Since 2023, NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards, with student achievement shown against 4 levels of proficiency: exceeding, strong, developing and needs additional support. These replace the previous numerical NAPLAN bands and national minimum standards.
2023 NAPLAN results
STUDENT AND STAFF STATISTICS
Our Students Our Staff
For approximately 580 students from ELC to Year 12, Fintona is a welcoming and safe environment where a sense of belonging and connectedness is experienced.
Retention Rate
Our student retention rate across the School was 92%.
Student Attendance Rates
Attendance is everyone’s responsibility at Fintona. Attendance is monitored daily and unexplained absences followed up by phone. Extended absences are managed by Heads of School and the School Counsellor with supportive programs in place to encourage a return to school as soon as possible and in a way where wellbeing and the development of resilience is in focus.
We are very proud of our staff and recognise that they work with dedication to produce outstanding outcomes for our students.
The average length of service for teaching staff at Fintona is 7 years. In 2023, our staff comprised of 69% teaching staff and 31% general staff. The average staff attendance was 96% while the retention rate was 86%. The Professional Learning attended by staff was part of the School’s Professional Learning Plan which aims to provide staff with opportunities to strengthen their academic knowledge and teaching skills whilst at the same time encouraging participation in broader areas of interest. The average professional learning expenditure per staff member was $1053. Our staff are highly qualified and enjoy working in a close and supportive community. The following chart displays the highest qualification of our teaching staff (including Early Learning Centre educators and Instrumental music teachers). It shows that 82% of our teaching staff have a Bachelor Degree or Higher. In addition, 83% of our teaching staff hold more than one degree or certification.
Teaching Staff Qualifications
SCHOOL SATISFACTION
Parent Satisfaction
Providing the best possible education for our students is Fintona’s primary objective. To help meet this commitment, we undertook a Parent Satisfaction Survey targeting all parents from ELC to Year 12. The aim of the Parent Satisfaction Survey was to gain valuable feedback from parents, and to understand perceptions regarding the quality of the educational experience at Fintona.
A total of 75 parents responded to the survey with good representation across the School and year groups. The results provided clear evidence of the overall satisfaction of Fintona parents and a positive appreciation of the education we offer. The Parent Satisfaction Survey comprised a number of statements that parents could rate from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. Parents were also asked to comment on what improvements the School could make and to advise what aspects of the curriculum their daughters enjoy. Overall, the results demonstrate that Fintona parents have a very high satisfaction level with the quality of education their children are receiving.
The school is well maintained
My child likes being at this school
motivate
The school works with me to support my child’s learning
My child feels safe at this school
Teachers expect my child to do their best
I can talk to my child’s teachers or Head of School about concerns
Student behaviour is well managed
Teachers provide my child with useful feedback about their school work
The school looks for ways to improve
This school takes parents’ opinions seriously
