INTRODUCTION A STRONG COMMUNITY
Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.
Stephen Covey
It is hard to imagine what it would be like to live in a monoculture, given that the majority of us have only ever lived in the multicultural society Australia has become. The real liberation of Australia in the sense of embracing cultural expansion commenced with the abolishment of the White Australia Policy in 1973, under the Whitlam Government; with people from over 200 countries having immigrated to our shores since that time.
Fintona is a school that seeks to maintain an objective, and forward-thinking view of the world, and we embrace and celebrate the richness of our cultural diversity. We do this through our interactions with our students and their families, in the classroom, in our celebrations, and in our acknowledgement and respect for First Nations’ people, the world’s oldest continuous living culture.
Providing the best possible education for every student at Fintona is our primary aim, and during 2024 we asked students and families to complete a cultural survey. The survey gave us valuable feedback and helped us to understand community perceptions regarding the quality of our students’ educational experiences, so too the depth of nations, cultures, religions and rituals that form our Fintona Family.
Understanding cultural diversity in schools can reduce stereotypes and foster empathy and tolerance as we prepare students to be global citizens, critical thinkers, and positive change makers.
Throughout the 2024 year we had many opportunities to connect with the diverse cultures that make up our community. Students and staff were immersed in language week, various assemblies and an inaugural cultural diversity week was championed by our student leadership, where we learned more about one another.
Students came to school in their cultural dress, performed dances, sang traditional songs and played traditional instruments. We heard stories from our students about what their cultural background means to them as they spoke with pride about the important rites of passage and traditions they cherish. Some of students attend their formal in their traditional dress, further highlighting the inclusiveness of our community and celebration of such. The sharing of cultural experiences has given us some memorable moments and has contributed to a greater understanding and acceptance of the differences that are our strength.
Reflecting on the past year, I feel a great sense of pride and gratitude for our tight knit community that is so diverse, curious and generous. We continue to generate ideas, discuss strategies and develop ways to keep improving operations and outcomes.
Our parents and staff continue to support the learning of the students, and I am cognisant of the fact that nothing we do could be achieved without the work of our academic and general staff, the Leadership Team and the commitment all have to their profession and to our School. Our Board of Management are also pro-active and committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for the School, both now and looking to the future. They too share in the value of community, being regular attendees at our many student productions and performances and key parent events.
Education is our focus; it binds us, inspires us and compels us to bring out the extraordinary in every student.
Do what you do well.
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 2024 and this included:
Extensive internal & external painting
MRC sports floor resurfacing
Installation of swipe card locks on all doors in the ELC and Junior School
Restoration of the tiles on the Tourmont verandah
Installation of a new kitchen in the Year 12 Common Room
Construction of new ELC Playground equipment
Installation of emergency egress doors in the ELC
ELC bathroom upgrade
Installation of new perimeter fence and electronic gates
Construction of new office for the Deputy PrincipalOperations
Sanding and re-staining of various external decking and seating areas
Progressed the design of the new Performing Arts Centre and obtained Planning approval
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 2024 results once again affirm this strong position.
99.85
Median ATAR
93.63
Median Study Score
36
Perfect Study scores were achieved in
English (two)
Psychology (one)
ATAR ACHIEVEMENTS
Triple Duces Amelia Graham, Maggie
Little & Saria Ratnam
DESTINATIONS
NAPLAN
The 2024 NAPLAN results place Fintona amongst the best performing schools in Victoria for both Primary and Secondary. Since 2024, NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards, with student achievement shown against 4 levels of proficiency: exceeding, strong, developing and needs additional support.
2024 NAPLAN results
10% Arts 1.5% Design 1.5% Education
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 98%.
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 2024, our staff comprised of 68% teaching staff and 32% general staff. The average staff attendance was 96% while the retention rate was 90%. 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 $620. 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 94% of our teaching staff have a Bachelor Degree or Higher. In addition, 85% 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 91 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
Teachers motivate my child to learn Teachers treat students
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
and engage
