EXCELLENCE AWARDEE: Innovation in Learning Environment Design

Bentleigh Secondary College

Allison Elcoate

Principal

As Principal, it is a great privilege to lead such a vibrant community, built on the relationships and principles of a loving Christian family. We proudly embrace the 42-year Marist history at the college, integrating their values into daily life, especially through our pastoral care and wellbeing programs. These uphold the ideals of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, reminding us that “To raise children properly, we should love them and love them equally”. My goal is to be personally invested in every student’s success and to foster a support network between students, families and dedicated staff in a spirit of partnership and mutual support.

Principal

Allison Elcoate

facebook.com/Bentleighsecondarycollege

@ruytongirlsschool

Danielle Collins

Head of Primary

Danielle Collins

@TDSLaw

Danielle Collins is the Head of Primary School at Fraser Coast Anglican College. She is a strong believer in supporting the development and wellbeing of her staff and students. Her career encompasses a wide range of teaching experiences in both classroom and specialist music. Before joining FCAC, she held a number of middle management positions in which she led curriculum design and innovation, mentored beginning and experienced teachers and led data management and analysis. She is a passionate educator who believes in providing children with a holistic education so they become informed global citizens.

Bentleigh Secondary College’s Performing Arts Precinct is a state-of-the-art centre of excellence, recognised in 2025 as an Excellence Awardee for Innovation in Learning Environment Design at the Australian Education Awards. Designed by Haskell Architects in close collaboration with Bentleigh Secondary College, the facility was delivered to the highest standard following more than a year of careful planning and construction. Supported by a $13.2 million investment from the Victorian Government, the precinct features a 500-seat theatre, specialist music, drama and dance studios, rehearsal spaces and cutting-edge lighting, sound, stage machinery and acoustic engineering. This thoughtfully designed space inspires imagination, creativity and possibility. Students can perform in productions of every scale, engage with industry-standard technology and collaborate across disciplines in an environment that seamlessly blends artistic expression with professional-grade facilities. The precinct fosters innovation, confidence and excellence, preparing students for pathways in the arts and beyond. Its design also strengthens community connections, creating space for hosting workshops, events and performances that celebrate student achievement while enriching the wider community. The Performing Arts Precinct embodies Bentleigh Secondary College’s commitment to creating inspiring environments where every learner can explore their potential, pursue their passions and thrive.

As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls. At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish. Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability. We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.

Joe Wright

Principal

Joe Wright is the fifth principal of Fraser Coast Anglican College and was appointed in 2018. Joe’s career has seen him work in different state and Anglican schools. He has previously been nominated for a National Excellence in Teaching Award. Joe introduced the college’s ‘Edge’ program, which won the ACEL Educational Futures Award in 2017. He has also been published in a range of educational journals. Joe treasures the relationships the staff have with their students and families and the vibrant college community and believes these relationships make the college a great school.

Principal

Joe Wright

Nikki Robertson is a CPA with 25 years of experience. The majority of Nikki’s career has been in management accounting in the energy industry, in both Brisbane and the Surat Basin, with just a dash of tax accounting to add flavour. Her roles in the Surat Basin enabled her to develop skills in safety management, contract management and civil projects management. These skills have proven very useful in her role as Business Manager, particularly in overseeing the construction of the $10 million multipurpose centre at FCAC. She is passionate about her work at the college and believes building genuine connections with people in all areas of life is the key to happiness and success.

Business Manager

Nikki Robertson