Our College
Our College
Kurnai College is a vibrant and inclusive learning community located in the Latrobe Valley, Gippsland. With campuses at Churchill, Morwell, and the University Campus, along with the Latrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option (LV FLO), the College provides students with diverse pathways and opportunities to thrive.
We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where every student feels valued, safe, and inspired to achieve their personal best. Our dedicated staff work in partnership with families and the wider community to deliver engaging programs that encourage academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
Kurnai College offers a broad curriculum designed to meet the needs and aspirations of all students. From the foundational years in junior campuses through to senior pathways including VCE, VCE VM, and VET, our programs are tailored to ensure students are prepared for future study, training, and employment.
Beyond the classroom, students can access a wide range of co-curricular opportunities in sport, the arts, leadership, and community service, fostering skills in teamwork, creativity, and resilience.
At Kurnai College, we believe education is about more than results – it’s about empowering young people to become confident, capable, and compassionate members of society
College Principal’s Welcome
Welcome to Kurnai College.
Kurnai College is proud to be the College of choice across the Latrobe Valley. As a multi-campus learning community, we provide clear and supported pathways to success for every student, whether they are university bound, pursuing vocational and trade pathways, or preparing for the world of work.
At the heart of our College are our Four Pillars – Work Ethic, Engagement, Relationships and Excellence. These values guide everything we do and shape a culture where students are known, challenged and supported to achieve their best.
We are proud of the rich and diverse programs available to our students. Our award-winning Music Program continues to gain recognition through outstanding performances and strong connections across the wider community, providing students with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity and teamwork. Our highly subscribed Kurnai Athletic Academy supports students to excel in their chosen sports, combining expert coaching with a strong focus on academic achievement, wellbeing and personal growth.
Inclusion is central to our identity. Kurnai College’s Disability Inclusion Program is recognised as a leader across the state, ensuring all learners — particularly those with additional needs — are supported to thrive. We are committed to equity, access and high expectations for every student, and we continue to strengthen our partnerships with families and external agencies to support student success.
Teaching and learning at Kurnai College is driven by an innovative instructional model that focuses on evidence-based practice, assessment for learning and targeted support. This approach builds teacher capacity and ensures consistent, high-quality learning experiences that promote growth for all students.
Student wellbeing is equally prioritised through our Kurnai Wellbeing Model, which supports students socially, emotionally and academically throughout their learning journey. Our positive behaviour and restorative practices create safe, respectful learning environments where strong relationships can flourish and students feel a genuine sense of belonging.
We are proud of our strong connections with the Koorie community and our ongoing commitment to cultural inclusion and respect. We value student, family and staff voice, and we work closely with our local community and partner organisations to provide meaningful opportunities and support for our students.
With modern learning facilities, a clear sense of Kurnai identity, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement, we look to the future with optimism and confidence.
I warmly invite you to visit Kurnai College and see firsthand the opportunities, care and commitment that define our learning community.
Anthony Rodaughan
College Principal
School Vision
Building a learning community that promotes respect and achievement
Kurnai College defines a Learning Community as a community where:
- Learning is the focus and all members of the college community accept the responsibility for increasing their own learning and assist others to increase their learning
- Engagement
- Excellence
- Work Ethic
- Relationships
- An elected government
- The rule of law
- Equal rights for all before the law
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of speech and association
- The values of openness and acceptance of differences and diversity
- The safety of all children
The current Strategic Plan focuses on building teacher capacity through Professional Learning Teams, improved data literacy and Assessment for Learning practices. We are committed to creating positive learning environments through the Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support Framework, incorporating a restorative approach that is informed by knowledge of generational poverty. The college values student, family and teacher voice.
Kurnai College has moved to a year level team approach to drive curriculum and pedagogical development. Peer coaching, instructional rounds and coaching are all strategies that inform this work. Kurnai College will also provide instructional leadership development opportunities for teaching staff over the period of the new plan.
Kurnai College has developed a strong ICT network and is building our E-learning capacity at every opportunity. Stage 2 of the Morwell campus redevelopment is underway and the College is utilising a Language and Culture centre at the Churchill Campus. This centre enhances the range and depth of LOTE delivery across the college, with an emphasis on Chinese to complement and build our existing international program and students’ international perspective. Kurnai College takes pride in its inclusive learning environment and has done extra work to address the Marrung – Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026 and to build its intercultural understanding.
Kurnai College continues to explore creative pathways options for its students that capitalises on its partnerships with external providers, including Federation University. Consistently improving participation and retention rates, as well as VCE results, prove testimony to the growing profile Kurnai holds in the post compulsory landscape of Gippsland.
Kurnai College looks to the future with a sense of optimism and a positive frame of mind. With a stronger focus on our Kurnai identity and of belonging to one College, combined with an understanding of and commitment to our purpose, we move confidently forward striving to provide the best possible learning opportunities for all members of our Learning Community.
Kurnai College welcomes all students and we are particularly proud of our efforts to be a more inclusive Learning Community. The College has been recognised for its work in forging links with the Koorie community and continues to welcome students from all backgrounds, working with all to achieve success.
Enactment of the School Philosophy
The Kurnai College Strategic Plan will be the main focus when enacting the school philosophy. The main components include environmental context, student learning, student engagement and wellbeing and student pathways and transition. Our mission is divided into each of these categories and is carried out across all campuses.
The Kurnai College Vision sits at the centre of everything we do. Regular evaluation processes will be in place to measure performance in all areas of the school with respect to the implementation of the vision and values of the school.
The process at our school can be represented as the vision with values and beliefs at the centre. In an outer ring there is a set of principles. Beyond that is a set of practices. In all of our work we are governed by the question; “Is this work or process in line with the school vision, values and beliefs, and does it fall under a branch of the current Strategic Plan?” This question is a fundamental part of the practice of all leaders in the school.
Strategic Planning & Reports
[insert strategic plan]
[insert 2026 annual implmentation plan]
[insert 2026 annual report]
College Council
The College Council plays an important role in the governance of Kurnai College. Working in partnership with the Principal, the Council supports the delivery of high quality educational outcomes for all students by providing strategic oversight and guidance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Oversight
The College Council is responsible for:
- Overseeing the development and approval of the College’s annual budget
- Ensuring accurate records of the College’s financial operations are maintained
- Monitoring expenditure to support effective use of resources
Strategic Planning
Council members:
- Contribute to the development of the College Strategic Plan
- Monitor progress and outcomes aligned to the College’s vision and priorities
Policy Development and Review
The Council:
- Develops, reviews and updates College policies
- Ensures policies reflect the College’s values and strategic direction
Role of the College Council
The College Council sets the broad direction of Kurnai College and oversees key operational areas. Its responsibilities include:
- Establishing the College’s vision and long-term direction
- Developing and monitoring the College Strategic Plan
- Reviewing and updating College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct and Dress Code
- Approving the annual budget and monitoring financial performance
- Raising funds for College-related purposes
- Maintaining College grounds and facilities
- Entering into contracts (e.g. cleaning and service agreements)
- Reporting annually to the College community and the Department of Education
- Promoting the College within the wider community
- Representing and considering community views
- Regulating and approving after-hours use of College facilities and grounds
College Council Membership
The College Council is led by a President, supported by a Vice President and Treasurer. Meetings are held at least eight times per year and are typically conducted online on Tuesday evenings. Generally, the term of office for all members is two years. The term of office of half the members expires each year, creating vacancies for the annual school council elections.
Council membership includes representation from the following groups:
What the College Council Does Not Do
The College Council does not:
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the College
- Employ teaching staff
- Represent sectional or individual interests
- Appoint, dismiss, or renew the contract of the Principal
- Determine class allocations
- Discuss individual matters involving students, parents or staff
Contact the College Council
If you would like to contact the College Council, please email