New principal paving the way for young adults
RECENTLY appointed principal of Dubbo College Senior Campus Marisha Blanco is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the journey in making a positive impact for young adults.
Commencing her teaching journey in 2004, Ms Blanco has worked in multiple sectors around the campus including being a classroom teacher, coach, year adviser, head teacher, deputy principal and now principal.
Since 2019, Ms Blanco has been deputy principal and relieving as principal.
“During this time, I have been fortunate to be a part of the evolution of the school, working as part of a dynamic team to drive continuous improvement,” Ms Blanco said, adding that Dubbo College Senior Campus has been fortunate to be selected as one of 15 public schools across the state in an inaugural HSC strategy conducted by the NSW DEC Quality Teaching Practice Unit.
“This will be an innovative approach in establishing learning ecosystems to maximise student achievement in the HSC,” she said.
The school has also been selected to participate in the Parent Partnership Ecosystem, which is catered to support families through innovative strategies.
With 71 Aboriginal students who graduated from Dubbo College Senior Campus in 2021, Ms Blanco strives to continue to strengthen improvements.
“We are reflective and critical of all programs including our Aboriginal Education programs that are led by respective campus teams.
“We will continue to drive improvement through our Koori Education Team by strengthening our partnerships with the Dubbo Local AECG and the Three Rivers Regional Assembly.”
The school will continue to work with the Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships Education Unit to establish an Aboriginal
learning and engagement centre.
The centre will demonstrate a strong focus in strengthening the transition from years 10 to 11.
Ms Blanco said existing Aboriginal education programs will continue to support and improve success for Aboriginal students.
“As principal, I remain committed to ensuring students in Dubbo receive the same if not better, quality of education as their peers in metropolitan areas,” she said.
She continues by citing some of the complexities, but says “it is driven by quality teaching practice”.
Through her instructional leadership, Ms Blanco ensures student progress and achievement through student engagement.
By working collectively with her primary and college colleagues, challenging and supportive learning environments are created which improves targeted outcomes for every student.
“This sets a powerful foundation for Dubbo to ensure we broaden and maximise student life choices,” Ms Blanco said.
She told Dubbo Photo News she is excited to continue to develop their partnerships with local businesses and Dubbo Regional Council to work in developing local industries and future workforces.
With students evolving through their teenage years, Dubbo College Senior Campus will progress and adapt alongside its student cohort.
The school is at an implantation phase for many initial programs through the advice of school and community consultation.
Ms Blanco said she looks forward to being able to provide opportunities for writers, future driven students and students who use other initiatives to succeed.
The college offers wellbeing, mentoring and Aboriginal educational programs to provide equal opportunity for succession with every student.