Martin Culkin and Auburn High School (nee Hawthorn Secondary College)

As mentioned by President Ngaire (or is it Past-President now?) we had a wonderful opportunity to hear from a long term senior Victorian educator Martin Culkin and especially of his role as inaugural principal of the new or rather revamped Hawthorn Secondary College to become Auburn High School in 2014.

The recast school will extend its capacity by opening up for year 7 students.   Previously HSC provided study opportunity only for the more senior years of secondary school, now it will cover all. 

Martin described an exciting but very busy time for the school as it prepares for the new role.

Over the years Hawthorn Rotary Club has sought to and enjoyed a special relationship with the school.  Two staff members Virginia Murray and Craig MacPherson in particular have been conduits to Rotary and our club in regard to the annual Tasmanian Youth Exchange,  and  District programs to which young people are invited (e.g. MUNA).   Mentoring prospects have been examined too.

It is planned to continue and enhance the relationship between Auburn High School and the Rotary Club of Hawthorn with renewed interaction contemplated for next year when the "dust" has settled at Auburn.