Camperdown College Alumni

06/08/2026

We love celebrating the achievements of our former students, and this week we welcomed James O'Neil, a 2021 graduate of Camperdown College, back to where his own journey began.

James is completing the fourth and final year of a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education at Deakin University's Waurn Ponds campus. As part of his degree, he is undertaking an eight-week teaching placement at Camperdown College, learning alongside the teachers who once inspired him.

Reflecting on his return, James describes the experience as a true full-circle moment.

"From being taught by so many wonderful teachers here at Camperdown College, to now working alongside them and teaching students where I once was, has been a strange but incredibly enjoyable experience."

James has many fond memories of his time as a student, including the friendships, laughter and Year 12 study room, as well as the Bogong Ski Camp. He also credits the supportive staff and his favourite subjects, Physical Education and Product Design, for helping shape his future.

"Every teacher I had made an impact on me. They created such an enjoyable environment to learn. Chris Brooks – or 'Brooksey' – would have to be one teacher I'll never forget because of his antics!"

After graduating, James completed a Certificate III in Education Support traineeship at Camperdown College, confirming his passion for education and inspiring him to pursue teaching.

During his placement, James has particularly enjoyed building positive relationships with students and experiencing life in the classroom.

"I've really enjoyed creating connections with students and having the opportunity to teach classes and experience what teaching is really like."

Returning to Camperdown College has reinforced just how important the school community has been in shaping his journey.

"It's been nice being able to return the favour in a way. Having the opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, to students' future journeys is incredibly rewarding."

We are incredibly proud of James and all he has achieved since graduating. We wish him every success as he completes his degree and begins what promises to be a rewarding career in education.

23/09/2025

03/09/2025

1980 - 1985 Camperdown College (nee High School) School Reunion:
They certainly came dressed in their 1980’s finest. The bright fluro colours and denim were out in force and would not have been out of place at a student social in the AG Daws Hall at any time during their school years. Brought together by the organiser, Andrea Bell, 10.30am on Saturday 30th August, was the time to reunite… and, so it was as they made their way into the entrance foyer of the Senior Campus. As I watched people come in, I could only be very grateful for Andrea’s organisation in having nametags at the ready and immediately pinned on their owners… not that anyone had changed much in the intervening 40 years.

The ‘student’ group, along with former teachers of the college, Sue Po***ck and Richard Meier, then began a tour of the wonderful facilities to which our young people now have access… and impressed they certainly were! There were many surprises: the Instrumental Music Centre (which was, in their time, a laundry area); the Doctors in Schools rooms, formerly the senior Secretarial Studies area (and before that, the residence of the Senior Mistress!); the Drama Centre (the old Home Economics rooms); the new Home Economics Centre and Corangamite Trade Training Centre Hair and Beauty Facility; the main Staff Workroom… wasn’t that the Library? The Conference Room… wasn’t that the Staff Workroom? Where did the old Rooms 13, 14 and 15 go? Well, they’re now the Year 12 Study Room and the Library. And, in the Library, Lee, our Librarian, had put out the memorabilia from the college archives relating to the years that these wonderful people had been Camperdown High School students. Changes? Just a few.

We had the chance to check out the Maths and English/Humanities facilities (previously Typing, Commerce and Graphics), the Art/Textiles areas (once was Metalwork), the Language Centre (wasn’t that Textiles?), along with the Science and Wood (Technology) Rooms, still in the same place, but, beautifully updated and fit-for-purpose for the 2020’s. The old portables were lamented… well, not really. The new Technology and Metal shed, along with the delightful outside grounds, were appreciated, as was the access to the Frederick Street Stadium.

As Andrea Bell communicated with me later, it was great to see the changes and new additions, but, “We loved how the skeleton of the school has not changed.” There certainly was lots of excited chatter as we toured the school, talk of wonderful times gone by, the school and memories of some fantastic times, events and people, as well as some serious catching-up for some who had not seen each other for a long time.

When we finished the tour of the school, the group headed on to other ‘establishments’ in Camperdown for the afternoon/evening and a lot more reminiscing about those years 1980-1985, and the brief 40-year intervening period; more of the former students who couldn’t be there for the tour joined the group for the afternoon celebrations.

The facilities are wonderful and were appreciated and admired by our former students and teachers, but, as was clearly on show on this day, a school is people!

Peter Rock, Senior Campus Teacher

20/08/2025

After many years of planning and the dedicated efforts of our School Council, the long-term vision for the Junior Campus has finally come to life, with the newly renovated administration area officially open for business as of Monday.

What makes this project particularly special is that it was led by alumni Jake Dowell from Bowden Corp - someone who once walked these very same corridors as a primary school student. Jake took the lead on the renovation and his exceptional attention to detail and commitment to creating a space that truly meets the needs of both staff and students was second to none.

Reflecting on the project, Jake shared that he takes great pride in giving back to the college community that helped shape his early years and he hopes the new space will serve and inspire students and staff for generations to come.

06/08/2025

We are busily preparing for the Class of 1985 Reunion on Saturday 30th August - look at these fresh faced Year 12 students!

30/07/2025

The Year 12 Class of 1985 have organised a reunion at our Senior Campus for Saturday 30th August. In searching our archives, we found their Year 7 class photos from 1980. Can you see any familiar faces?

28/07/2025

Our Junior Campus House Captains have spent time working behind the scenes last term with Becky McCann, Community Development & Landcare Specialist and past student, to design and create mascots for each of our houses: Purrumbete, Gnotuk and Bullen Merri. The captains carefully considered species native to our local area, particularly those connected to their house and the colours of the species aligned with each house colour. House Captains presented a shortlist of possible flora and fauna ideas to their peers last Tuesday prior to their Walk on Country at Mt Leura/Sugarloaf that was held to acknowledge NAIDOC Week.

Despite strong winds and chilly weather, our Year 3–6 students embraced a powerful and meaningful Walk on Country to Mt Leura/Sugarloaf, departing the Junior Campus by 9.30am. The day began with a warm Welcome to Country by Francis Grundy, Friend of Mt Leura and past teacher, grounding the group in respect and cultural awareness. Throughout the day, students rotated through five sessions, learning how the Maar was formed and explored the native flora and fauna of the area. They engaged with the Gariwerd seasonal calendar and listened to a beautifully told Indigenous storybook, which brought Aboriginal perspectives and connections to Country to life.

The group climbed up to the crater for lunch and spotted a couple of kangaroos along the way, before completing the southern loop. Energetic students then took on the challenge of stair sprints and running down the adjacent hill. We paused to admire the stunning views, where Becky shared fascinating insights about the creation of the Maar and responded thoughtfully to students’ questions. Both Becky and Francis were a tremendous support throughout the day, offering knowledge and guidance that deeply enriched the experience.

Back at the Junior Campus in the afternoon, students regrouped in their houses for thoughtful discussions about their future mascots. Once a general consensus was reached, students began designing their mascots. Gnotuk appears confident in selecting the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and Silver Banksia; Purrumbete is moving forward with the Growling Grass Frog and Water Ribbons; whilst Bullen Merri is still considering their final choice. The designs were incredibly creative and many were truly impressive!

We would like to sincerely thank Becky McCann for the time, care and deep knowledge she has shared with our students. Her support has been instrumental in both planning our Walk on Country and guiding the mascot decision-making process. We truly couldn’t have done it without her and we are so grateful for everything she has contributed to this meaningful experience.

04/06/2025

Matthew Boyle from Wannon Water visited our Year 7 Geography classes last week as part of their unit 'Water and the World'. Topics included sources of water, the water cycle, water catchment and water treatment. Matthew explained the water management strategies that they are currently implementing due to the drought and the various career pathways working with water. The students asked some fantastic questions. We loved having Matthew visit - a proud past Camperdown College student.

27/07/2024

Congratulations to former student Grace Brown on securing Australia’s first gold medal overnight! 🌟🥇🚴🏻‍♀️

What an incredible inspiration to us all.

'I was able to execute my plan pretty much to perfection.'