‘Best wishes and good luck’: Newcomb Secondary College principal Phil Honeywell retires

A Geelong high school principal has called it quits, ending a 16-year stint at the helm of the institution with a note to the school community on Friday.

Newcomb Secondary College principal Phil Honeywell in 2018 with Geelong MP Christine Couzens. picture: Glenn Ferguson

A GEELONG high school principal has called it quits, ending a 16-year stint at the helm of the instituion with a note to the school community on Friday.

Newcomb Secondary College principal Phil Honeywell issued a note to staff, students, parents and carers on Friday, announcing he would retire in mid-2023.

“After much deliberation I have come to the decision to conclude my time as Principal at Newcomb Secondary College,” Mr Honeywell wrote. “After a period of leave in Semester 1, 2023 I will retire from the Department of Education and Training in the middle of 2023.”

Newcomb Secondary College principal Phil Honeywell. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“It is with some sadness that I have reached this decision, as I have been principal at Newcomb Secondary College since 2006 and this appointment has been the longest (by far) that I have worked in any one role.

“While I have been honoured to be in this position, I now feel it is time for another to take on this important role.

“I will always looks back on my time as Principal with fondness and I wish each and every one of you all the very best for the future. A positive future that we create together.”

Ms Honeywell announced assistant principal Scott McLeod would take over as Acting principal while the Department of Education worked with the school to recruit its next leader.

“This is all part of the natural cycle for a school (indeed any organisation) and I am confident that, with the support of our community, the staff team can move the College forward to bigger and better things,” Mr Honeywell wrote.

“In my view the College is well placed to move forward and accept the challenges of preparing our young people for life and work in our competitive 21st century.

“We have a dedicated staff, innovative curriculum and partnerships with multiple stakeholders across Geelong that paint a positive picture of our school across different sectors of our local education and employment landscape. Over this time we have also benefited from significant facilities investment that means we have a positive educational environment for all our present and future students.”

Mr Honeywell signed off on the letter with “best wishes and good luck”.

Originally published as ‘Best wishes and good luck’: Newcomb Secondary College principal Phil Honeywell retires