Y Whittlesea—a leading youth organisation committed to empowering young people—has officially opened its first independent school in Victoria, providing young individuals with an exceptional opportunity for education.
The Y Community School in Epping offers Year 10-12 students aged 15 and older an innovative educational pathway within Whittlesea, empowering students who have faced challenges in conventional academic settings and reshaping their educational journey.
Located next to Y Leisure City, the school benefits from state-of-the-art recreational facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and specialised resources.
With more than 40 enrolments since its inception in July, a team of educators, youth workers, and support staff enriches the school’s curriculum and supports the holistic learning environment.
The opening event saw many attendees, including Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny, the Y Whittlesea community, and the Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner, who officially inaugurated the school at the event on November 21.
Ms Gardner said the school was a space for students who felt disconnected from traditional educational settings to thrive and reconnect with their learning journey.
“It was a pleasure to attend the opening of the Y Community School in Whittlesea, to speak with educators and to hear firsthand from students how this school has benefited their learning,” she said.
“Although Victoria has a proud history as a leader in education, events such as this one are an important reminder that no one system will work for everyone, and that innovative solutions are required to ensure the gift of education is available to all.
“The Y’s first Victorian community school follows a path set around Australia—a path towards a fairer and more accessible education system.
“Community schools are a place where students can discover their abilities and build a better future, not only for themselves but for our state more broadly.”
Y Whittlesea Chief Executive Michele Rowse said the opening showcased a transformative moment for the community.
“At Y Whittlesea, we believe every young person deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said.
“The opening of our new school in Epping demonstrates our commitment to addressing the needs of young people and empowering them to overcome obstacles and thrive.”
Five students bravely shared their personal journeys at the opening, speaking about the sense of safety, inclusion, and comfort they have experienced in the new environment.
Fifteen-year-old Zane, who felt overlooked and unsupported in mainstream education, said the new school had given him a sense of belonging.
“This school is probably one of the best things that ever happened to me, I think anyone would be lucky to come here,” he said.
“It really helps me knowing that I can come to school and actually be loved, and be wanted here … at this school, it’s so easy to make friends, everyone’s [on] the same boat. I think everyone’s lucky to be here.”
Campus Principal Sarah Abbott said the event marked a significant milestone, both personally and professionally.
“The stories that we hear about the change that the school’s had on [students’] wellbeing and mental health, and their learning is phenomenal,” she said.
“We’ve been lucky to have the staff that we have … the people that they’ve had dealings with personally and myself, likewise, have given us that insight into mental health challenges, disengagement, being on outskirts of mainstream, and that gives us that understanding of what the students and their family are going through.”
In addition, the school was opened in recognition of Fiona Miller, an inspiring and dedicated Y employee for over 25 years whose vision and tireless efforts made the school a reality.
For more information about the Y Community School, visit www.whittlesea.ymca.org.au/y-community-school.
