Colmont land revived in Kilmore

A new chapter will begin for the former Colmont School in January 2025, as it transitions into an International Maarif Schools of Australia campus—an independent institution renowned for its focus on bilingual education.

Before the school’s closure in 2022, Colmont was known as The Kilmore International School (TKIS), one of the few schools in Victoria to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) instead of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

Its short closure notice left more than 300 families scrambling to find a new school within days.

For the last two years, residents and politicians have been rallying for the campus to be used as a public secondary school, but to no avail.

When the school became available for purchase in October 2023, International Maarif Schools of Australia Business Manager Nail Aykan said the foundation seized the chance to acquire the campus without hesitation.

“The Turkish community was eagerly looking forward to an International Maarif School opening in Victoria, after first opening in Sydney some five years ago,” he said.

“Many young Turkish families have been relocating to Wallan, Donnybrook, and Beveridge in recent years, hence there has been a sizeable growing community close to Kilmore.”

Set to launch first with its primary school classes, enrolment is expected to steadily increase each year, and eventually expand to include Year 12.

The Kilmore campus will be Australia’s second International Maarif school to open, with its first location in Auburn, NSW.

The International Maarif Schools of Australia organisation is part of a global network that spans 55 countries, managing over 450 schools and one university, and serving 54,000 students worldwide.

In addition to conventional studies, the school’s curriculum will include language and cultural studies, with Turkish as a mandatory component of the school’s bilingual education, alongside third languages.

Islamic and Qur’an studies will also be covered in the school’s curriculum, as well as standard studies of English, mathematics, science and technology, creative arts, and personal development, health, and physical education.

“For the local community, this curriculum offers multiple benefits,” Mr Aykan said.

“It will prepare students to become active and responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.

“It also strengthens community ties by promoting values of inclusivity and civic responsibilities.”

A non-denominational school, the institution will open its doors to all Kilmore families and those from surrounding areas, meaning students from any background and religion can attend the school without being restricted to a designated enrolment zone.

Suleyman Kor has been appointed as principal of the new school, and will bring over 30 years of experience in the education sector to the position.

Throughout his career, Mr Kor has held various leadership roles, including Deputy Principal for Curriculum, Senior School Vice Principal, and Director of Education, alongside other related roles.

The school is currently taking expressions of interest for enrolments.

For more information, email Suleyman Kor at suleyman.kor@maarif.org.au.

For more information on The International Maarif Schools of Australia, visit www.maarif.nsw.edu.au.