Denton (Integrated ​​​Curriculum Coordinator, Years 8 & 9) Australia Day Hero Awards through Backpack Bed for Homeless – Educational Institution of the Year Winner 2021 Reconciliation Victoria and the Victorian Local Governance Association – Finalist in HART Awards History Cornish College officially opened in 2012, although it already had a rich history stemming from its roots as St Leonard’s, Patterson River campus, which had commenced in 1987. Genesis. In 1980, Richard Cornish, former Principal of St Leonard’s College, purchased 114 acres near the Patterson River for a new campus. The land was intended to be used for environmental, horticultural and agricultural studies; for sporting facilities; and as a feeder school for Prep – Year 8 students who would progress to St Leonard’s, Brighton for Years 9 – 12. St Leonard’s, Patterson River officially opened in February 1987. Early years When it opened, the school consisted of 67 students, five teachers, and eight classrooms. Key staff included the Head of Campus, Rev John Donnelly; Educational Director, Graeme Morgan; and Michael Davis, who later became the only staff member to have been part of the whole journey from St Leonard’s to the current day. The early years saw important changes at the school. When Donnelly took long service leave, Wendy Adams became the Head of Campus and was key in developing and implementing innovative thematic courses of study. The campus was renamed the Richard Cornish campus – Cornish for short – creating a sense of tradition and community bolstered by enthusiastic staff, students and parents from Brighton, who assisted with planting thousands of trees around the campus. In 1990, Kerry Bolger became the new Head of Campus. He further shaped the educational approach by re-emphasising environmental education and the farm ecosystem, adding a garden of indigenous plants and broadening subject choices for students. He also sought to establish the campus as its own, fostering connections between Cornish and the wider community. Challenges The college opened a new Early Learning Centre in 1995 in order to attract more families, with a music, drama and arts department, a multi-purpose centre (gymnasium, assembly hall, indoor sports centre) and new classrooms following suit. The Big Experience – now the Make A Difference Experience – became a curriculum highlight, focusing on social justice and personal development through service in disadvantaged communities. Despite suburban development prompting an extension to Year 10 by 2000, financial pressures grew and in