Principal's Welcome
“It is a privilege to work at Overnewton, surrounded by committed staff, exceptional facilities, and a culture shaped by care, purpose, and ambition. I am proud to lead a school that is focused on providing an outstanding education while nurturing character, community, and a strong sense of belonging.”
Emily FitzSimons
Principal
About our Principal
Emily FitzSimons is an experienced educational leader with a deep passion for holistic student development and academic excellence. Since joining Overnewton Anglican Community College as Principal in 2023, Emily has been committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and courageous school culture - one where students are empowered to achieve to their full potential, while developing strong character and a sense of purpose.
Prior to Overnewton, Emily held key leadership roles in prominent independent schools. She was Director of Teaching and Learning & Director of the Centre for Learning, Research and Innovation at The Geelong College, where she played a pivotal role in shaping innovative educational programs. Previously, she served as Director of Learning and Teaching Excellence at St Peter’s College in Adelaide. Beyond academics, Emily has led college-wide wellbeing programs, focusing on resilience, personal growth, and student flourishing.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Education from the University of Newcastle, and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania. She also has a Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience for Learning from Flinders University. A published author and speaker, Emily has contributed extensively to the field of character education and adolescent development.
Beyond her professional life, Emily is deeply engaged in her faith community, having worshipped in Anglican churches for most of her adult life. Her personal interests include cooking, gardening, the performing arts, and travel.
Under Emily’s leadership, Overnewton continues to uphold its commitment to excellence in education, ensuring that every student receives an enriching and inspiring school experience that delivers "Over & Above".
Principal's Welcome - Video Transcript
Hello, and welcome to Overnewton Anglican Community College. I’m Emily FitzSimons, and it is my great privilege to serve as the Principal of this exceptional school.
From the moment I joined Overnewton in 2023, I was struck by the strong sense of belonging that defines our community. We are a school that goes “Over & Above” -where students are known, valued, and encouraged to be the best version of themselves.
At Overnewton, education is more than just academics. We are committed to developing character, nurturing ambition, and inspiring young people to serve their communities with heart and integrity. Our students are empowered to think critically, act compassionately, and embrace the challenges of a complex world with confidence.
As a College, we are dedicated to exceeding expectations - not only for our students, but for their families, our staff, and the wider community. Guided by Christian values with an Anglican ethos, we create an inclusive environment where our students can thrive.
I invite you to explore what makes Overnewton so special. I look forward to welcoming you and your family into our community.
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CANOWINDRA CAMPUS
YIRRAMBOI CAMPUS
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Marin Balluk people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which Overnewton Anglican Community College stands. We respect the knowledge that will be forever embedded within the Aboriginal Custodianship of Country and remember the loss of cultures, languages and Lands they have endured. Like the Marin Balluk people, we at Overnewton want to respect the Land, the cultures and the heritages, and learn from those who have come before us in the passing on of knowledge and the teaching of life skills, as well as continue with wise stewardship of our buildings and grounds. We honour their custodianship of this Land and offer them our deep respect.