TLSC Tumbi Umbi Campus was originally established in 1997 as Tumbi Umbi High School, located in a rural setting between Wyong, Berkeley Vale, The Entrance and Terrigal.
Population growth had far exceeded the provision of community facilities and services and in 1996 it was decided to build a new secondary school on the site. The state member for The Entrance, Mr Grant McBride, was instrumental in ensuring that the school was established to provide local services for the growing local community.
The foundation principal was Mr Andrew Newman, and he was joined by the first deputy principal Mr John Sharples and a small, enthusiastic staff who were well prepared when the first students arrived in Years 7 and 8 in 1997.
During the establishment years, the nation was standing tall on the international stage and a new focus on the environment was evident. It was fitting that the student designed crest reflected the feeling of the nation and the beautiful environment in which the site is located. The crest shows a stand of eucalypts and the words 'Learning to Stand Tall'. Under Mr Newman's leadership, the school developed a strong connection with the community while developing students who showed a strong sense of social responsibility and respect. His work and that of the staff laid strong foundations for the future of the school and the educational opportunities available to students.
In 2002 Tumbi Umbi High School became Tumbi Umbi Campus when it joined with Berkeley Vale Community School to become one of two middle schools (Stages 4 and 5), and with The Entrance High School, the senior school (Stage 6) to become Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College. The College was designed to provide specialised education for students appropriate to their stage of development.
Mr Newman became the foundation principal of the college, and was succeeded by Mrs Barbara Mellor as campus principal in 2002. Mrs Karen Nicol joined Mr John Sharples as the second deputy principal in 2002. Mrs Mellor steered Tumbi Umbi Campus through its first years as part of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College. Rapid expansion of the site occurred as the College was established. An ambitious building campaign was launched to cater for the increase in students and staff. Mrs Mellor oversaw the campus at a time of rapid change and educational innovation.
Mrs Shayne Player became principal in April 2005 on Mrs Mellor's retirement. On her arrival, the campus began its next stage of development. The campus evaluated its past, its achievements, programs, history, and traditions and set its course for the future. The campus motto was tweaked to reflect the campus's vision and its values. 'Standing Tall' became the revitalised motto. Students, staff and community identified the campus's four core values- 'Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Fairness'.
The building program continued, as Mrs Player oversaw the transformation of the internal and external environment of the campus and added further improvements across the entire campus at curriculum and wellbeing levels for students, community and staff.
Mr Anthony Angel joined the campus in 2007 as deputy principal after Mr Sharples retired in 2006. In 2007 Mrs Nicol became principal at Morrisett High School. She was replaced as deputy principal by Mr Rodney Hill in October 2007.
Mr Angel became principal at Lisarow High School in 2013. He was replaced by Mr Barry Palmer. In December 2014 Mr Hill became principal at Wyong High School. He was replaced by Mrs Belinda Casey in 2014. Mrs Carol Brailey, a foundation staff member joined Mr Palmer and Mrs Casey as deputy principal in 2015.
The solid and stable enrolment of the campus and the campus's desire to serve its community provides many opportunities for the deputy principals and executive to shine as they continue to work with Mrs Player in guiding the campus to its next phase of development, embracing the opportunities of the 21st century.
Upon Mrs Player's retirement in October 2020 Mrs Kenndell Smith was appointed as interim Campus Principal, guiding us to develop a new Campus Vision,
"A safe and inclusive community of creative, connected and independent learners that is built on mutual respect and the desire to succeed".
In April 2021 Ms Elizabeth Bate was appointed as our permanent Campus Principal and will continue to lead the campus and its dedicated and caring staff all of whom maintain an unswerving focus on continuous improvement as the campus continues to move forward as an outstanding educational facility for all students in the local area. The leadership and management of the campus are strongly focused on teamwork and respectful partnerships at all levels.
The campus has been the subject of studies and interviews about successful schools by many academics. The interest in the campus shows the effectiveness of the state-wide recognised educational partnership between TLSC Tumbi Umbi Campus and its partner primary schools of Bateau Bay Public School, Brooke Avenue Public School, The Entrance Public School, and Wamberal Public School which focuses on action learning and research to lift student achievement.
TLSC Tumbi Umbi Campus has enjoyed recognition for academic achievement, sporting achievement, cultural and creative achievement, community involvement, the impact of professional learning learning on student achievement, transition to secondary school, partnerships with primary schools, active membership of Tuggerah Lakes Learning Community, operation of a top quality site for all aspects of WHS for students, staff and community, educational achievement of Aboriginal students, active partnership with Kuriwa AECG, proud NANGA Mai Award recipient, adjusted curriculum and its impact on students staying on in education along with a multitude of processes, procedures and programs keenly sought as examples of best practice by other schools across the state.
The level of community confidence in this campus is such that campus enrolments have soared as demand to access our programs has increased. Waiting lists have been established as parents and carers seek to enrol their children in a campus recognised for its outstanding opportunities for, and education of, students in the vital years of adolescence where they need fair, clear expectations, firm boundaries and a supportive environment with excellent adult role models.
'Excellent Students, Excellent Staff, Excellent Facilities, Excellent Campus'.
Curious about the history of education in NSW? Then explore this link: