It is with much sadness, we learn that the principal of the new Richmond High School, Colin Simpson has passed away.
We had several discussions with Colin and found he was a kind, efficient and courteous gentleman that will be missed.
The Herald Sun Digital Edition: Sudden death shocks school
29 October 2019
Students, teachers and parents at Richmond High School embraced and cried at school pickup yesterday after learning the school’s principal died suddenly at the weekend.
Founding principal Colin Simpson was regarded as a visionary school leader in the government sector.
Having been principal at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School from 2004 to 2016, he moved to Richmond as the founding principal of the innovative vertical school.
Richmond High School, which will enrol in its third intake in 2020, will eventually have 650 students on a compact site near the town hall.
Tributes have flowed for Mr Simpson, who attended the original Richmond High School.
He was seen as an inspired choice, bridging the disappointment of the loss of the original school in 1992 with the building of a new school.
The school is co-educational and Mr Simpson was a leader in student voice, having students on employment selection panels.
Mr Simpson was instrumental in setting up a network of inner-city schools to help each other and share resources.