Principal - ELTHAM College

Hello, I am Simon Le Plastrier, Principal of ELTHAM College. I believe that an ELTHAM education embodies great philosophies about young people’s independence, their ability to think creatively, not just in the creative arts but across all academic disciplines. Ours is a school that allows young people to be independent thinkers.

Simon’s biography

Simon commenced as Principal in January 2014, with a desire to reinforce and consolidate ELTHAM’s strong reputation as a leader in schooling.

Up until December 2013, Simon was the Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School at Trinity Grammar School in Kew. In 2001, he produced The Trinity Parents’ Alcohol & Drug Resource Book which is in use all around Australia. Before his appointment at Trinity Grammar, Simon was a highly regarded Deputy Head of Campus at Ivanhoe Grammar Schools – Plenty Campus, where he established a culture of care, commitment and focus.

At ELTHAM, Simon’s dedication to re-envisioning the curriculum has strengthened our culture of critical thinking. Simon was instrumental in forming our Strategic Master Plan (2011 – 2021) which articulates our vision for ELTHAM College. Another of Simon’s achievements was the rebuild of the College Observatory, which opened in early 2019 thanks to community support.

An extremely energised and enthusiastic educator, Simon remains dedicated to the classroom, teaching our Year 10 Philosophy course Beginner’s Guide to Ideas.

Simon has shared his educational expertise at a range of conferences over the years, including the ACHPER Health and Well-Being in the Middle Years Conference (2007) and the Inaugural Victoria Parents Council Symposium (2008). He has also contributed to our local community as part of the Nillumbik Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) and the Green Wedge Management Plan review.