Our History

The School crest was designed.

The School motto, “Walk in the Truth”, was created (3 John 1:3-4).

Enrolments were confirmed throughout the year for students from Kindergarten to Year 8.

Foundation Principal, Mr John Matthews, commenced duties in August 2005.

As enrolments grew exponentially, more Teachers and support staff were employed.

Swanleigh Anglican Community School opened on 1 February 2006.

The first Chapel service was held on 8 February 2006 for all students, staff and parents.

127 students were enrolled from Kindergarten to Year 8, growing to 200 by the end of the year.

In 2007, the School was renamed Swan Valley Anglican Community School.

Mr Brian Grimes was appointed Principal in 2008.

A number of building developments took place:

• Administration
• Science and Technology
• Music Practice Rooms
• Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH)
• Junior Years Playground
• Basketball Court
• Building 6

An agreement was arranged with the Anglican Diocese for the construction of a Chapel which would be shared with the local Anglican Parish.

A number of new buildings were opened:

• The Chapel of the Holy Wisdom of God
• School Canteen

The first Year 12 cohort of students graduated from the School.

Mr Doug Swingler was appointed Chair of School Council in 2012.

Mr Jason Bartell was appointed Principal in 2013.

Building works continued:

• Buildings 2B, 6A and 7A
• Primary Art Studio
• Technology and Enterprise Training Centre
• Café
• Primary Classrooms
• Campus carparking extended

Current Principal, Ms Melissa Powell, commenced in January 2018.

Jess Haydon (Year 12 2018) won the Beazley Medal: VET (the State’s top honour in student achievement for Vocational Education and Training) and the VET Exhibition for Construction Industries.

Caitlin Whittle (Year 12 2018) won the Australian School-Based Apprentice of the Year and WA School-Based Apprentice of the Year.

Introduction of annual WACE Assembly for high performing ATAR and VET Alumni.

The Pre-Kindergarten Program began in 2019 and all classes were filled immediately.

The new School Mantra ,“Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow”, was introduced.

In response to requests from students, shorts and long pants were introduced as uniform options for girls.

New School-Owned 1:1 ICT Program introduced, superseding the previous BYOD Program.

Principal, Ms Melissa Powell, introduced a yearly Theme for the Whole School. In 2019, the Theme was “Today is a Gift!”.

The School continued to grow with record enrolments every year.

In 2022, SVACS was the second school in Western Australia invited to join the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics Research Partnership — one of only 40 schools nationally.

2020 Theme: “Positivity, Optimism and Hope”

2021 Theme: “We are Strong and Courageous!”

2022 Theme: “Gratitude and Joy!”

2023 Theme: “Respect (For Others, Yourself and the Environment)”.

Introduction of new Secondary Academic Awards, including certificates, badges, and prizes.

Secondary School (7-12) model introduced (amalgamating Middle and Senior Years).

Establishment of Student Representative Council (SRC).

Two new staff committees formed: Teaching and Learning, Pastoral Care.

Buddy Program introduced (Pre-Kindy – Year 12).

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr Seuss Whole School annual book reading for Year 12 Graduates.

10-year Reunions introduced for past Alumni.

Introduction of SVACS Rainbow Lockers for all students in Years 3-12.

New campus developments continued, including:

• English
• Performing Arts Centre (including 230 seat Theatre)
• New Music and Drama Rooms 
• Native plantings introduced to campus, including new Administration entrance

The School continued to grow with record enrolments.

In 2024, SVACS was one of the first 20 schools in Australia (two in WA) authorised to offer the Australian Learner Competency Credential (ALCC), which formally recognises skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and active citizenship.

In 2025, the School was extremely honoured to be presented with two national awards that recognise forward‑thinking schools and impactful leadership, celebrating innovation, student voice, and inclusive school culture:

• The Educator Australia – 5‑Star Innovative Schools
• The National ACEL Leadership Award

Primary School (PK-6) model introduced (amalgamating Early and Junior Years).

Introduction of new Secondary Specialist Basketball Program.

Introduction of new Secondary Specialist Volleyball Program.

Introduction of new Secondary Sports Awards system, including certificates, badges, and trophies.

2024 Theme: “Excellence (Do Your Best; Learn From Your Mistakes; Be Proud of Your Achievements)”.

2025 Theme: "Compassion (Be Kind to Others; Care for People who are Suffering; Find Ways to Help)".

2025 Song: "Try a Little Kindness"

New campus developments continued, including:

• Dance Studio
• Humanities
• The Collaboration and Creativity Centre
• The Common (including new basketball and volleyball courts)

The School proudly celebrates its 20-year anniversary (2006–2026). In honour of this significant milestone, an artwork is commissioned “Heartbeat of the Valley”. The piece reflects the cultural significance of the Swan River and honours the enduring connection of Noongar people to Country.

Record enrolments continue, with over 1,530 students enrolled in 2026.

The Collaboration and Creativity Centre is opened, a state-of-the-art signature building that embodies innovation, inspiration and excellence in education. The name reflects the building’s diverse purpose and directly aligns with two key attributes of the School’s Learner Profile — Collaborative and Creative.

Due to increasing enrolments, the decision is made to expand to six Houses in 2027. All houses will have Noongar animal names, reflecting a commitment to respect, inclusion and connection to the local Whadjuk Noongar culture.

2026 Theme: Commitment (We set goals; We work steadily towards achieving them; We are proud of our success).

New campus developments continue, including:

• The Great Court
• The Labyrinth