Mr Colin Dobson PSM

Colin Dobson PSM, is the inaugural Principal of Monash Children’s Hospital School. He is an excellent role model and his knowledge of education pedagogy, learners as inquirers and authentic enablement of student voice and agency have added value to state and independent education through a range of educational settings. Colin has demonstrated exemplary leadership as an educator, director and principal for over 36 years.

Passionate about children’s education and the vital role teachers and professionals play, Colin’s work has been at the forefront of ground breaking initiatives in education. Colin was previously a teacher, Head of School and the Director of Curriculum for Wesley College as well as Principal at Mount View Primary School, inclusive of the outstanding Deaf Facility.  As Principal of Monash Children’s Hospital School he has incorporated education and health in the one environment. His work has supported education and health colleagues to see the important connection between education, health and recovery.

Colin has a strong capacity to build relationships and is an influential advocate of indigenous culture and its importance in educational settings. He has been a consistent supporter of internationalising education which has included the building of sister school partnerships. Colin was instrumental in introducing international primary year programs to schools in Victoria, Australia, and the Asia Pacific region and was an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program workshop leader across this region. He was also co-designer of the first postgraduate certificate in Educational Studies (International Baccalaureate) in 2005.

He is an active member of the Department of Education’s Manningham and Monash Network Executive and is chairperson of the HELP Alliance which brings together leaders from Australia and New Zealand Hospital Schools. Colin is a highly esteemed peer and mentor to education and health colleagues.

Colin’s belief that all students have the right to an outstanding education, regardless of their circumstance, has been apparent in every setting he has led, including his current role as Principal of the innovative Monash Children’s Hospital School. Colin personally took responsibility for recruiting staff, developing policies and teaching and learning initiatives, establishing relationships with local schools and hospital schools nationally and internationally. The growth and effective operation of the school under Colin’s stewardship has ensured positive outcomes for some of Victoria's most vulnerable young people and their families.

In 2022, Colin was presented with a Public Service Medal (PSM) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education.

Colin completed a Bachelor of Educational Studies and Master of Education (Leadership, Policy and Change) at Monash.