From the Principal 

We are now into Week 8 of the term and our Year 12s have completed their exam assessment period and now have a bit of a wait until the VCAA publish their results in mid-December. Last week I attended the Year 12 International Student dinner, although this is one of our smallest groups to complete their VCE studies due to the international travel bans, the students were very reflective of their time at the school and we are proud of the resilience shown through the disruption that many of them experienced, in studying both off and on shore. I am looking forward to our Graduation event tomorrow evening for all of our Year 12s and their families.

This week, our Year 10s will return from their Northern Territory Trip. Although the trip had some challenges with illness, thorough planning enabled the group to continue safely. We will continue to plan interstate travel events and I thank the staff that are so keen to provide opportunities for our students.

It is so exciting to be able to share with you the images of our new Library / STEM building. Thanks to our Community, in particular our School Council, for their resolve in ensuring funding for the new building. The building will be located where the current library is located so we will soon be decanting the library and setting it up in the Hall for the next 18 months while the build happens. We will now continue to advocate for our next priority project: a new Gymnasium!

A reminder that this week students will be involved in course confirmation on Thursday 24  and Friday 25 November. On Thursday our Year 10s and 11s will be finding out their VCE programs for next year and Friday our Year 8s and 9s will be finding out about their subjects that they will undertake in our Year 9 and 10 Northcote model. This year we have introduced some new subjects to add to students’ choice and interest. A big thanks to the subject faculties for their continued work to keep our students engaged in challenging and relevant curriculum. Note that on these days year levels will have their classes cancelled so that they can attend Course Confirmation at their allotted time.

Our faculties are currently planning Activities week events for our Years 7-9, for the final week of classes for the year. This year we are planning activities a little differently and they will involve fewer general excursions and be more curriculum focused. Faculties are designing activities based on skills and knowledge that are required within their faculty. Each day, students will opt-in to a number of events run by 1 or 2 faculties. We are aware that some students will not be able to attend due to other commitments, so all attendance is to be selected via Compass Events. Compass Events will open on 28 November and further information will be sent via a Compass Newsfeed.

I hope to see you at an upcoming event, whether that is the Graduation; our final music concert of the year, or our annual Art Show - read on for more details!

Chris Jones

Principal