Acting Principal 

Learning from the past…

Karen Reivich’s research states that ‘resilient people can derive meaning from failure…they use this knowledge to climb higher by tackling problems thoughtfully, thoroughly, and energetically (Reivich, 2002)’.

During the past semester, with the return to face-to-face learning, many students have displayed increased maturity, honesty, and adaptation to the challenging changes in their lives. Not only have they dealt with their adolescence, which is challenging enough, they have utilised coping and resilience strategies to move forward.  An example of tenacity was shown by my Year 12 students who submitted their Unit 3 SAT folio Visual Communication Design folio this week. It is a major task which has challenged their coping mechanisms especially their time management. All students showed their strengths of resilience and determination which shone through their fine achievements. 

As this term draws to a close, it is a timely reminder for all students to reflect upon their academic performance by taking note of suggestions by teachers in their reports, and to utilise feedback for increased engagement and academic improvement. 

Thank you to all students, staff, and parents for making the first half of the year such a positive, productive, energetic, and exciting time. So many events have been made available to students to extend their breadth of learning, through co-curricular activities. It is a timely reminder for students, that it is never too late to join a sporting team, help with fundraising activities or involve yourself in something positive! 

Work Experience and musical performances which have been delayed and or rescheduled in the past are now able to happen. Students having opportunities to explore the world of work is beneficial and eye opening. With the Year 9 Morrisby Testing and Year 10 Work Experience underway, middle school students will soon begin planning for their futures. It is an exciting time in many ways and support from parents through pathways discussions is encouraged.  I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Pathways team for their dedication and never wavering support for all RSC students for their supportive work in ensuring most students secured a work experience placement. Students playing to live audiences is somewhat dauting but also provides avenues for creativity and enjoyment as displayed in the winter concert held last night which showcased great musical talent.

The very proactive SRC is building school culture awareness through mixed student groups that helped organise activities in Education and Reconciliation week with indigenous displays, visits by guest speakers, Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place providing an onsite coffee van to raise funds, beautification of the Wellbeing House gardens with donations from Bunnings, VCAL students planting annuals in the college environment and fundraising for MND with a college Pyjama Day to name a few events. In the future, the SRC wishes to increase student engagement through the introduction of integrated buddy programs, cultural clubs and other projects including the design and production of artistic murals in our college environment.

The STEM building project is steadily moving ahead with architects Clark Hopkins Clarke (CHC) and Lloyd Building Group. All asbestos has been removed over the past few weekends and demolition of the 200/300 wings will begin next week which launches another important phase of our masterplan.

The Attitudes to School Student Survey was completed across all year level cohorts despite absences due to student illness. The results of the survey due out in Term 3 will continue to assist the college to monitor the effectiveness of key implementation strategies identified in our School Strategic Plan (SSP) and will aid implementation of improved educational opportunities in 2023. Early in Term 2, all middle school students were invited to complete a ‘Check in Survey”. Results varied across school year levels with most student’s sense of confidence, resilience and emotional awareness and regulation increasing and students experience of bullying being very low. NAPLAN testing was successfully completed again with little disruption resulting in a high participation rate that was well supported by a robust IT platform.

The everchanging environment impacted by COVID 19 and the flu has challenged our processes and systems for both staff and students reminding us that flexibility and adaptability is essential to navigate the educational rutted road ahead further building individuals character strengths of perseverance and courage. 

Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to my colleagues in the Principal and Leadership teams for their great support and respected consultation over the past term. To all staff, I wish you a well-earned restful holiday and thank you for your hard work, resilience, determination, and perseverance. RSC students are very fortunate to have such professional teachers and support staff that care, nurture, and support you. To you the parents and carers, I extend my gratitude to you for all that you in supporting your child to navigate through life’s challenging times. 

I leave you with a few thoughts about lessons that can be learnt from our children.

They accept each day as it comes

They don’t dwell on the past

They collaborate effectively and openly

They accept that life is different

They give their personal best

They have lifted their grit levels 

They are curious

They move on

I wish you all a very safe and restful holiday break remembering to appreciate the good things in life and enjoy precious time with family and friends.

Maria Allison

Acting Principal