Principal Team Report

College Events

Throughout Term 3, the talent and enthusiasm of our Mullauna students has shone through in a broad range of endeavours. One of the many advantages of belonging to a school our size is that when students show an interest or aptitude in a particular domain, they have a very good chance of being selected to participate, whether it is in sporting teams, debating, music production, public speaking, music ensembles or leadership positions. Their choices aren’t restricted by being allowed to do one of a selection of opportunities, but rather students can be included in a variety of activities according to their interests and abilities.

The Mullauna College Facebook page is a fabulous way for parents and carers to see the richness of school life that our students experience week to week and year by year. We know that quite often when an adolescent is asked the question ‘So – what happened at school today?’ the response a parent receives is likely to be ‘… not much’ or even perhaps a mumble. The postings on the Mullauna Facebook page are the antidote and a great way for parents and carers to fill in the

blanks! They also create the opportunity to start a positive conversation about school life and a child’s engagement in it.

Staff News

Today we thanked and farewelled Robyn Dyer, who returned to the Mullauna teaching team to cover Monique Chisholm’s Term 3 classes while she is on Long Service Leave. We thank Robyn sincerely for stepping back up to the ‘chalk-face’ and wish her well.

Today we also marked a very significant change for the college – the retirement of our Assistant Principal, Margaret Graham. We will acknowledge Margaret’s work at Mullauna and in the state education system more fully next term; suffice to say, her departure leaves an enormous hole in our college team, especially in the principal team, and she will be sorely missed. We wish her well as she commences a period of very well-earned Long Service Leave.

The ‘Spooktacular’ theme concert

On Thursday 8 September, the Music faculty conducted their major event for the year with their theme concert ‘Spooktacular’. The concert was a ‘frightening’ event with an impressive selection of musical pieces performed with outstanding enthusiasm and enjoyment. Well done to all students who took the theme to the next level and dressed up in an amazing array of costumes. Please check out our Facebook page for some great images taken on the night.

Thank you to our amazing Mullauna music staff: Sally Newstead, Peter Brodie, Kelsey de Prada and Sue Haylock, who are to be congratulated on their efforts yet again. Many thanks to all other staff that assisted on the night and helped out in a variety of roles. An added highlight (in addition to so many others on the night) was the participation of our Assistant Principal, Jeff Mcmillin, literally ‘blowing his own trumpet’!

Learning Conferences

The parent, teacher and student learning conferences were held on Monday 12th September. We trust that these three-way conversations have stimulated discussion at home regarding student learning and potential areas for improvement. The partnership between the home and school is of paramount importance. Opportunities to discuss how we can each assist students in their learning are essential if we are to support young people to achieve their potential. Thank you to parents and carers, for your meaningful engagement in the Student Learning Conferences.

Do you have any feedback regarding the Learning Conference process?

This year, we have trialled a model that allowed for both face-to-face onsite meetings during the day, followed by online meetings via WEBEX into the evening. We would welcome your feedback on this model via a short survey using the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q56JBPW

Building Program

We are hoping to announce shortly who our builder will be for Stage 1 of the building program, commencing in Term 4 this year. This builder will team up with Brand architects to deliver our new double-story complex on the west side of the campus. Once confirmed, we look forward to sharing building renders and plans with all members of the Mullauna community.

Year 10/11 Adventure Camp

I was pleased to be part of the Adventure Camp during the last three days of this term. We enjoyed good weather and many significant highlights of the camp and I hope this experience will be looked on fondly by the students in many years to come. A special thanks to the camp staff: Ms Baldry, Mr Harding, Ms Kimm, Mr Chrisfield, Ms Nevill, Mr Perree and Mr Smith. Without their commitment and dedication, such a camp would not be possible. Again, please check out our Facebook page for some great images & videos.

NAPLAN

This week, students in Years 7 and 9 were given a copy of their 2022 NAPLAN results to bring home. Please take a moment to review their results and store these for future reference. Any absent students can collect their NAPLAN results from their Year Level Coordinator at the start of next term.

If you are interested in seeing the types of questions asked in NAPLAN, you can view these on the public demonstration site

Division Athletics

Well done to all staff and students that participated at the recent Mullum Athletics event at Knox Athletics Track. It was great to have approximately 60 students represent the college and perform to their best.

Year 12 Revision Program

During the first week of these coming holidays, the Year 12 practice exams will be conducted; this forms a critical part of the preparation program for our Unit 3-4 students. The college employs the same supervisors to conduct the practice exams as we use for the GAT and Unit 3/4 VCAA exams. The practice exams and revision program will provide the Class of 2022 with invaluable preparation for the exams that commence on Wednesday 26 October. It is imperative that all Year 12 students take the chance to utilise this opportunity for revision and to work under exam conditions, because when we return after the term break, the time will fly by with only ten school days until the Year 12s last day on Friday 14th October.

The message from all of us to the Year 12 students in the coming weeks is to make sure that you find that essential balance between study and rest. Using the simple and effective strategy of a study timetable will help you to pace yourself and give you that reassuring feeling of having things under control.

2022 Parent/Carer/Guardian Opinion Survey – closes this Friday 16th September

Our thanks to the 125 families (31% of our MC community) that completed the survey. It closes today, so please add your voice if you have time. We will share the results with the college community when they become available next term.

New COVID-19 isolation guidelines

Please note the following information in relation to changed COVID Safe practices and rapid antigen test (RAT) deliveries.

COVID-19 isolation requirements have changed

Any student or staff member who tests positive to COVID-19 must now isolate for a minimum of five (5) days instead of seven (7). If they are asymptomatic, they may return to school on day 6. If they are symptomatic, they must remain in isolation until day 7. If they have symptoms after 7 days, they are strongly advised to stay home until their symptoms have resolved.

As an additional risk mitigation, the Department of Health strongly recommends that those leaving isolation wear a face mask when away from home, both indoors and outdoors, and when they cannot physically distance. Those leaving isolation on day 6 should wear a mask for 5 days but particularly the first 2 days. Those leaving isolation on day 7 should wear a mask for 4 days but particularly the first 2 days.

Those leaving isolation should consider taking a rapid antigen test before attending school.

School resumes for Term 4 on Monday 3rd October at 8:30am

On behalf of the Principal Team, I wish all students and staff a very happy, safe and reviving holiday break.

Jeff McMillin

Assistant Principal

For the MC Principal Team

Coming key dates:

Friday 16th September – final day of Term 3
Monday 19th September – Unit 3-4 practice exams commence
Monday 3rd October – Term 4 commences
Thursday 6th October – opening of the annual MC VCE Art Show at 7pm
Friday 7th October – EMR athletics
Monday 31st October (Cup Eve) – Professional practice Day – student-free (no scheduled classes)

Calendar

September 2022