Term 2 has been a period of incredible energy, achievement and celebration at Reservoir High School. The focus for this term with all of our students has been on strengthening relationships with their peers and teachers, engaging in the wonderful co-curricular opportunities on offer and persistence in learning, even when it seems challenging and hard.

Early on in the term Lea Volpe and I met with our local member for State Parliament,

Nathan Lambert, to advocate for further funding for the re-build of Reservoir High School. Following our meeting Mr Lambert gave a speech in Parliament on the 30th of May, where he spoke about the strong and proud Reservoir High School community, our significant achievements in student learning and why we deserve to have the best possible facilities for our students. Nathan introduced me as the new Principal of the school and invited the Minister for Education, the Honourable Natalie Hutchins, to officially open our new building, the Manual Arts Centre. It is heartening to know that Minister Lambert is a strong supporter of our school and is advocating for us in the wider community.

Reconciliation Week

In the final week of May we celebrated Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. There were a range of events and activities throughout the week which enabled students to deepen their knowledge of our First Nations Peoples and learn about the importance of healing and reconciliation, so as to create a united Australia for all.

Year 12 Formal

After many months of careful planning and ever-growing excitement, the Year 12 Formal took place on Friday 16th June at Emerald Receptions. The evening was a spectacular affair and our Year 12 students looked very glamourous and elegant. They thoroughly enjoyed celebrating together through the sharing of a meal, dancing to great music provided by the DJ and capturing memories to last a lifetime in the photo booth.

‘Recognition of Service’

On Monday 19th June, five of our teachers were recognised by the Department of Education at a special ceremony where they received a ‘Recognition of Service’ for 35 years of service to public education in 2023. Angela Neophytou, Sandra Duhandzija, Roslyn Pizzey, Nina Rossini and Peter Cattapan have all achieved this remarkable career milestone. We are so very fortunate at Reservoir High School to have teachers with such commitment, dedication and loyalty.

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 Work Experience commenced this week and provides our students with the opportunity to learn about the world of work and expectations of employers, explore and test different pathway possibilities and explore their learning in a real-life context. This will assist our students in making meaningful and informed decisions about their future pathways which they do in the Course Counselling process in early Term 3.

Cultural Diversity Week

A highlight of Term 2 is the Cultural Diversity Week, a very special time when we come together to celebrate what makes Reservoir High School so special. This week always takes place in the final week of the term and week involves a range of events and activities including performances, food from across the world, cultural music and the annual Colour Run. The whole-school Cultural Diversity Week Assembly on Tuesday was entirely student-run and involved a traditional cultural dress fashion parade, a true highlight for all. In my Principal’s Address in the assembly I spoke about Reservoir High School being the true embodiment of inclusion. We actively celebrate the differing views and contributions of the varied members of our community, while maintaining respect and celebrating each of our differences. Many of us at Reservoir High School are from migrant families and some of us are from refugee backgrounds. And of the many things that unite as a school community is our abiding hope, tenacity of spirit and enduring optimism. Every one of our individual students are remarkable and when we collectively support one another, we are capable of extraordinary things.

Semester 1 Reports will be made available on the Monday of the first week of the holidays. Online Parent/Teacher interviews will follow on Thursday 27th July and I would encourage all parents and guardians to arrange an appointment with their child’s teachers. The creation of a partnership between the school, the student and the parent is integral in ensuring success in education and this partnership is fostered through regular meetings. Please take the opportunity to meet with each teacher and explore your child’s achievements and areas for further growth.

As my first school term as Principal of our school comes to a close, I am deeply proud of who we are and what we represent. I wish all of our students and families an enjoyable and restful break. Use this time to re-connect with one another, to rest and recharge ready for Semester 2.

Take care,

Katie Watmough

Principal

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