Be so good they can’t ignore you.” – Steve Martin

This quote from actor Steve Martin, reminds us how important it is to focus on improving our skills and being the best you can be, rather than simply seeking attention or recognition. By working hard and constantly striving to improve, you'll make yourself valuable and indispensable, which can open up new opportunities and help you achieve your goals. So, whether it's in academics, sports, arts or other pursuits, we want to encourage and support our young people to put in the effort to become so good that people can't help but take notice of their skills and accomplishments.

As we approach the end of Term 1, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your commitment and hard work in supporting your young person’s education. We have been fortunate to undertake most of this term without any major disruptions and challenges, and we reflect on how lucky we have been to have our programs and events unfold as planned during the term.

It has been a fantastic term that has seen some significant accomplishments, including our Year 7 students beginning their high school education, and all year levels settling into their learning spaces with their peers and new teachers. The entire student group has begun their learning with rigour and intent, and we are proud of their progress. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to deliver a rigorous and engaging curriculum, coupled with supporting students with managing the demands of their schooling and setting high expectations of their achieving their “PB” and becoming people of good character.  We are optimistic and hopeful that this landscape will continue into next term.

We have all worked together to make this happen, and I would like to extend a special thank you to our teachers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students are ready to learn. Some students have required additional support, and our teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure that they receive the attention they need. We would like all students to take advantage of some of the extra supports offered by the college to help students achieve success, including attending Homework Centre on a Wednesday or Redemption Centre, when a student may not have achieved a result that reflects their ability. These are study habits that can support student learning right through secondary school, into University and TAFE. I often say in my school tours to prospective parents that years 7 to 9 are the years where study habits must be embedded strongly  in place, just like the foundations of a house, so that the years that follow can “build” and be stable to ensure the student can achieve their best learning outcomes. 

I would also like to acknowledge the difficulties that we have experienced with staffing changes this term. For some classes, we have had several staff changes in one term whilst we search for the best teachers available. Despite these challenges, our teachers have continued to show dedication to our students and their education. Thankyou must also go to our students and families who have supported and understood the challenges that schools are currently facing with staff shortages. 

I am pleased to report that we had a wonderful assembly on Tuesday to celebrate a great term. Our students demonstrated our college values, and it was a pleasure to see their hard work and dedication recognized. Please refer to the SWPB (School Wide Positive Behaviours) page of our Newsletter for the results of this terms SWPB awards. 

SEAL excursion:

On Friday March 31st our SEAL year 7 and 8 students journeyed to the Grand Prix for a science extension excursion. This was a wonderful experience for these students and we look forward to seeing photos and a student report in the next newsletter. We are very grateful to Laura Washington, Gifted and Talented Leader, for arranging such an amazing experience for our students.

NAPLAN testing is now completed, and the results will be sent to parents as soon as they arrive. The data collected from these tests is crucial for the school to help support student learning. By analysing the results, teachers can identify areas where students may need extra help, challenge or support, and tailor their teaching accordingly.

It's important to remember that NAPLAN is just one tool used to assess student progress and is not the sole measure of a student's ability or potential. Teachers use a range of assessment methods, including ongoing formative assessments and other standardised tests, to gain a holistic understanding of a student's learning needs and progress. It certainly does not define who the student is and we should look at this information as one snapshot of data to use to help students achieve success. 

At lunchtime on Tuesday 28th of March, our Student Leaders ran a fundraising day for the Royal Childrens Hospital. This was an amazing event which included:

• A bake sale
• Face painting
• Count the Easter egg competition.
• Face painting
• Music 
• Staff V Students soccer match
• Classroom collection for casual clothes day

It was the only day of the week where the weather was kind and there was an amazing sense of community. In all, junior campus raised $1060.30, which was a fantastic effort from the whole campus community. Well done to our Student Leaders for their first major event for the year. Please refer to the Student Leadership page of this newsletter for photos and a College-wide report.

Once again, thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to continuing our journey together in Term 2 and please don't forget our Parent Working Bee at Bluff Road Campus on Sunday April 23rd. We really need your support as we prepare for Open Night on April 27th.

Vivienne McElwee

Campus Principal