Principal's Report

Dear Westall Secondary College Community,

Just as we thought remote learning and the worst of COVID was over, we have been thrown more challenges again this term. To be working remotely again at such short notice was not something we were hoping for nor expecting. The last few weeks have impacted a number of things such as the GAT (General Achievement Test) for our Senior students, Year 9 Community Week and Year 10 Work Experience week, Year 7 and 8 weekly sport and our planned student-free days. The list goes on. No one has been spared and all we can continue to do is focus on what’s within our control and also manage our emotional response to what is out of our control. Further to this, those who remain motivated and connected, experience much better mental health and school learning outcomes. I am so proud and pleased that for the most part, our students have demonstrated this. Sincere congratulations to you all.

Keep staying positive and optimistic, focus on what we have rather than what we don’t. What we have is everyone now back at school, a fantastic community of students, parents and staff here at Westall. We have exams and assessments currently being completed. We have reports for Semester One being finalised. We have 2 weeks of school holidays upon us. We will return in Term 3 for what will be a smooth and “normal” school term.

It has been pleasing that throughout this term, almost all of our programs and initiatives have continued relatively seamlessly. The DET (Department Education Training) Tutoring initiative and ongoing MYLNS (Middle Years Literacy Numeracy Strategy) programs have provided significant support to many students across our school to ensure their learning meets and exceeds expected standards. Our Aim High program also helps ensure students working above the expected standards are continually challenged and pushed to even greater heights. These initiatives are trademarks of our personalised approach at Westall.

When we return in Term 3, I urge all parents and students to read Semester 1 reports thoroughly, along with 2022 subject handbooks. As always, subjects for the following year and possible career pathways, are considered in Term 3 and the feedback you receive via your reports is critical in this decision making.

The last day for Term 2 is Friday, June 25 with a 2.30pm dismissal time. We return for Term 3 on Monday, July 12. Please note that our two student-free days that were scheduled for this term have been moved to August 12 and August 13.

Have a safe and enjoyable school holiday period and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 3.

Until next time!

Mr Tristan Lanarus