Principal's Report
Farewell 'Class of 2018'
Formal classes for our Year 12 students recently came to an end with class time quickly replaced with exam preparation and celebratory activities
Statistics indicate that completing secondary schooling has not only a huge impact on life outcomes, but has a massive financial return. These returns are even greater if a student goes onto University or TAFE at the completion of Year 12. This is why we place such an emphasis on student achievement and took the time to celebrate the achievements of our 'Class of 2018' during the final week of October. Activities included a whole school assembly, celebration day and valedictory evening. I was particularly impressed this year with the maturity that our students demonstrated in the final week. Students were instrumental in developing a true celebration day in which staff and students alike were able to have fun with activities such as laser tag, inflatable soccer, jumping castles and music on the oval. Activities which I am sure will become part of tradition in the years to come. I congratulate the 'Class of 2018', thank all of the teachers and families for assisting in their important journey and wish them the very best for the years to come.
Further details on the final week for our Year 12's can be found in Senior School News.
German Exchange Program
On Sunday 14th October, 16 very excited German students from our sister school in Lorch arrived to meet their host families. For two weeks these students lived like “Aussies” with their hosts helping them navigate strange and different customs including Vegemite on toast for breakfast, school uniform, speaking English all day, football vs soccer as well as Melbourne’s unpredictable weather! Hosts and guest explored many parts of Melbourne including Healesville Sanctuary, Puffing Billy, the beaches from Cape Schanck to Sorrento as well as taking a tour of the Shrine and a cruise down the Yarra.
Students attended classes throughout the week, making many new friends and improving their language skills. Many of our exchange students were surprised and impressed with the variety of subjects offered across the College and took advantage of the opportunity to try new activities such as Food Technology, PE, Life Saving and several attended a 3 day Outdoor Ed camp at Wilson’s Promontory - where the wombats caused havoc at night!
As the trip came to an end, the tears flowed and arrangements to see each other next year, when we travel to Germany, were made. Our 16 host families were wonderful ambassadors for our College, and we would like to thank them and especially the students for making our guests so welcome.
Hon James Merlino (Deputy Premier) visits for 'Principal for a Day'
In the first week of term we were honoured to have Education Minister and Deputy Premier, James Merlino visit our school to become 'Principal for a Day'. The program, run by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), aims to increase understanding, awareness and partnerships between schools, businesses and the community.
During his visit at Patterson River, Mr Merlino visited numerous classes, spent time with our student leaders and Student Representative Council, sat in on meetings and visited a Year 7 Assembly. The highlight of the day was when he announced to our Year 7 students that a re-elected Labor Government would provide our College with $8 Million in Capital Works Funding to rebuild the admin and western wing of the school.
Inaugural Patterson River Art Show
The College recently showcased the work of our talented students at an art show held in the Performing Arts Centre. The event hosted student work from Years 7-12 produced in a wide range of mediums. Visitors to the show viewed imaginative appropriations of Mona Lisa, tonal collage renderings, ceramic totem poles, digital photographs , large scale paintings and sustainable recycled mediums alongside sculpture and film. Congratulations to all the participants, we are already planning and looking forward to next year.
I would like to thank the art staff, particularly Mr Johnstone and Ms Miller for organising the Art Show and hope that this event becomes a permanent fixture on our calendar in the years to come.
Staff & Parent Opinion Surveys
Results for the Staff & Parent Opinion Surveys have demonstrated improvement in almost all measures. These pleasing results follow on from positive growth in our Student Attitudes to School Survey results released last term. The staff surveys which are shown as a percentage of endorsement are very strong compared to other secondary schools and will likely place Patterson River Secondary College in the top 5-10% of schools for a number of areas.
The parent opinion survey results are shown as a percentile against other secondary schools and demonstrate that the parent's responses place Patterson River in the top 25% of schools.
These results cap off a year in which we have demonstrated improvement in almost every single performance measure that has been released by the Department of Education.
Uniform Update
As many will be aware, Patterson River is planning on updating elements of our student uniform, with the most major change involving the replacement of the polo top with a shirt. These changes were originally planned for our Year 7 students in 2019, however delays in the tender process along with the outcomes of a stock take have meant that these plans will likely begin in 2020. Once the new uniform is implemented there will be a two year transition in order to allow students to grow out of their current uniform.
An announcement regarding the confirmed changes and the outcome of the tender process will be announced in term 1 2019.
Mr Daniel Dew
College Principal