PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

It’s been a busy few weeks with camps, NAPLAN testing, school sport, SACs and lots of learning in between! After the quietness all last winter with the stay at home orders it really does feel like we are back again immersed in the busyness of life, family, school, work and commitments. Busy is good! 

NAPLAN Testing 2021

The online 2021 NAPLAN has commenced well last week at WHC. Students have been engaged and taking the test seriously. 

NAPLAN helps us see if students are reaching important numeracy and literacy goals. It will also support and inform curriculum planning and intervention programs, among other things. The beauty of completing NAPLAN online is the speed at which the results are available to schools – around 2-3 weeks. This enables us to expediate planning for intervention and extension of our students. Congratulations to our student cohort for their engagement in the testing and to our parents and carers for your support with the ensuring your children are prepared.

In relation to the NAPLAN testing, a reminder for all parents to ensure postal addresses are up to date as reports on this round of NAPLAN testing will be posted out. Please retain your child’s report somewhere safe for your future records as the school is not provided with duplicates. If a duplicate is required, the school needs to request this on behalf of the parent, and it may take several weeks to be posted.

Year 9 NAPLAN certificates of achievement

A new feature of the NAPLAN assessment is being launched this year, with the award of Year 9 Certificates of Achievement.

The new certificates aim to celebrate and recognise the importance of both excellence and learning growth.

Beginning in 2021, Year 9 students who achieve outstanding results or who significantly improve their results in NAPLAN tests will receive a NAPLAN Certificate of Achievement.

The certificates will be awarded for two categories of achievement:

Category one: the achievement of excellence through getting a result in the top band for reading or numeracy, or both.

Category two: the achievement of outstanding learning growth through improve by two or more bands between the NAPLAN Year 7 and Year 9 tests for reading or numeracy, or both.

For more information about the new certificate and measures for learning growth, refer to Year 9 NAPLAN certificates of achievement on the Department’s website.

Alumni Industry Insight Sessions

In 2021 we are continuing our work with the Our Schools alumni program. During term 2 we have conducted presentations with Nathan Herbert, Brock Rae and Keith Brimley.

Nathan (Class of 2002) is a nurse and former pro basketball player, Brock (Class of 2013) is a builder who owns Rae Built, and Keith (Class of 1975) is a qualified diesel mechanic who owns a trucking company.

Each of the alumni shared their career stories and insights. They spoke passionately and honestly about their industries, the pros and cons, the vast range of jobs available in those fields, and the qualifications and mindsets required. It’s terrific that our alumni can come back and support our current students.

The Importance of School Attendance

Research over many years consistently indicates that there is a direct correlation between high attendance at school and high academic achievement.  In 2015 the Department of Education amended its policy regarding Exemption from Attendance at School. Under the revised policy, an exemption can only be applied for: Exceptional circumstances, Employment in the entertainment industry, Participation in an elite sporting event, Participation in an elite arts program. In accordance with this policy, family holidays, reunions, student part-time employment and other social activities like attending concerts, getting ready for a Deb or Presentation Ball requiring extended leave DO NOT qualify for an attendance exemption. Parents are requested to support the school by organising family holidays during school vacation times.  Please note that any absence from school is to be explained to the school’s Attendance Officer, Coral Thomas.

School Uniform

As the cold weather has begun, please make sure that your child has warm uniform – school jumper, soft shell jacket, long pants, and long sleeve shirts (not hoodies).

Please note that hoodies and other non-uniform tops, any beanies apart from the school beanie, and other non-uniform items must not be worn at school, or on the way to or from school.

We greatly appreciate your support in ensuring that your child is in full uniform. If you need assistance with this, please contact your child’s Learning Community Leader.

Education Support Staff Day

It was Educational Support Staff Day on Sunday, 16 May. This occasion is a great opportunity to thank the staff who quietly, efficiently and compassionately ensure that the College functions smoothly and allows our teachers to maximise their focus on our students.

Our support staff, in varied and valued roles, play a vital part in the collective work we undertake to improve student outcomes and take enormous pride in and reward from their work.

Thanks to our ES staff!

Congratulations

To our senior football girls’ and boys’ teams who successfully won the Geelong Division of School Sport Victoria’s AFL Championships last Thursday. This is the first time since the 90’s that Western Heights College has won these championships -well done to all players and coaches. They will now progress through to the SSV Western Metro Championships.

Interschool Cross Country

Congratulations to Minerva House who for the first time in WHC’s history took out the House aggregate trophy in the interhouse cross country event. The rain and cool weather on Friday afternoon brought about some cracking times! Well done to Mr Beasley and Mr Mc Keon for their organisation.

Student Progression Reports

As we reach this stage of Term Two in our school year, the focus at our College is very much sharpened and our expectations are high for student application, achievement and assessment. Our Cycle two reports will be published next week. I would encourage all students to reflect on these reports as a means of checking the progress benchmarked in the first cycle reports and ensuring that the academic year is progressing in a positive and productive fashion that will act as a springboard to continued academic growth in 2021.

Staff are currently completing student progression reports for the last 5 weeks of learning. These reports on student work habits will be released during week 6 to parents and carers. 

Take care and keep learning,

Fiona Taylor

College Principal

Child Safety at WHC

Western Heights College is a child safe organisation committed to protecting students from all forms of abuse.

Our College has stringent protocols in place and endeavours at all times to be fully compliant with the Child Safe Standards set out under Ministerial Order 870.

Our College has the following documents and policies in place to achieve compliance with the Standards. All of these documents are available for downloading on our website or contact the school for a copy. 

1. Commitment to Child Safety
2. Child Safety Policy
3. Child Safety Code of Conduct
4. Child Protection Policy and Procedures