College Principal's Report

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter

It is mid-term already with engagement and learning at the forefront. The high expectations are evident as I walk through classrooms and witness first hand the growth in student learning confidence. Last week we had Fiona Longmuir from Monash University and Dr Vincent Wong from Hong Kong Education Department visit our College following recognition of the transformation of our College and the high learning growth in literacy, numeracy and VCE. Our students were able to clearly articulate what they were learning and how they were measuring their learning in all of the classrooms visited. Both are committed to following our work with Dr Wong stating we would like to continue to learn from us.

Keeping parents and carers informed is a year long responsibility and one that has huge potential to make a positive difference in your child's educational experience. At Scoresby Secondary College our staff keep parents informed through information evenings, newsletters, compass postings, student support group meetings and student/parent/carer/teacher conferences. As parents and carers, you don't need to be sitting in the classroom, emailing, calling or visiting the school daily to help your child, but you do need to know what you expect from your children. Home group teachers and year level coordinators are the point of contact for important concerns. These staff are not always readily available as they may be in class, therefore emailing for a call back is usually the best unless an emergency. When sending emails, please ensure you are familiar with the College Email Protocol Policy.

Adolescence is an important time for students to develop independence and responsibility. Yes, there will be times when they may not complete their homework, leave their lunch at home or miss an activity because they did not return the permission forms by the due date. The best learning can come from making mistakes, problem solving and even learning from the consequences. You can support your child by connecting with them through positive communication to reinforce the right academic habits and behaviours that will help them to succeed.

Our Community

Scoresby Secondary College can be described as a learning community, a community in which teachers, parents and other members share a common goal to provide every student every opportunity to grow. True to the meaning of community, we also work together to provide students opportunities to participate in giving back to the community. Last week, Mr Knight with twelve of our students participated in the Clean Up Australia Corporate Day with Thermo Fisher Scientific staff at Jells Park.

The students were great ambassadors for our College being acknowledged for their exemplary attitude and the positive way they conducted themselves on the day.

Council Elections

We are currently still seeking parent nominations for school council. This could be one way you can give back to the College. Over the years, I have had many parents who have taken on the role and thanked us for the opportunity. Being a parent on school council not only helps parents to develop a greater understanding of education but also gain skills which have assisted them in their personal and professional lives. In one letter I received several years ago a parent wrote “I never felt I could contribute much to school council however I was welcomed and my contributions valued. I believe the confidence I gained helped me to develop personally and professionally.”

Information Evenings

Since our last newsletter, we have held two information evenings. The first was the Year 7 parent information night. It was excellent to see so many parents in attendance committed to their children’s education. Tonight we are expecting to see parents from Years 8 and 9 who have been invited to hear our guest presenter and psychologist, Chris Daicos, who will be providing insight into the development of student resilience.

Student Focus

We are now well into Term 1, and I am pleased with the quality of the teaching and learning taking place. Students at this stage of the term will have commenced or completed assessments in each of their subjects. At Scoresby Secondary College we want to ensure all students extend their skills and knowledge, therefore it is an expectation that each day all students will review what they have learned and complete all homework set. Regular and timely communication between parents, guardians and teachers is a critical factor in supporting student learning growth. Parents / guardians can log onto Compass to obtain immediate and frequent communication between school and the home. Compass School Management System Compass is used to:

Inform students, parents and guardians of the intended learning for each lesson and due dates for set tasks
Notify parents and guardians of overdue work and / or academic concerns
Provide online attendance.
Updates
Notification of publication of our newsletter

If you require any guidance in relation to using Compass please collect another Compass booklet from the General Office or contact Mr Chris Knight to seek assistance to be shown how to access the program.

Activities and Events

Year 7 Camp

On Friday afternoon, Year 7 students returned from their time at Camp Rumbug with reports of lots of fun, friendships and positive experiences. Thank you to students for the excellent behaviours and engagement in each of the activities throughout the camp. Thank you also to staff who gave up time with their families to attend the camp and Mr Donovon Lawrence for his leadership.

Athletics Day

The College athletics sports were held at Knox Athletics Centre today with the weather being kind by not being too hot and rain holding off. It was especially pleasing to see so many students putting their hands up to participate. Student behaviour was excellent and the sportsmanship and support for each other throughout the day was exceptional. Well done to Mr Ben Phillips our sports coordinator for his organisation, Mrs Tracey Carpenter (parent of Melissa Butler, Year 10) who was the race starter and staff for making the day a success. Congratulations to all competitors, and of course well done to all winners.

Other events which have taken place the last few weeks are, school photos, Year 11 Elevate Study Skills Session, VCE drama excursion to the stage show Come from Away, Year 9 Science excursions to KIOSC at Swinburne University, Year 9 Morrisby career interviews, and staff Level 2 First Aid update.

Student Uniform

I would like to remind parents and guardians to refer to the College Uniform Policy. Most students represent the College proudly with less student’s parents having to be contacted for breaches with hair colour or piercings so far this year. Term 2 is the change to the winter uniform for all students. All students are expected to be in this uniform on day one next term. If extreme weather results in warmer weather, a compass message will inform parents of any changes. A reminder to girls who will be wearing the skirt to adjust hem length or purchase a new skirt if you have grown taller since last year. Winter trousers must be the College approved trousers and the option of plain black tracksuit pants (without stripes and not legging style for physical education). The Uniform Policy was developed with significant community input and is compulsory. From March 16, students who continue to bring the incorrect school bag will have their bags removed for parents to collect at the end of the day.

Mrs Gail Major

Principal