Principal's Report 

Hello Everyone, 

Recently, I attended the Monash and Manningham Principal Conference which gave Principals from both the primary and secondary sectors the opportunity to discuss issues that are a priority for us all. At the top of the list was student wellbeing and staffing. Dr. Ryan Dunn provided insights into how schools under the new Framework for Improving Students Outcomes 2.0 has at its centre Learning and Wellbeing. Both are goals within themselves but intrinsically connected. His advice was at the centre of fostering wellbeing for students, staff and families must be caring and compassionate. When we work with our young people, we need to focus on building positive learning and wellbeing behaviours and understanding that the road to good mental health for all of us is not linear but multi-dimensional and complex.

The issue of staffing continues to be a challenge in both sectors as well. Many graduates found completing degrees under Remote Learning and Flexible learning highly challenging and some have deferred or sought other career pathways. There is light, however, at the end of the tunnel as we successfully fill positions, some of which have been vacant since Term 1. I would look to acknowledge the tremendous commitment and resilience of our graduate staff who are navigating their careers in the most challenging of times. I would like to welcome John Mehes who has joined us in the Science/ Maths Domain and Krista Rainford who will start next week in the English/ Hums Domain, including our ACE Program. Krista is a highly skilled practitioner, and we look forward to the skills and knowledge that she shall bring to our College.

Our Review Process is well underway. We have successfully completed the VRQA process which means the College has in place all the mandated policies for registration. The second part of the process is the reflection and evaluation of our four-year Strategic Plan, which pertains to goals which determine the direction of the school. Part of the work of the Reviewer is to establish panels to talk to students. I was immensely proud to be part of a focus group with some of our Middle School Students. They presented as articulate, thoughtful and compassionate young people who cared deeply about their school and their teachers. 

Finally, I would like to acknowledge that our wonderful school production, ‘Chicago’ has started. It is a tremendous commitment by staff, students and families to make this happen and it is a genuine celebration of student voice, agency and leadership. Tickets are still available so please come along and enjoy!

Fern Brisbane

Acting Principal

WHSC