From the Principal

Annie – Congratulations to one and all

This year’s production was an even more significant history-making event in our school calendar. For the first time, we showcased the outstanding talents of our students (and staff) in the new Performing Arts Centre and we did so with eight sold out performances.

At the Community Opening last term, our Music Captains spoke about how this new space gave students a place to form a collaborative community, and that it was one of the only purpose-built places for inter-year level collaboration and role modelling. They praised the quality and feel of the spaces and I am sure all those who attended appreciated the benefits of the new space.

Talent alone does not allow for a quality performance. Some of the most sought-after skills and dispositions by employers, both now and into the future, are the cornerstones of a successful production. Skills and dispositions such as: collaboration, communication, persistence, productive risk-taking, empathy, creativity, patience and so much more, are required of all those involved. We commend all of the students involved, in whatever way, be it performing on stage or in the band, with audio-visuals, or in props and costumes – each one of you has contributed meaningfully to the whole.

Words alone cannot express the appreciation we have for the team of staff who have dedicated hours of both work and personal time to guide the students to achieve this milestone. Our sincere thanks extend to:

• Jackie Brogan – Director
• Cindy Frost - Choral Director and Front of House supervision
• Hamish Ramsay – Band Director
• Abigail Egan - Costumes and Supervision of dancer rehearsals
• Lincoln LeFevre - Lights and Sound coordination
• Kate Challis – Ticketing
• Barry Drinan and Peter Murphy - Painted backdrop and sets
• Tennille Seary – Front of House

Students have also been an integral part of the leadership of this production which is fantastic to see. Thank you to Eva Massey, Pippa Collodetti and Evie Lawlor (Year 12) who supported the choruses with rehearsals and also some of the choreography. Thanks also to Indigo van der Hoeven and Bella Collodetti (Year 10) for their leadership of choreography.

I know a few people who will be both most relieved and more than a little sad, to have arrived at Week 4. Congratulations to everyone – you have all done an absolutely stellar job and I could not be more proud.

I had the pleasure of attending on the first two nights, Thursday and Friday evening (so I could see both casts in action). It was truly fabulous. You know when you’re in a bridal party and your face hurts from smiling too much?  That was my experience on both nights.

Huaibei No 1 High School – 20th Anniversary – this week

On Tuesday we welcome staff and students from Huaibei for a 4 night stay, to celebrate one of the (if not the) longest Sister School relationship in Victorian government schools. It will be a big week, with many events on.

Jocelyn and Lixia, and the rest of the international team, along with Kate Challis, have been working hard to prepare a meaningful and celebratory program for us.

I know everyone will make our visitors feel welcome, and contribute to a memorable week – staff, students, and families. We sincerely thank our many home-stay families. We know it will be an experience of a lifetime.

Alumni – Back To – Thursday 8 August 10.30 – 12.00 noon

We have another big celebration on Thursday with a large number of our Alumni here to reminisce and reconnect with the school and each other. It will be in the Hall, where they will hear from school captains and myself, and a few musical performances. They will head off on student led tours, just after Connect.

Many of the guests will be elderly so to assist with parking, the semi-circular driveway will be closed on Thursday.

Parent Survey

This year’s annual Parent Survey has been released to the randomly selected sample of parents (system generated). If you’re one of the lucky families with the opportunity to provide global feedback about the school, I hope you make it a priority to do so.

We genuinely value your feedback and use it to focus on school improvement initiatives.

Couse Selection for 2020

This week is key in the planning for 2020. Thank you to staff, students and families for your engagement with the information nights and subject expos throughout the first three weeks of school. It is imperative that your child makes wise choices and meets the deadline for selection this week.   

Boho South Campus Consultation

I hope many families have taken the time to talk with Tanya Burdett, the community consultant who has been at ‘listening posts’ over the past few weeks, and I also hope you have taken the time to complete the survey. For those of you who are yet to do so, please engage via the many opportunities – please contribute your views and encourage others to at:

1. If you would like to discuss the consultation and your ideas and views about the value of the campus, Tanya will be present at the following:

• Jazz Night Thursday 22 August 2019 6:00 – 7:00 pm (Front of school foyer)
• Parent Student Teacher Conversations: 19 and 20 September 1:30 – 2.30 pm (Front of school foyer)

2. There is an online survey open to students, families, staff and Alumni – please click on this link: https://www.nhs.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/boho-south-campus-consultation-process-flyer-dc4.0.pdf  and then find the survey link within this flyer (on the second page). The flyer is also attached below.

• Our website link to the consultation process is https://www.nhs.vic.edu.au/about-us/school-council/
• It is also on our Facebook page

You can also email your thoughts to: bohocampusconsultation@nhs.vic.edu.au

We will also run workshops and focus group discussions with students and staff throughout the term. Tanya Burdett will be at the Staff Workshop on 12 August to seek staff feedback, and will also be talking to some smaller, targeted staff groups on this day, and student groups on 13 August.

Comments will be sought up until 20 September 2019.