From the Principal Class
Dear Viewbank Community,
The last few weeks have seen a number of significant events on our school calendar.
Our Year 12 students have been sitting their final exams, and this has been a smooth process. I am very proud of the way they have conducted themselves and the purposeful way they have approached their exams.
Our Year 9 students completed the LEAD program, combining time to orientate themselves, some great activities and introduction to many of the places and spaces that make Melbourne a great city.
The students also completed their inquiry into a specific social development goal related to Melbourne City. Some fantastic work was completed by our students and a great learning experience. Thanks to staff, particularly Emily Pinney-Brown and Irene (Middle School Admin) for their organisation.
We have had music events, our Year 10 Theatre students performing at the Malthouse Theatre, more sporting success, including table tennis and basketball.
Check out the Viewbank Instagram page @viewbankcollege3084 for more stories about the incredible things that happen daily at the College.
Right to Disconnect
New legislation has passed Federally.
It is the Right to disconnect Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023.
The amendment came into effect on 26 August 2024 and the Department of Education has adopted a new communication policy to implement the legislation.
All members of the community must respect the right of staff to disconnect from work-related communications outside of their working hours.
An employee can now refuse to monitor, read, listen to or respond to contact unless this refusal is considered unreasonable.
Before the end of the year, I will be publishing a new Communication Policy for all Viewbank community members. This will give more clarity about the rights and expectations around communication.
In line with this policy, I also wish to remind parents and carers about the behavioural expectations we have of adults visiting the College.
Our staff are entitled to a safe workplace, free of aggressive language or behaviour and for the most part, I want to thank our community for their respectful interactions with our staff.
Our Administration team are our frontline in receiving calls and visitors.
Please be mindful when communicating with them.
Any concerns regarding your student should be discussed and mediated with Heads of House or the Principal class in a respectful way.
Mobile Phones
The Federal Government (and many Governments around the world including the UK) are investigating limiting access to smart phones for young people under 16.
We understand how deeply entrenched phones and social media are in the lives of our young people. There are many benefits to using smartphones, but there is a growing body of evidence of poor mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people, not yet fully formed in their decision making or ability to filter what they see and hear.
This is a problem whereby governments need to step up and find solutions, including holding tech companies responsible for the harm caused.
The restriction on phones at school has been a first step in trying to reduce the distraction and harm caused by dependence on phones during class time. Phones cause loss of concentration, focus and cognitive ability. Students will not achieve their best, even with a phone just in their pocket.
I understand parents are in an unenviable position in trying to restrict access to a harmful product that is not regulated by the tech companies. I understand parents do not want the inevitable battle of restricting access to a young person’s peer interactions. However, it is important to set boundaries around phone use.
Please continue to support the College in the implementation of the Victorian Governments legislation banning phones in schools. This is non-negotiable and we appreciate your support in helping us to implement this law. The wellbeing of your young person is our central focus.
Sharon Grimes, Principal
Emma Ford, Assistant Principal
Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal
Anna Crosswhite, Assistant Principal
Penelope Cleghorn, Assistant Principal