Principal's 

Report

Dear Sunbury College Community,

It has been wonderful to see so many of our students involved in football, netball, basketball and soccer finals and grand finals at the moment. Sport plays an important role within our community, and it is fantastic to hear the stories, see the excitement and feel the anticipation as students prepare for their big games!

In this year’s Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS), 68% of our Year 7–12 students reported participating regularly in organised sport. Participation was particularly strong in Years 7 and 8, at 77% and 81% respectively, before gradually declining across the senior years: 71% in Year 9, 62% in Year 10, 59% in Year 11 and 51% in Year 12. Across Years 7–12, participation averaged 62% for girls and 75% for boys.

The longer we, as a community, can keep young people involved in sport, the stronger their sense of connection and belonging can become. We are also fortunate to have so many parents and carers volunteering across our community, role-modelling the important values of respect, teamwork, commitment and resilience. These experiences and relationships can have a lasting impact on our young people. Perhaps among our current students we have the next Sara or Mark Blicavs, Zach Guthrie, Lachie Bramble or former Socceroo Jamie Maclaren.

There has also been a great buzz around the College on Fridays, with our Inclusion and Wellbeing Team serving hundreds of smoothies at brunch time as part of Smoothie Fridays. I have always been proud of the manners and appreciation shown by our students, and it has been lovely to hear so many ‘thank yous’ and appreciative comments.

Congratulations also to our VCE VM team for establishing and running the Thrift Shop in support of Lifeline. This is a fantastic student-led entrepreneurial initiative that supports an important cause while providing valuable, authentic learning opportunities. Keep an eye out later this term for an opportunity for parents and carers to visit the Thrift Shop and support the students’ work.

These activities are wonderful examples of the many ways our students contribute to College life and strengthen our community.

Best wishes,

Craig O’Bree