Principal Team Editorial

Every Day Counts, Every Minute Matters

Our school mantra for this week is focused on having students at school every day and in classes making the most of every minute! Our expectations for students is high because they deserve it. Like parents/carers we want the absolute best for our students and we know setting the bar high gives them a much greater opportunity of reaching it and not settling for what’s good enough. We know with high expectations however, we must provide high support and high challenge which is what we strive to do. 

Are You Having Regular Conversations with Your Child About Their Learning?

Our parent meetings at the start year were focused on how parents can support their child’s learning by making a regular time to talk about what they’re learning in class. We suggested a powerful way of connecting and getting past superficial answers of ‘not much’ ‘no homework’ could be to read the English books too. Another suggestion is to use the engagement scale to discuss whether they are ‘withdrawing’ or ‘avoiding’ learning or if they are actively engaging and driving their learning. Some good questions to dig a bit deeper would be to ask your child how they are using their mini whiteboards in class? What sorts of things do they need to write and why is the teacher using them all the time? 

Checks for Understanding

Throughout every lesson we expect our teachers to be constantly checking students are understanding what is being taught to them.  Teachers will be constantly asking students to respond to them on mini whiteboards by writing it, flipping it, chinning it to ensure what we are teaching is sticking. Fundamental to these checks for understanding is teachers using routines and rally calls to ensure they have focused attention. We want teachers ensuring all students are listening and following the teaching 100% of the time so they can engage deeply and productively in the learning.  

Parent Forum

At last week’s forum we spent time discussing what learning looks like in the classroom. We looked at some videos of classroom practice which parents found interesting – how often do you get to look inside the classroom and see what really happens? At our parent forum next term, I’ll be sharing videos from different year levels and subjects giving parents greater insights into how our students are learning in the classroom.

Outside the Classroom

In addition to the great things happening inside the classroom, great things continue to happen outside the classroom.

Year 8 Challenge Week 

Challenge Week has been an absolute highlight, with students being challenged to embrace being outside their comfort zone, try new things and build their connectedness and problem-solving skills. Our very special program Becoming Me kickstarted the week with students spending time reflecting on who they are, how they feel about themselves, how they respond and react to others and how to build healthy relationships with others and most importantly, with themselves. 

International Women’s Day 

Saturday 8th March

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, ambition, and brilliance of female students at Wantirna College and other Victorian schools. When women and girls are educated, they not only change their own lives but also transform their communities and the world. On Sunday, acknowledge the incredible parents and teachers who create an environment where girls can thrive, where their potential is seen, and their voices are heard. Thank you staff, parents and families for your role in ensuring every girl has the chance to learn, lead, and change the world.

Open Night

Wed 25 March, 6:30pm

We welcome prospective and current families to our Open Night to discover Wantirna College. Participate in interactive experiences across Art & Tech, Maths, Science, English and Humanities, as well as the Library, Inclusion & Wellbeing, and Career Pathways teams. It's a fun evening loaded with information and the opportunity to speak with staff and students. 

ANZAC Day - Save The Date

Wednesday 22nd April, 12pm, Mooroop

We are hosting an Anzac Day service and invite all families to join with us in remembering the service and sacrifice of our veterans and serving personnel. This will be a very special day and we extend a warm welcome to as many parents/carers and families to come along and remember the great sacrifices of our service men and women. 

Special Event 

The Andrew Lewis Theatre

We invite current, and past, students, staff and families to join us for a special naming and celebration event:

2pm - 3pm

Saturday 21 March 2026

College Theatre

RSVP: 'Andrew Lewis Theatre' Naming Ceremony & Celebration – Fill in form

Finally, I wish all our families and the wider school community a safe and happy long weekend. 

Carrie Wallis

Principal