From the Principal Class
Dear Viewbank Community,
The start of term four really signals the start of Year 12 celebrations and exams, the finalizing of Year 10 and 11 assessments and orientation for them.
Last week, we had our final celebrations for our Year 12’s, with very strong messaging around ‘business as usual’ with classes right up to Thursday (uniform alterations) and Friday’s celebrations and Valedictory Dinner.
Huge thanks to the Senior team, who put in an enormous amount of work to ensure this all went smoothly, including organizing the final assembly on Tuesday.
It was lovely to see so many parents in attendance.
Valedictory was a lovely evening, with our biggest attendance ever.
Students and families enjoyed a wonderful acknowledgment of their efforts over the years, culminating in these next few weeks.
Unfortunately, whilst we tried to keep the celebrations positive, we did experience some damage and graffiti in the toilets and the gym.
We are working through this with those students and families.
It is always disappointing that a few students feel the need to damage our property.
The other major event happening currently is the Year 9 LEAD City Program.
This has taken place this week and next week.
Students have an inquiry focus to guide their experience of Melbourne city, whilst also building their curiosity, confidence and independence.
We also celebrated our instrumental music program, with our Music Showcase and Gala concert on Monday 21st October.
A wonderful opportunity to give students the ultimate performance experience and demonstrate their development over the course of the year.
House Structure:
In 2025, there will be a change to our House Structure.
Our Middle School will comprise of Year 7, 8 and 9, whilst our Senior School will comprise of Year 10, 11 and 12. Meaning, our Year 10s will now join the Senior School.
Within each School, there will be two Heads of Middle/Senior School, and one Head of Student Outcomes and Engagement (student programs).
This change is based on significant teacher, student and leadership feedback.
This feedback is in the form of the Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS), Staff School Survey (SSS), and the lived experience of our leaders and students who are currently in the Middle or Senior School.
The core purpose of our House Structure is to provide age-appropriate wellbeing and academic support through clear communication with all stakeholders of our community.
Alongside this purpose are the high expectations and improved VCE results that sits within our School Strategic Plan (SSP) and exists within our community.
This formed a key pillar of the rationale for change.
In moving the Year 10s into Senior School, it will increase the rigour, accountability and alignment with the expectations of Senior School, and better prepare our students for VCE, or VCE VM success.
More information to come, but the majority of students will remain in their current house.
Facilities:
The school continues to get minor upgrades to buildings and grounds.
Our walking track is now complete, with three exercise stations equipped and ready to go. Our breaktime gym is now supervised and open for student use.
Signage:
We have had new signs installed this week in the major blocks around the school and will eventually have all of our signage updated.
Sharon Grimes, Principal
Emma Ford, Assistant Principal
Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal
Anna Crosswhite, Assistant Principal
Penelope Cleghorn, Assistant Principal