SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

It has been fantastic to see our strong focus on attendance continue. Our overall attendance remains above 87%, with 31% of students attending more than 95% of the time, 23% between 90–95%, and 27% between 80–90%. Thank you to our families for supporting this important aspect of student success. A reminder to please inform the school of any student absence via Compass or by calling the general office or replying to the text message from the attendance mobile phone, including a reason for the absence. If you are planning an extended holiday during term time, new guidelines require that parents seek approval from the Principal via email and it has been great to see the number of parents who are now following this process. We then create an Absence Learning Plan which is a recommended guide for parents and students. Our revised Attendance Policy has now been approved by School Council and will soon be available on the school website.

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of our Education Support staff, who are truly the foundation of the services we provide to our students and families each day. Their care, professionalism and commitment make a significant difference across all areas of the school. We celebrate and thank them, and wish them a very happy Education Support (ES) Day for Saturday, May 16. We will be celebrating them at school next week.

Congratulations to our Intermediate Girls Volleyball team, who progressed through to the State Finals—an incredible achievement. The team was presented with the Spirit of Sport Award, recognising their positive attitude, respect, integrity and leadership. We are very proud of the way they have represented the College. It has also been wonderful to see so many of our sports teams competing and representing the school across a number of events. Thank you to parents and carers who have been providing consent and making payments online for these sporting activities in a timely manner. With the introduction of new forfeit regulations, it is essential that we have all consent completed at least four days prior to an event. This is why events close at that time, and we appreciate your support in helping us manage this process smoothly.

This year marks the 40th year of the South Gippsland Schools Music Program (SGSMP). On Thursday May 21st we are hosting a combined SGSMP music event starting at 6.30pm in the PAC. This mid year concert will showcase our young musicians from across three schools and is a great opportunity for the community to come and support music and the arts and be entertained for an evening. 

Finally, a reminder that Tuesday, May 27 is a pupil-free day, with staff engaged in professional learning. We appreciate your support on this day as we continue to build our collective capacity to support student learning and wellbeing.