Assistant Principal (9/10) Report 

Report from Assistant Principal VM, Year 9/10

Lyndal Yardas

Assessment and Reporting Update – Cycle One Progress Reports

At Westall Secondary College, we are committed to providing clear, timely, and meaningful feedback to support every student’s learning journey. Our assessment and reporting processes are designed to strengthen the partnership between school and home, ensuring families are informed, engaged, and empowered to support student progress in line with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and VCE Vocational Major.

As we progress through Term 1, our teaching staff are currently finalising Cycle One Progress Reports. These reports provide an important snapshot of each student’s learning behaviours and engagement, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and VCE Vocational Major expectations.

Cycle One Progress Reports will be released to families on Thursday 2 April via Compass. Each report focuses on five key areas that support student success across all learning areas:

• Effort - actively participated in their learning and tried hard to complete work to the best of their ability 

• Behaviour – worked independently and co-operatively, contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment 

• Uses class time effectively – a well organised student who remained on task, making efficient use of their time, and seeking help when needed 

• Meets deadlines – able to manage their schedules, organize their work, and complete set activities within the set time-period 

• Homework and preparation – regularly attended with all required equipment and kept up to date with homework and classwork 

These indicators are designed to give families clear and practical insight into the learning habits that underpin achievement, growth, and future pathways.

To support meaningful conversations about student progress, Parent Teacher Conference bookings will open on Monday 6 April. Families will have a three-week window to review reports and make bookings, with conferences scheduled for Tuesday 28 April in the Senior Learning Centre.

We strongly encourage all parents, guardians and carers to engage in this process. Discussing these learning behaviours helps students to build responsibility, organisation, and independence, key capabilities within the Victorian Curriculum and essential for success in senior pathways, including the VCE and Vocational Major.

Harmony Celebration at Westall Secondary College

At Westall Secondary College, we proudly celebrate the diversity of our community and the many cultures, languages, and experiences that enrich our school. Harmony Day provides an important opportunity for students and staff to come together, recognise the value of inclusion and respect, and strengthen a shared sense of belonging across our community. Harmony Day was a vibrant and meaningful celebration for our Westall Secondary College community, showcasing the rich cultural diversity that makes our school so special.

Our event was expertly led by Master of Ceremonies, School Captain Alex Le Acar, who proudly supported James Brown from the Bunurong Land Council in delivering a powerful Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. This important beginning grounded our celebration in respect, reflection, and connection to Country.

We were privileged to hear a keynote address from School Captain Thi Huynh, who shared her personal journey to Australia. Reflecting on her experiences moving from Vietnam, Thi spoke with honesty and insight about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of a strong sense of belonging.

The celebration continued with an outstanding showcase of student performances, highlighting the talents and cultural pride of our community. Performances included:

• Sofia Ho – Vietnamese song

• Senior Students – Vietnamese dance

• Jada and Armie – Philippines song

• Komal and Annet – India dance

• Female and Male performances – Pacific Islands, including a powerful Haka

The event culminated in a cultural parade of pride, where students and staff celebrated their identities and heritage with confidence and joy.

A sincere thank you to Mr Blake Cochrane, Ms Helen Ifandis, Mr Stephen Skarvellis, the entire Art Department, Michael Coco, and Mr Kevin Phan. Your creativity, organisation, and technical expertise were instrumental in delivering such a vibrant and engaging experience for our school community.

A special acknowledgement also to all staff who embraced the day through their involvement and representation in cultural dress. Your contribution does not go unnoticed and plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive school environment.

Events such as Harmony Day provide authentic opportunities for students to develop their intercultural capability, personal and social capability, and a deep appreciation of diversity.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this celebration such a success.

As we approach the end of Term 1, we wish all members of our community a safe and relaxing break. We look forward to connecting with families in Term 2, Week 2, either online or onsite, for our Parent Teacher Conferences as we continue to support every student’s learning and growth.

Best wishes,

Ms Lyndal Yardas

Assistant Principal (Yr 9-10)