Principal's Report
It has been an exciting and rewarding end to the term with a range of outstanding performances on the sporting field and the performing arts.
Last week I had the pleasure to see our students performing at the Wakakirri State Awards Night. Our students represented the school with pride and were one of only two secondary schools invited to perform (and the only non-government school), coming away with national award nominations for the Spirit of Wakakirri and Dance-Story award.
I was equally impressed by this week's 34th running of the Spring Musical Concert which involved a record 180 performers. I have been attending these spring concerts for over 20 years and was particularly impressed by the vast array of performers and the quality of each of the musical acts. Big thank you to all of our performing arts staff for a big finish to the term!
Last week, our Wellbeing Team and student leaders ran a range of activities for R U OK? Week and this week our VCE VM students organised a range of events for Footy Colours Day, including a Year 12 v Staff AFL Match. The game was played in great spirits with the staff coming away with a narrow victory. Footy Colours Day - $850 was raised for the Fight Cancer Foundation, supporting the education needs of young people while they are fighting cancer. Lunchtime activities led by Year 10 House Leaders and VCE VM students created a wonderful vibe to finish the end of term 3.
Character First - Living Our Values
At Patterson River, we spend considerable time teaching, highlighting and recognising our core values of Persistence, Excellence, Community and Respect.
I am often contacted by members of the public commending the behaviour of our students when on camps and excursions. Over the last two weeks our students have received 'Spirit Awards' when out competing against other schools in both Performing Arts (Wakakirri) and Sport (AFL).
As previously mentioned our Wakakirri Performers were awarded a Spirit Award for the way in which our students supported other schools and each other, made sure that everyone was positive and had a great time.
Our Year 8 AFL Boys team were recently awarded the Spirit of Sport Bannerette, awarded to the school that best exemplifies positive values at each SSV State Final.
Criteria:
1. Spirit of Sport: Positive attitude, love of the sport, celebrating others, inclusive environment.
2. Respect: Respect for opponents, teammates, officials, coaches and spectators.
3. Integrity: Fair play, honesty, accepting mistakes.
4. Leadership: Motivating others, setting a good example, supporting teammates.
Such wonderful recognition of our wonderful students at Patterson River.
Parent Opinion Survey – Closes Friday 19 September
You are invited to participate in the annual Parent / Carer Opinion Survey. This survey, which is administered by the Department of Education, is an important way to provide feedback to both the school and the government about your perceptions of the school climate, student learning and engagement. You can access the survey via
https://research.orima.com/parent. Search for Patterson River Secondary College and enter PIN: 898850
Proposed Changes to eScooters and eBikes at School
In consultation with Victoria Police and local Secondary Schools, we are considering banning eBikes and eScooters at school. This is due to a number of near misses and complaints from members of the community about the dangers.
In addition to the safety concerns that have been raised, a recent audit at school found that the majority of eBikes and eScooters appear to either be illegal, are being ridden illegally (U16s riding Scooters) or ridden without a helmet.
To protect the safety of both students and members of the community we are considering banning both eScooters and eBikes from school grounds. Alternatively, we have also canvassed the option of monitoring and confiscated bikes and scooters that we consider to be ridden dangerously or are potentially illegal.
Our school council will discuss the matter later this term and we invite families to provide their feedback via this link: Parent Feedback eBikes and eScooters – Fill out form
All parents are invited to provide feedback, not just those with students who currently use eBikes and eScooters.
Mr Daniel Dew
College Principal