Viewbank College

From the Principal Class

We have finally reached the end of a long term, with the weather in the last month or so very wintery and gloomy. I want to congratulate our students for their perseverance and continuing application to their learning. We certainly look forward to a well-deserved break. 

I want to recognise the efforts of those who completed exams, mastery tasks and SAC/SATs, attended work experience and Central camp. 

For students, please use the feedback process (on your mastery tasks on Compass) and exam feedback sessions to reflect on your learning growth and study/preparation for your exams. Exam performance is a measure of how you are going, but also an indicator of where you may need more support with study skills and preparation. It also reflects the consistent effort needed to perform at your best. 

For parents, we encourage you to review your student(s) reports and have the conversation about their learning progress, and particularly the learning behaviours. Learning behaviours are the tools that enable learning, and these develop and improve with teacher support, understanding and application. 

Every learner is different, and we are working hard in teaching teams to build our capability to meet each student at their point of need and provide learning opportunities that provide the appropriate level of challenge. 

As always, we appeal to parents to provide the support at home, by limiting screen time, providing a space for dedicated home study and showing interest in the learning of your students. Aspiration is important but so is acknowledging the effort of students. 

 

Updates: Child Safety and Suspension and Expulsion powers 

I am sure you are all aware of the recent media focus on Child Safety, due to the arrest of a male childcare worker. I want to reassure our community that we have very clear and consistent protocols in place for the hiring of staff and checks of employment history and Working with Children’s checks.  

We also provide twice-yearly professional learning for our staff on Mandatory Reporting, Child Safe Policies and the Child Safety Code of Conduct for staff. Reporting of suspicious behaviours is the responsibility of all members of our community and the wellbeing of all our young people is our highest priority. 

Another recent change in Department Policy has been the update on suspension and expulsion powers. This also received some media attention. 

The suspension and expulsion powers will be available to Victorian principals from day one of Term 3, (Monday 21 July 2025).  

We know that students’ behaviour outside of school, particularly online, can sometimes impact the safety of students and staff at school.   

In exceptional circumstances, principals of Victorian government schools will be able suspend or expel students for behaviour that occurs outside of school grounds and/or hours including online, if it poses a significant danger to the safety and wellbeing of students or staff.   

These powers apply only to serious incidents where there is a clear and close connection to the school and the behaviour of a student outside of school unreasonably impacts the safety and wellbeing of students or staff at school, and their ability to learn or work. Please note:    

  • They do not apply to behaviours unrelated to the school or school community.   
  • They only apply to behaviour which occurs from Monday 21 July 2025 onwards.  

Suspension and expulsion will remain measures of last resort – our primary approach continues to focus on proactive and positive behaviour support, including working with you to teach students the behaviours we expect of them, in school and in life.   

Thank you for your continued support as we work in partnership to educate and support our young people.  

Term 3: 

There is much to look forward to in term 3.  Some of the upcoming highlights: 

  • Production: Mamma Mia 
  • Maths Competition 
  • Lead excursions 
  • Soirees 
  • Cabaret night 
  • Jazz night 
  • Lots of sport! 

In the meantime, I wish all our families and staff a safe and restful mid-year break. 

 

 

Sharon Grimes, Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal

Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Anna Crosswhite, Assistant Principal

Penelope Cleghorn, Assistant Principal