From the Principal
Chris Jones Principal, Northcote High School
As we wrap up the term, there is plenty to celebrate. The past three weeks have been especially eventful, with students and staff taking part in a range of activities and events across the school. We recently held our Whole School Athletics Carnival, which saw great participation and school House spirit on display. Meanwhile, our Music students have been involved in their annual Music Camp giving them the opportunity to rehearse with other members of their ensembles or bands. Our Year 12 Meet and Greet provided a valuable opportunity for students, families, and staff to connect. Another highlight was the Year 7 Family Picnic—thank you to all the families who joined us for this enjoyable occasion.
On Monday, our senior students from Years 10 to 12 took part in their Careers Expo and Careers Day, gaining insight into future pathways and opportunities. A big thanks to our parents that participated and shared valuable information about their experience in their chosen careers. Additionally, a number of excursions have taken place recently, giving students the chance to extend their learning beyond the classroom.
We have begun welcoming prospective families for school tours. A special thank you to our student leaders for guiding these tours and sharing their experiences with potential future students.
Starting last week and continuing onsite this Friday, our Parent Student Teacher Conversations have been taking place. I hope families taking part in the online meetings last week find the flexibility beneficial. Additionally, families now have access to the first round of Learning Behaviours Reports—these reports provide a valuable opportunity for conversations at home about students’ learning habits and how they engage across different subjects.
Looking ahead, this Thursday at 6:00 pm, our School Council will present the 2024 Annual Report in the Library. All families are welcome to attend. This report will offer an overview of key survey data and highlight major achievements from the year, including the outstanding success of our students in the VCE Season of Excellence awards. Last fortnight, I had the privilege of attending the Top Arts Opening event, where we celebrated Maya Shookry’s remarkable achievement being included in current NGV exhibition. Congratulations, Maya!
Following the Annual Report Presentation, our School Council Annual General Meeting will take place, during which the new council will be formed. I would like to extend my gratitude to James Thyer, our outgoing Vice-President, for his significant contributions to the school. James, in particular, has served on the council for many years, and has been a key organiser of our Friends of Northcote events. His dedication will be greatly missed, and I look forward to working with the new leadership team moving forward.
Finally, we are pleased to share information about our upcoming Friends of Northcote event: our annual Movie Night, in the final week of Term. These events offer a wonderful opportunity for parents and carers to connect and support our school community while getting out for an enjoyable evening.
As the term draws to a close, I wish all our families a safe and restful break. Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to an exciting Term 2 ahead.
Chris Jones Principal, Northcote High School