Principal Team Editorial
Every fortnight we love sharing the news of what’s happening at Wantirna College with our school community. There’s always so much to acknowledge and celebrate and we try to ensure all year levels and subject areas of the school are represented.
Most of the time, it’s staff writing and collecting articles and sending in photos with students providing a couple of paragraphs or short articles here or there. This week, however, we are launching the very first student edited Newsletter, called The Student Chronicles, which completely student-led, by a dedicated and committed group of students.
This special group of news enthusiasts have met regularly to develop The Student Chronicles, which they intend on publishing twice a term. This publication will provide our school community with the opportunity to hear the voices of our students as they provide insights into what’s happening at Wantirna College from student perspectives. Please find the first edition of The Student Chronicles on the next page. We hope you enjoy their unique perspectives and stories as much as we do.
Reconciliation Week
This week is Reconciliation Week which is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — and to foster healing, understanding, and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Every morning this week our indigenous students have broadcast a Welcome to Country message across the PA sharing with us the importance of cultural awareness and understanding. We are grateful to them for their courage in overcoming public speaking nerves and sharing their message of reconciliation and unity.
Mooroop Centre
The Mooroop Centre is still on track to be operational next Term and we look forward to inviting our community to be part of the naming ceremony which we will host on the very first day of Term 3 – please keep an eye out on Compass newsfeed for an open invitation.
After consultation with staff, students and families, we are excited to announce the four Indigenous athletes and artists that Mooroop spaces have been named after:
Court 1: Patty Mills Court
Court 2: Ash Barty Court
Drama studio: Rachael Maza Studio
Dance studio: Ella Havelka Studio
BBlock Toilets
After months and months of designing and planning, with quite a few delays, we are excited to announce the opening of this brand new state-of-the art toilet facility on Thursday 12 June (week 8). We thank our students for their patience as we have spent time designing and planning a much-improved space where students will have access to great facilities that are designed to enhance safety and comfort.
City Experience and Work Experience
It’s been a quieter week at school this week with our Year 9 students on City Experience all week and our Year 10 students on Work Experience. Both experiences are a great opportunity for students to develop their independence, resilience and application of learning to real world situations. A special thank you to our dedicated staff for providing our students with these invaluable opportunities.
Performing Arts Showcase
Thank you to our wonderful musicians and performers who took part in the Showcase events last week. Every night showcased our talented students in solo performances, ensembles, small groups and big groups. We are grateful to our wonderful teachers who bring out the best in our students and are proud of our thriving Performing Arts program.
Alumni Evening & Tour
And finally, we will be holding our first Alumni Evening and Tour on Tue 17 June in the College Theatre. All past students of Wantirna High School/College are welcome to attend. Please see page four of the Newsletter for further information.
Carrie Wallis
Principal