From the Principal's Desk

As I am sitting at my desk writing this article, I am astonished to realise that we are beginning the final two weeks of Term One.  On Tuesday 19 March, we bid farewell to our Year 9 cohort of students as they make the annual journey to the Roses Gap camp. We look forward to their return, hearing about their adventures, new friendships and how they overcame the many challenges that they faced. We also bid farewell to our Year 12 cohort of students on Wednesday 20 March, as they travel to Lord Somers camp to strengthen their bonds of friendship and support and build their skills to overcome the challenges that they will face in managing their VCE studies throughout the year. 

Years 10 and 11 cohorts of students will remain at school to participate in Careers and Pathways week, which aims to support their individual development as they consider career opportunities, prepare themselves for the world of work and enhance the skills that will assist them to be successful and connected members of the community. A wide variety of activities have been planned to encourage students to challenge themselves in different settings, working with different groups of people.

Compass schedules will inform students and families about each of the activities, including what they need to bring, where they need to be, start and finish times and what to wear, amongst other things. I am confident that the activities that have been planned will provide students with many experiences that encourage them to think about their future selves. 

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

The previous two weeks started with the annual International Women’s Day Assembly. The Formation students led the assembly program as a call for action centred on this year's theme #InspireInclusion. International Women’s Day, which falls annually on 8 March, provoked individuals to imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued, and women’s achievements are celebrated. Congratulations to Formation for continuing the dialogue on this important issue in our society. 

2024 FRENCH EXCHANGE

On Monday 4 March our French Exchange students arrived at Nossal, weary from their weekend adventure, camping in the Grampians. On Tuesday morning they were formally welcomed during an assembly, with our French Liaison Team (led by Lovidu) sharing various facts about Australia based on animals, food, colloquial language and what they can expect. Our guests spent the week at Nossal with their host family learning how to play AFL football, cooking ANZAC cookies and eating party pies, fairy bread and vegemite sandwiches, amongst a range of other immersion activities which you will read about later in the newsletter. They also visited Healesville Sanctuary to see Australia’s unique animals and engaged in a city visit.  

I would like to acknowledge the enormous amount of behind-the-scenes preparation work that goes into these exchanges and thank Madame Yvonne Sly for her organisation. Thank you also to Ms Leslie Cilia and the many staff who took on additional responsibilities and lessons during this time, including Mr Roger Page for driving the bus and Mr Keith Butler for his ongoing assistance to Yvonne in developing the schedule. Thank you to our host families for looking after the French students and staff and ensuring they were well fed and where they needed to be each day. An exchange program cannot work without having the support of our Nossal families.  

Yr 9 MORRISBY TESTING

Year 9 parents will be aware that recently our Year 9 students engaged in the Morrisby Test. This contains psychometric assessments and questionnaires which provide an individualized profile of strengths and preferences. This is used to provide impartial recommendations for subjects or careers that match each student's abilities and interests. A report will become available soon which will be discussed in an informal meeting with a member of the Morrisby team during Term Two, enabling students and parents to unpack and reflect on their responses. This process is extremely helpful for students and families as they consider their Year 10 subject choices. Interview times will be emailed to families’ early next term. Thank you to Ms Jessica Ball for her work in organising this important first step in our student’s career program. 

HOUSE CROSS-COUNTRY

The second major event of the House competition was held on a very warm Friday 8 March. Each age-based group of students set off eagerly on their three-kilometre run/jog/walk around the Federation University / Nossal High School precinct. There were several impressive times, with a large team of runners continuing on to represent Nossal High School at the Casey North Division on 21 May. Congratulations to Phoenix House for winning the Cross-Country event.  

Thank you to Mr Cameron Christiansen for his outstanding organisation of this event and to the many staff who also took on additional responsibilities, who ran/cycled and cheered on the students which contributed to a wonderful and fun event. 

The House Athletics Carnival will be held on 24 May. 

NAPLAN 2024

Our Year 9 student cohort participated in the online NAPLAN tests last week. NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills and allows teachers and parents/carers to see how students are progressing against national standards. It is important to note that NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress. Student achievement is shown against four levels of proficiency: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. NAPLAN individual student reports (ISRs) will be provided to schools from Term 3 

Thank you to Mr Rian LaBrooy for his outstanding organisation of this large-scale event. The students were well-prepared each day and are to be commended for their patience and enthusiastic involvement.