Principal's Notes
Principal Notes
Remembrance Day
As most would be aware yesterday, November 11 marked the 101st anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914-1918). Over the four years of war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of those had died. Each year on November 11 we remember those who died or served in wars and armed conflict. Our newly appointed school captains, Mikayla Short and Ruby Langford took a prominent part in the service at the Healesville RSL. As has been the norm for many, many years the school captains represented our school with dignity, respect and confidence. The sax ensemble were also integral to the Service and they represented Healesville High School impeccably, performing the National Anthem and a long way to Tippeiary. Congratulations to our musicians and school captains.
At school a service was held at 11.00am and I wish to publically commend Bec Denny and Jackson Marcon of Year 10 for their involvement.
Examinations
Year 12 examinations are almost complete, most of our students are well into the VCE examination cycle and our community looks forward to celebrating with the Year 12 students, their families and friends at the Graduation Dinner, to be held at the RACV Club, Healesville on Thursday November 21st. Years 10 and 11 students will participate in their end of year examinations between November 18-23 and Years 8 and 9 students will complete theirs on November 25 and 26. It is important for students to learn how to demonstrate their knowledge under exam conditions and we provide students with the opportunity each year, both at end of first semester and at end of year. Students will be aware that these examinations must be approached seriously and require extensive preparation including revision of work completed and further study of the content that will be examined.
Presentation Evening
This year, as for many years past, our Presentation Evening will be held on the Tuesday of the last week of Term Four. Please save that date – Tuesday December 17, with the junior presentations being held between 5.00pm and 6.30pm and the senior presentations between 7.30pm and 9.00pm. The evening will be held in the Ion Whykes Performing Arts Centre on the school grounds.
Reach for the Stars Concert
Those fortunate enough to have attended the Reach for the Stars concert held on October 17 will attest that the evening was a brilliant celebration of the year for the Instrumental Music program. Healesville High School students shared the stage with their younger music colleagues from Healesville Primary School and the night was a wonderful showcase of young musical talent and endeavour. Once again, thank you to Amanda Morrison for all she has done in coordinating the music program and a huge thank you also to her team of instrumental music teachers. As soon as the date for next year’s concert is set, I encourage you to put it into your diary. You won’t be disappointed.
Parent Opinion Survey
Thank you to all families who completed the parent opinion survey this year. Schools have now received the results and we will study the feedback given, commence actions to address areas of concern and further consolidate areas where feedback indicates strong satisfaction amongst parents. High levels of parent satisfaction were indicated in areas such as the physical environment of the school, where 88% of respondents indicated a positive view. As a comparison, parents in all schools in our network averaged a 68% positive response when questioned about the physical environment in their schools.
An area indicated as in need of additional focus was the level of confidence and resiliency shown by our students. Teacher feedback to students was also identified and these will be areas of focus in 2020. Thanks again to all families who completed the survey this year.
Allan Rennick
Second Hand Booksale
We will be holding our annual Second Hand Book sale on Thursday December 12th from
8.45am – 3.30pm.
Details of books that can be bought and sold will be posted on Compass in the near future.
Music News
The Sax Ensemble at the Healesville Music Festival, Saturday 16th November -12:30pm at the racecourse and two performances at Festa di via Verde in Green St. Brass Ensemble 12pm-12:30pm and Jazz Band and Sax Ensemble 4:30-6pm.