Acting Principal 

Why do some people succeed, and others fail? It is involving a degree of not giving up. It is persistence and tenacity and the effort required to do something and keep doing it till the end, even if it's hard. 

Words like persistence, tenacity, determination, resolve, resolution, resoluteness, purposefulness describe perseverance. Angela Duckworth explains her theory of "grit" as a predictor of success. She discusses how perseverance and passion matter as much as talent and intelligence and that true success comes when we devote ourselves to endeavours that give us joy and purpose. 

At Ringwood Secondary college we aim to positively profile and celebrate the strengths and achievements of both our students and staff with this year’s Education Week theme celebrating both historical and cultural connections between schools, local communities in strengthening bonds with families and carers. It will be another positive opportunity for our college to showcase how interrelations are created and maintained to bring joy and purpose. 

The celebration of success and extending gratitude to those around us is key to the improvement of everyone’s health and wellbeing. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our Educational Support (ES) staff who provide valuable key support and expert knowledge to keep our college humming along. A celebratory morning tea held this week acknowledged the tireless work they undertake.  I also warmly acknowledge our teaching staff who are working, under great pressure, to ensure our students learn and enjoy a range of experiential experiences through co curricula programs such as sport, performing arts, excursions, and lunchtime activities. 

The upcoming Jazz Night at York on Lilydale will be hosted by our Performing Arts and Music Prefects is one example of our co curricula programs not to be missed. The athletic sports carnival held today at Proclamation Park was a very successful event held in somewhat cool but clear conditions culminating in a joyous atmosphere with our new students in Year 7 and students in Years 8-10 enjoying music and novel activities organised by our senior students whilst participating in or viewing a range of athletic events.

Experiences from excursions and camps become some of the fondest memories of our secondary school years and RSC believe that it is an important rite of passage. This year, we have been very fortunate to be able to organise and run many events to enrich learning experiences across all year level including the Year 10 and Year 11 Central Australia Tours which immersed our students into cultural, historical, and geographical challenges.

In readiness for students to become work ready, firmly entrenched into the Year 10 curriculum, is the introduction to the world of work through work experience. This work experience week will be a key feature for student’s future career management to aid and enable informative subject selections that will be a primary focus early in Term 3, well supported by targeted parent information sessions.

The Annual Student Attitudes to School Survey (ATS) has been conducted for several year levels already with other year levels to be completed by early June. This survey will provide a range of data for the wider community and is an opportunity to capture and respond to student reflections about their learning. Parent and teacher surveys will soon follow.

Our environmental landscape is always evolving with the next large scale building project for the STEM Science and Technology on schedule. Architects Clark Hopkin Clark (CHC), who designed both the Junior school and Senior School buildings will work collaboratively with Lloyd builders who constructed the Senior School. Asbestos removal is underway, and the demolition of the main section of the Science wing will occur by early June. This exciting project that will nurture and sustain a focus and provide for the future direction of science and technology education.

Chaplaincy

Ringwood Secondary College has two chaplains, Adam Bryant and Jen Farmilo who work within to complement our wellbeing team.  They provide guidance and support to our students in a variety of ways including supervision of the ‘Raise’ mentoring program, running the Wednesday morning Breakfast, organising lunchtime activities and clubs, organising the Car Show and outdoor activities with external agencies. They perform a crucial important role in our college, and I would like to personally acknowledge their tireless work.

Maria Allison

Acting Principal