Altona College Newsletter

Principal's Report

Dear families,

 

I extend a warm welcome back to all our families as we begin term 2 of the academic year.  Our term commenced on Wednesday with our community coming together to commemorate ANZAC day and acknowledge those Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country. The solemn ceremony led by our senior student leadership team included the playing of the last post on the trumpet by our new instrumental music teacher Shan, which was a poignant moment of the event. The leaders had also risen early on Tuesday morning to lay a wreath at the local RSL ANZAC event at the Altona Cenotaph on behalf of our college community.  I commend and congratulate our student leaders whose management and leadership of events has been exceptional.

 

The team led our first secondary assembly last Friday to celebrate the achievements of our students during term 1. Year 8E students provided musical entertainment for their peers which was very well received. We proudly presented over 80 certificates to students in recognition of 100% attendance in term 1.  Three disruptive years of COVID have impacted student attendance and as a school we will continue to reward and recognise those students who commit to their education. Daily school attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don't fall behind both socially and developmentally. Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that children develop habits of regular attendance at an early age. Conversely, limited school participation is associated with a greater chance of dropping out of school, disruptive and delinquent behaviour and may lead to a cycle of rebellion against authority. These outcomes have later implications for employment, a range of health risk behaviours (drug and alcohol abuse), homelessness, poverty, welfare dependence, and involvement in the justice system. 

 

Year 9 students headed to Anglesea last week for their annual camp supported by Hamish McGee, Rhett Dadswell, Tennielle Talbot, Kadra Hagi, Shaun Mannaugh and Ashleigh Botica.  The weather was exceptional over the three days they spent at the beach and the students certainly enjoyed their time away together.  The staff were appreciative of the student participation and the way in which they conducted themselves on the camp.  You should be very proud of them all and there were certainly tired campers and staff on Friday evening.

 

Our students continue to represent our college in events outside of the school hours.  Eden Carruthers and Ryan Mitchell attended the WYNSPEAK heats this week. WYNSPEAK, is a youth public speaking competition for secondary school students in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, was established to provide students with an opportunity to practice and test their public speaking skills in front of a live audience. Through this comprehensive program students develop a skill for life. We have had many students reach the finals and win the competition during the past ten years. The competition is designed for secondary students who:

  • Want to improve their public speaking skills.
  • Want to test their public speaking ability against students from other schools.
  • Want to compete for cash prizes and trophies for the best speakers.

Ryan Mitchell, Razan Katrib, Riley Thomas, Micheal Zipeski and Alisha Moait participated in the MUNA (Modelled United Nations Assembly) at Mount Alexander College this week. The event provided an excellent forum for these students to develop and practice their public speaking skills whilst debating on topical world issues. Senior high school students develop an awareness of the United Nations and the countries they represent at a simulated UN Assembly. The participants research the nominated resolutions and prepare a speech. They dress themselves in the national dress of their country and learn a lot about local issues of the country they represent. This fantastic and fun event builds young leaders with a global perspective in mind.

 

Annual Report

The college council endorsed the Annual Report at an extraordinary meeting in the last week of term. Parents are welcome to join the council at the commencement of the meeting on Tuesday evening at 5:30pm where I will formalise the report.

 

Alpine School Students Return

I extend a warm welcome back to the college representatives who attended the student leadership development program at the Alpine School at Dinner Plain in term 1. Aimee, Zelda, Zoe, Izak, Jarrah, Finlay and Kai have developed a community project as a compulsory part of the program and will facilitate a beach safety day for Year 9 students later in the year. They were unanimous in their praise of the program and the personal growth that they all achieved during their time away from family and friends.

 

Congratulations to the Guthridge Family

I extend my warmest congratulations to our secondary Assistant Principal Nathan Guthridge, his wife Shae and daughter Maeve on the safe arrival of Solley Jack Guthridge on Tuesday morning. We wish them all the very best as they spend some time together as a family with their new little addition. Our leading teachers will be acting in the capacity of Assistant Principal Secondary during Nathan’s absence. Mr Micheal Sperling is Acting Assistant Principal until next Wednesday. Mrs Julie Giles will then step into the role.  

 

Staffing Update

I am pleased to welcome Danielle Sinnott to the primary teaching team who replaces Mrs Kylie O’Sullivan this term whilst she is on well-deserved long service leave.

 

Mr Nick Grace Wenzel, a member of the Science team is making a career change and will finish up next Wednesday 10th May. Nick was instrumental in leading the School Wide Positive Behaviour and values program and in developing the science curriculum for VCE as our college expanded. We are in the process of seeking a replacement. On behalf of the staff and students I extend my warm appreciation to Nick as he begins a new career as a train driver and wish him and his family all the best for the future.

 

Mrs Rawnak Hamid is currently on leave and is being replaced by Mrs Mitchell Jones who was the successful candidate for an ongoing teaching position at the college. Mrs Jones comes to us from Buckley Park College with a wealth of experience in Business Management and Computing. 

 

Uniform

Our students are transitioning from the Summer to the Winter uniform and I commend their efforts in learning to tie a tie in the formal uniform. The Year 7 students were out helping each other this week.  A copy of the policy is available on the website and in student diaries. 

 

New Permanent Grieve Parade Crossing Supervisor

I warmly welcome Ann-Maree as our new crossing supervisor, I know our families and students have appreciated her warm friendly manner.

 

Wishing all our students and families a warm weekend.

 

Julie Krause