From the Principal Class

Principal News

Term 3 has proven to be an uncertain time. We continue to look to the future but recognise that uncertainty causes distress and anxiety for some members of the Viewbank community.

We are committed to supporting students, parents, and staff. Please see the wellbeing resources for families at the bottom of this report. We also encourage you to keep up communication with your House Leader and our Wellbeing Team if you need support.

It saddens me to have to report that so many of the community building events that happen during Term 3 have been postponed or cancelled. Let’s look forward to staging many of these events in Term 4.

We have yet again made the difficult decision to postpone the following events for Term 3:

College Production (to be rescheduled post-Year 12 exams)
Year 12 Presentation Ball (new date/venue being sought for post exams)
Year 11 Presentation Ball (possibly early December)
Jazz Night and String Soiree (looking for opportunities in term 4)
VCD/Media presentation night
Sports days
Public speaking
Grade 5 tours
Vietnam Veterans service

On a brighter note, the following events have taken place remotely or are scheduled soon:

Morrisby Careers interviews (Year 10’s)
Several information evenings for Senior students – careers
Subject selection interviews (Years 9 into 10)
Debating
Year 12 Parent/Student/Teacher conferences
Acceleration and Enhancement testing
The GAT (onsite)
VCE trial exams and assessments (onsite)
STEAM week activities

Thanks to all involved in making these online events possible.

Remote Learning 6.0

Engaging students in on-line learning during this latest period of lock down has been somewhat more challenging.

We are currently seeking feedback through student and parent surveys about how to further support those students struggling with motivation or with mental health.

General attendance in classes at years 7, 8, 11 & 12 has been positive. Our Year 9 & 10 students have been online less, and we are contacting families directly to offer support.

A lot of energy from our Heads of House has gone into Competitions and fun activities to engage students and keep that competitive House spirit bubbling along! See the From the Middle School Captains News page.

This period of remote learning has been difficult for staff too and we want to thank them for their ongoing commitment to progressing the learning and wellbeing of all students.

NAPLAN

You may have heard through the media that Victoria’s NAPLAN results were some of the best in the country. Our student results are due to come out early next week and we hope to make this available to Year 7 & 9 students and parents as soon as possible.

Staffing

We have a few staff taking maternity leave from next term and look forward to hearing some lovely news about the newest additions to the Viewbank family! On behalf of the whole College community, we wish Giotta Anastasopoulos and Sarah Buffey all the best!

VALE Ruth Jensz

Ruth was the wife of Viewbank College past Principal, David Jensz.

She passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 23rd.

We have extended David our deepest condolences on behalf of the whole Viewbank College community.

Wellbeing Resources for families

Parents and carers can access tips to support their child’s mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Headspace has also created a video providing tips to support parents and carers during lockdown and are running webinars for parents and carers about offering support when they are concerned about a young person’s mental health.

Wellbeing activities and conversation starters are available for parents of primary school-aged children and parents of secondary school-aged children.

Chicago fundraising raffle FOPAVA 2021

As you are all aware due to unforeseen circumstances the Production – Chicago was unable to proceed. The students are managing this with such strength and support from all those around them. FOPAVA (Friends of Performing and Visual Arts) have decided to proceed with the raffle and for obvious reasons we will do it online.

Please support this wonderful group of students and staff. Buy your tickets today for your chance to WIN a prize of your choice. It could be the “Speak Easy Gin Party Pack” or “I can’t do it alone”. There are 11 prizes in total to choose from - see below.