End of year

With the school year drawing to a close, it is such a rewarding experience to reflect on the social, emotional and academic growth and development of our students in 2019. We welcomed the new Year 7 cohort to thunderous applause at our college wide assembly in February. This wonderful group of students arrived, some with trepidation as to what high school would bring and others already confident and prepared but all with a mindset to take on the challenges ahead. And take it on they did! They have been an amazing year level and watching them grow and develop over these last 11 months has been an extremely satisfying experience. We have seen many make new friendships at camp, as well as strengthen old friendships, have a voice through the SRC, give back to the community by supporting charity days and events, speak or perform at assemblies, soirees, musicals and Presentation Nights. Welcoming our new year 7 for 2020 on December 10th, it is hard to believe how far our current year 7 have come. Many spent the day assisting the new Year 7 students orientate themselves with their new surroundings and did so with kindness, a reflection of their maturity and confidence. I look forward to seeing these students gain further skills and knowledge as they face the challenges of Year 8.

Throughout the year, Year 7 student Katya Jaski has been raising money in support of the Cancer Foundation. On reaching her target, Katya agreed to shave her head at school and Year 7 Student Manager Denholm Pickering also shaved his beard in support of Katya and this wonderful cause. The “big shave” was supported by many students who cheered on the occasion. Thanks also to teacher’s aide Matthew Meath for using his hairdressing expertise on the day. Well done, Katya!

The Year 8 cohort have also been on a journey of growth and development. These are an outstanding group of young people who also take their learning very seriously and strive to be their best. Our shared values is what makes our school so successful and well done to Year 8 for modelling these values for others to follow. Under the guidance of French Teacher Miss Diane Priaud, Year 8 French students recently held a Bake Sale to raise money in support of the victims of the recent bushfires in NSW and Queensland. They managed to raise more than $240 which was an outstanding effort. Well done to all and thank you to the families who contributed by baking items to sell.

I took great pride in handing out a significant number of Sandringham Star awards for Year 7&8 in particular, for academics, college values and kindness throughout the year. I have also often seen responsibility, and respect for others, humour, talents in sports, science, the arts and STEM (especially robotics) amongst so many other growing qualities.

Both Year 7 and 8 have also been fully engaged into our Headstart program, now as Year 8 & 9 students. They are to be commended for the way they have approached the new work with diligence and hope that this small snapshot of the new curriculum continues to excite and engage them. Junior campus had 20 new students commence with us during Headstart and we hope that they are now feeling settled and familiar with their new environment.

For Year 9, they have progressed over the year from adolescents to being fine young adults and as head of the campus, been a force to be reckoned with. They have lead charity events, participated in Man Cave and Tomorrow Woman seminars for self-discovery, self-defence courses, faced challenges and renewed old friendships at Camp and completed examinations. Term four was also a time for decision making regarding their courses for Year 10, course counselling, subject choices and pathway options for the future. Their time at junior campus concluded with a lovely Farewell Assembly where we celebrated their successful completion of Year 9 with their parents and teachers. As now Year 10 students at senior campus, they have already commenced their studies and in many cases, familiarised themselves with the expectations of senior curriculum.

All year levels should be proud of their achievements this year, whether it be personal best results in sporting, academic, creative or social aspects of their lives. Many students took on the challenge of the Great Victorian Bike Ride and we look forward the return of our World Challenge students and teachers from Nepal in the coming week. No doubt, there will be many stories to tell!

I would like to encourage all students to apply for Leadership positions for 2020. Student Voice and Agency is important to us, provides opportunities to represent the students and the college, improves public speaking, and builds confidence and resilience in individuals. Please refer to the link on Compass to apply. Applications close December 18th and interviews will be held in January.

I look forward to further seeing all of these fine young people further grow and blossom as we progress into 2020 and feel very proud to have lead the campus in 2019. I would also like to personally thank the amazing staff - principals, teachers and ES staff, at Sandringham College for their constant support and their dedication to our students. It is an inspiring place to work.

In 2020, we are introducing School Wide Positive Behaviours across all year levels at Sandringham College and I look forward to all our college community contributing to this important program. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the SWPB team, Michael, Jake, Denholm and Kim, for their hard work so far in helping me develop this important work into the culture of our college.

I hope you all have a great break and best wishes for the holiday season.

Mrs Vivienne McElwee

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