From the Principal Class Team

Dear Parents and Guardians

Across the school, one can certainly feel a sense of 'moving forward', and, with that, a feeling of relief as we leave some of the more challenging aspects of 2020 behind us, and look towards 2021.

Students and staff, alike, are well into planning for next year. The Year 11 VCE students are mid-way through their 3 week Orientation program for Year 12; and the VCAL classes have just completed their program. Our Year 10’s will complete their semester exams prior to their VCE and VCAL Orientation program commencing next week.

This year has caused us to see our lives and work through a very different lens, to pause and to reassess what matters, what is worth spending time on, and what makes a difference. As a school community, we are reflecting on and analysing what we have learnt as a result of the challenges, and the often surprising successes, of online learning and working. This will inform and shape our focus areas, and aspects of the way we teach, work and connect with each other. We have learnt so much, and it is exciting to be part of many conversations about 2021.

Year 12 Graduation

On Monday 2 November, the College successfully hosted the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2020.

Despite Covid 19, restrictions the event was very successful. While parents and families were unable to attend, the live streaming of the event meant that they could still watch with pride as their children ‘walked the stage’.

Thanks to Kate Temby, our guest speaker, and to the Senior Sub School team who were able to alter plans quickly as the restrictions changed.

Congratulations to all the award winners, and to all the students who graduated!

Tutoring Program

You may have read about the Victorian Government’s funding of a state-wide tutoring program to support students to ‘catch-up’ in their learning following the impact of COVID. 

Our school will receive $725,299 to find the equivalent of 10.5 full time teachers as tutors for the first 6 months of next year. 

We are currently considering options for the structure and implementation of this program. The focus will primarily be on literacy and numeracy; although there will also be a need for subject specific support for senior students.

COVID Safe practices

Whilst the state-wide numbers for COVID infections are currently very positive, we have seen in the recent case of South Australia how quickly things can change. We continue to do everything we can to ensure a COVID Safe environment for our students and staff.

Last week, our practices were reviewed by the Department of Education and found to be compliant with their COVID Safe practices – the only things they noticed were that some students needed to ensure they were wearing their masks correctly; and that classroom doors were open for cross ventilation. We have reinforced these requirements with staff and students.