From the Principal Class Team

Naidoc Week 

NAIDOC Week this year was held from 8 -15 November. NAIDOC week is a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. It is an important time in our College Calendar. 

This year’s theme for NAIDOC Week was Always Was, Always Will Be. Always Was, Always Will Be recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.

During NAIDOC Week this year, all students watched a video performance of “You Got a Habit” by Jessica Wishart. Jessica Wishart is a young Bidjara woman who writes and performs songs inspired by her love of music, family and culture. We also explored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People perspectives in classrooms, changed our bell music to reflect performances from a range of Indigenous Australian artists and created a NAIDOC Week wall of fame, showcasing the skills and talents of famous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We invited all our students to think about the true history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations and to consider the wonderful accomplishments of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students to this great country Australia.  

We are a diverse and multicultural school with students from 71 countries. NAIDOC Week reminds us that to keep our community one that is respectful of all cultures, it is essential we are respectful of our countries first peoples. Not just during NAIDOC week, but each and every day. 

Student Surveys and Forums

Returning to onsite learning has been an exciting time for our College community. Spending a large portion of the year learning online, however, has required the College to ensure students are supported in their return to onsite learning. To assist us in understanding student perspectives, we have conducted surveys with all Year 7-10 students at the end of their first week back onsite. We have also conducted students forums with representatives from all home classes to unpack what we are doing well and how we can further support our students. The results have revealed that on the whole, students are feeling connected, protected and respected at school which is pleasing to see. 

Over the coming weeks we are focused on growing student engagement in classes, maintaining a calm and safe learning environment and promoting student voice and agency. To conclude this process, we will survey students again prior to end of the year to monitor growth and ensure we have as much data as possible to set all students up for success in 2021. 

End of year program and dates for Years 7-11

The end of the year is fast approaching which means we are in the midst of exams and Orientation programs for various year levels.

The Term 4 dates and when the programs are running at each year level are available in the Important Dates and Calendar page of the newsletter.

And finally....

We have had a larger than usual number of students arriving late to school this week. As a result we are having a ‘punctuality blitz.’ If your child is repeatedly late for school, we will contact you to discuss this. If the issue continues, we will arrange an interview with you and your child. Punctuality is important and shows respect for teachers and the rest of the class. We appreciate your support in helping us address this.