Principal's Report
Principal Report Final Newsletter 2019
The end of year has arrived, and I thank you all for your wonderful support of our school and for entrusting Western Heights College with the gift of educating your children.
As the school year finishes, I sincerely thank and congratulate our students for their hard work and commitment to school this year. Inherently learning is difficult. It means putting yourself in an uncomfortable position and struggling to find a way forward. Every day our students are put in this position, lesson after lesson. The overwhelmingly positive approach and forward trajectory of our students is truly commendable.
I would also like to formally recognise and thank the wonderful teaching careers of 5 of our staff who will retire from the department at the end of this week. Heartfelt and sincere thanks to Kym Tyzack, June George, Anna Blakebrough and Leanne Jemmett and Pauline Doak – all amazing women who have made a great impact on the lives of so many young people from our community. Stay safe, stay in touch and be proud of your achievements at Western Heights College. We are collectively proud of you and the imprints and legacy that you left our community.
We also farewell Ivan Ludinic who will take up a new role at Christian College Geelong. Ivan has been with the college for a number of years and we wish him every success in his new role.
We also bid farewell to our Chinese Language Assistant Amber who has made a wonderful impact in her 12 months in our school community. We wish her well over the coming years with her future career and hope that you have enjoyed your shared time during the last 12 months at both our school and Hamlyn Banks PS.
I would also like to take this opportunity to extend to all members of our School Community my very best wishes for a safe and a thoroughly relaxing, refreshing school break. Take care of each other.
Year 12 Results
Congratulations to our wonderful group of Year 12 students who recently received their ATAR results.
A special congratulations to Simona Parevska for being considered our dux for 2019, achieving a wonderful score which will enable her to successfully obtain a place in either Law or Architecture.
When reflecting on their achievements and results it was important to reflect on the journey and pathway of each student. All students travel a particular individual journey to complete their schooling and when results and reports are released, it is important to not judge final marks, ATAR scores or school reports, but to reflect on each individuals endeavor and persistence. No one else can assess if it was your best, but you. It’s never about society’s expectations but rather the ones you are prepared to put on yourself. As individual learners you decide what sacrifices and learning will be necessary for you to reach your optimum and to be your best. I am very proud to see that a number of our students achieved their personal bests.
Thanks to our College Community
Thanks must go to the ongoing dedication of our staff team at the college. They are to be commended for their efforts and commitment during the year. I continue to be amazed at the incredible opportunities our staff have provided for our students every single day.
I am incredibly proud of our students and been overwhelmed particularly in the last week by lovely phone calls and emails from members of the community to applaud our students and staff for their presentation and unheralded work in our community.
I would also like to thank the 2019 College Captains who have been outstanding role models throughout the year. I would like to particularly thank Jacqueline Worpel and Kody Pulleine for their exceptional leadership throughout 2019.
To all members of the School Council, led by Mrs Elizabeth Dimovski; thank you very much for your efforts and support throughout the year.
Return to School Dates for 2020
All students will be expected to return to school on Wednesday 29th January for their “ready to Learn Mentor Meeting with the first day of formal classes for all students taking place on Thursday 30th January.
Ready to Learn Mentor Meetings 2020
In 2020, we will continue with our very successful mentor meetings to start the school year. All students and their parents/carers are invited to attend a 15 minute ‘Ready to Learn’ meeting with their Mentor Group Teacher on Wednesday 29 January 2020.
Students are to attend in full College uniform and bring all of their books and stationery, which they will leave in their locker after the interview.
Students must attend a “Ready to Learn” interview prior to commencing 2020 classes. Please contact the College if your family is unable to attend on Wednesday 29 January and other arrangements will be made for you.
The purpose of the interviews is:
- To provide the opportunity for all Mentor Group Teachers to meet their students with their parent/carer and have a positive supportive interaction with them
- To ensure that students are fully organised and prepared for learning and are able to meet all of the requirements of a Western Heights College student including having the correct uniform and equipment
- Deal with administrative matters in a timely and efficient manner. The “Ready to Learn Day” process will ensure a positive, smooth and productive start to the school year and will ensure that every student is prepared for learning.
Awards Evening 2019
This year’s awards evening was a fantastic evening on Monday night at GMHBA Stadium. The evening commenced with our “Create” art and technology exhibition in the foyer. It was a wonderful celebration of learning and achievements for the year and is a concept we will build on for 2020. The attendance from our school community was outstanding with close to 500 parents, family members, students and friends in attendance.
Fiona Taylor | College Principal