Principal's Report 

We are delighted to be sharing the start of a new school year with so many new and existing families. We welcomed 16 new students across Years 8 to 11 and 177 Year 7 students. We are also very excited to begin our full complement of VCE offerings with our first group of Year 11 and 10 students. They have risen to the challenge of VCE and it has been a wonderful start for students and staff. Lastly, we have moved into our Stage 2 build which is a seamless transition from the existing Learning Hub. We appreciate the spaces so much more after the tight squeeze of 2021. It is a truly beautiful environment to teach and learn in for all. We will be announcing the official open date and look forward to taking our families through the school.

The traditional African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” has been widely used when describing the role of schools in our community. The need for a village' is undoubtedly more evident in our world today. Schools are working closely with parents to ensure the health, wellbeing and learning growth of every student as they begin the 2022 school year. It takes a village to:

• educate young people
• keep young people safe
• understand the needs of our students
• create an environment for young people to make good choices
• support each other in the important work we do with young people

We look forward to working with our families throughout the year.

Staffing Update

This term we are delighted to welcome the following new staff members:

Canteen

We welcome a new canteen provider this year. They have a healthy diversity of menu items for all dietary needs.  I am sure that there are options for all students at the canteen.

Air Purifiers

The air purifiers being provided by the Department are the Samsung AX7500 model. 

The air purifiers contain high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. HEPA filters can help filter airborne viruses including COVID-19, bacteria, and particulate matter from bushfire or hazard reduction burn smoke. They do not completely eliminate COVID-19 transmission, but combined with other interventions at school – including vaccination, physical distancing, good hygiene, masks and cleaning, they aim to create a safer school environment.

Rapid Antigen Tests

Our team handed out rapid antigen tests to staff and students in the first week of term.  The tests have been used twice a week as a preventative measure.  If your child tests positive, please inform the school.  Students who are required to isolate or quarantine are supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning materials accessed through Microsoft OneNote to support their continued learning. Students can also consult with their teachers through Teams.  Schools are not able to provide a full remote learning program in these circumstances.

School Council Elections 2022

This year we will be holding School Council Elections for 2 parent representatives. We will call for nominations from the 14 February 2022 and nominations will close at 4pm on 21 February 2022.  

Tutoring Learning Initiative

We are extremely proud of the recognition our team of tutors received which is evident in the learning growth of the students they supported.  Please take the time to read about their work.

Alpine School of Student Leadership

Our very best wishes to Georgie Bayman, Xavier Brown, Dale Blackman and Celia Steguweit who departed on the weekend to spend the remainder of the Term at the Alpine School of Student Leadership. What a fantastic adventure. We can’t wait to hear about their experiences and wish them all the best for a wonderful term.

Debby Chaves

Principal