PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

What a stark contrast to this time last year!

The Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 meant that everybody was sent home and schools were given a small amount of time to prepare the curriculum for flexible, remote learning, for all the students across Victoria – we all know what unfolded after that and, over time, we will share stories about the lockdown, both on a local level and global level. The vaccine has brought hope and a new optimism to our world, but we all must agree that it will take some time for things to return to 2019 levels.

These term holidays will provide an opportunity for all our students and their families to have a ‘normal’ break – sleepovers, shopping, catch ups, family trips, etc etc. Everybody is ready for a break and a bit of downtime – unless it’s Queensland. As I pen this missive, I hope that the lockdown has not interfered with your plans if you were intending to fly north!

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Great to see so many parents engage with their student’s teachers over WeBex this past week. It was important to have these meetings, so that our learning partnership, as a community, continues. Many families overwhelmingly opted in to utilise the technology that was available to us, to create these virtual meeting spaces.

The progress report is a snap shot of the academic achievement thus far, attitude and other learner disposition factors to assist with the conversations that are crucial in sustaining learning growth and positive learning environments. I, too, have been meeting with Year 12 students and their parents, in open, honest conversations about the remainder of 2021 and beyond. It has been time well spent as we continue to connect and become part of the bigger goal setting picture.

STUDY AND REST or REST AND STUDY?

These holidays will give all our students an opportunity to have a rest before the rigours of next term, but there is always a but....

The brain and the body love routine and the research shows that we function on a higher level if we continue with all our routines, our sleep times and eating habits
Year 11 and 12 will have some study and revision to complete, that includes the Year 10s who are completing a VCE subject
Try and keep the same hours as a normal school day
Study for VCE should be about two to three hours a day, spread over a couple of sessions
Always find time to have a break and switch off in whatever mindfulness activity suits you best
Years 7-10 will not be set any formal homework, but it’s okay to do some reading or complete some form of revision across all of your subjects

TUTOR LEARNING INITIATIVE

On another note, the Tutor Learning Initiative is in full implementation and is making a difference to the 80+ students that have been identified for the program. The College is monitoring learning growth for these students very closely to allow them to ‘catch up’ and access the curriculum with more confidence. Updates will follow as the initiative unfolds.

FIRST DAY BACK – MONDAY, APRIL 19th - CURRICULUM DAY

Classes for next term will commence on Tuesday, 20th of April, as the first day back next term is a student free day that will allow the staff to work on curriculum development.

ATHLETICS DAY

Congratulations to all the staff and students for putting on such a successful day. The weather was magnificent and friendly competition, great community spirit and high levels of involvement were the key successes to the day.

Special congratulations to Mrs Amy Leonard and her able assistant Ms Natalie Cannon for igniting the Athletics Day after a tough 2020, encouraging large numbers of participation and high numbers of attendance and leading the way in ensuring that the day ran with laser like precision. It was just so good to see all our students have so much fun on the day.

SCHOOL PRODUCTION

Staff and students are working frantically behind the scenes to bring to life Joan Lindsey’s ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ – adaptation by Tom Wright. We are still looking for volunteers to help with costumes, sets, and offstage support. Please contact the College if you can assist in any way.

Performances will run over two nights, the 27th and 28th of May and tickets can be purchased via the trybooking.com link on Monday 5 April.

Thank you in advance to Mrs Mel Evans and Mrs Laura Zimmerling for all their hard work in getting this production up and running, notwithstanding all our students and volunteers.

https://www.trybooking.com/BQFWA

FINALLY ......

Just a reminder about uniform – Summer uniform OR Winter uniform can be worn on the first week back, and in the second week of term, the uniform needs to revert to full winter attire. Parents are directed to the website that outlines the uniform expectations, to, during and from school.

Please check the DOBSONS website for their operating hours during the term break – details are contained within this newsletter.

What a busy term!

We look forward to seeing all our students back at school on Tuesday, 20th of April and we wish all our families a safe and restful break.

Regards

James Barut

Acting Principal

YEAR 7 PRE-ENROLMENT OPEN NIGHT- WEDNESDAY 21 APRIL - 6PM

We encourage prospective parents, carers and families to attend our Pre-Enrolment Information evening - on Wednesday 21 April at 6pm in Banksia Hall. Registration can be completed by booking on the trybooking link below.

Book Now

What makes Mount Eliza Secondary College a Great School?

We believe that our strong tradition of academic excellence is just the start.

At Mount Eliza Secondary College these are the values that motivate us:

High expectations for staff and students
Challenging programs supporting “personal best” for every student
Safe, calm and respectful environment
Student contribution to decision making
Connecting learning and the community
Focus on complete development both personally and academically

If your student will be in Year 7 in 2022 and you have more personalised inquiries for your student, or would like to book a tour, please email info@mesc.vic.edu.au or call 9787 6288