From the Principal Team

WHY CHOOSE A PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL?

At this time of the year, families are making important decisions about choosing a secondary school for their child. There’s a common view that if you send your child to a private school, your child will get better results. But the facts show that this is wrong. 

A recent review of almost thirty academic studies revealed public schools achieve similar student outcomes to Catholic and independent schools across a range of education indicators. (Cobbold, 2015). The review showed there were no significant differences between the results of students from public, Catholic and independent schools in national and international tests and in university completion rates.

Also in the first year of university, students from public schools outperform other students – they achieve higher grades in their first year of university than students from Catholic and independent schools. You can read more about the review’s findings here:  http://www.saveourschools.com.au/public-education/studies-show-public-schools-achieve-similar-results-to-private-schools

 As a leader in the public school system I believe it’s important that families know about this information because it can help inform their decision-making.  Public schools are just as good as private schools in the area that matters most – developing your child’s potential. 

The review is one of many pieces of educational research showing that students from the same social background do as well in public schools as they do in Catholic or independent schools. 

There are other good reasons to consider enrolling your child in a public school. They include the following:

• Public schools are great value for money compared with private schools, which charge families up to $30,000 each year in tuition fees per child. Tuition at public schools is free, with families paying for books and some essential items.
• Children in public schools learn to get on with a wide mixture of students from different backgrounds. These advanced social skills – cooperation, empathy, problem solving – are increasingly prized in the modern workplace. They equip students for success in life and in work.
• Public schools are neighbourhood schools.  Enrolling your child in a school within walking or riding distance to home makes it easier for you to know who your child’s friends are, to make friends with other local parents and to forge closer links with your school and your community.

High quality teaching is one of the biggest factors that influence student learning. That’s why public schools are intensifying their efforts to enhance the skills of their teachers through mentoring, peer and student feedback and other forms of professional development. 

Public schools are the backbone of our nation’s education system. They express our Australian egalitarian values. They provide opportunities for all children to succeed, no matter where they live. They give all children a fair chance to reach their potential and lead a fulfilling life.

TRANSITION – 2018 YEAR 7 STUDENTS

Our Transition team led by Kimberley Tempest, Julie Jerome and Lisa Rowe have been busy planning our information evening and school tours for prospective Year 7 students and their parents. Our Parent information night was held here at Shepparton High School earlier in the week on Monday evening. If you have any questions regarding transition, please have no hesitation in contacting a member of the transition team or myself.

Parents will now be provided with the opportunity to participate in tours of the school and be shown the extracurricular and core curricular activities undertaken at Shepparton High School and other state secondary schools on Monday May 15th and Tuesday May 16th at 9.15am and 11.15am.

ATTENDANCE: IT’S NOT OK TO BE AWAY!

The way you train is the way you play; if you miss training or train poorly, then you’ll perform below your potential. Attending classes and applying yourself well follow the exact same principles.

Developing gaps in a students’ knowledge base severely restricts both his/her understanding and progress.  It is difficult enough to make up lost ground when a student is genuinely ill, but verging on impossible when away for unjustifiable reasons.

Last Friday, we had our House Cross Country event  during periods 5&6 and there were far too many students absent on this day.  Such condoned absences and/or lateness to school also shows a state of mind that places a low value on a student’s education.

The days of starting at the bottom of an organization and working your way up are virtually gone.  Entry for most jobs/careers relies on a certain level of education and both the willingness and capacity to pursue further training.

Parent condoned absences or allowing your child to be late regularly are eroding students’ chances; let’s stop the rot.

In future, if we have a school sporting event or camp or a school day before or after a public holiday please ensure your child attends school.

Should you require support in saying NO to your son/daughter in regard to any absences other than illness, please contact his/her Teacher Advisor or Year Level Team Leaders immediately.

If you are not sure if there is a holiday for the students please contact the school. Let’s all work together to make a difference to your child’s future.

Phil Squire                       Principal

Kimberley Tempest     Asst Principal

Christine Cole                Asst Principal