Principal's Report
Half way through the term; two thirds of the way through the VCE exams; enrolment for 2020; transition only two weeks away; welcome to Term 4.
While every Term is busy, Term 4 has its own pace and, to channel The Castle, ‘vibe’. We started the Term with Presentation Night, and this set the scene. With a new format, the evening was an outstanding success. The increased focus on our students ensured the night was a success; that and the tireless efforts of the staff. The feedback from many quarters has been more than positive. One of the great successes of the evening was the photography and I hope that you have had an opportunity to not only look at the photos from the evening, but download the ones you want for free!
To browse and download photos, please click here and use the access code SCHSP091019.
The Year 12 students ‘finished’ their year with a day at the beach and then a celebration day at the school. This was an opportunity for the students to reflect on their time at Suzanne Cory High School and to take the opportunity to relax and enjoy time with their friends before their VCE exams - which have obviously started! My message to the students has always been that if you work consistently throughout the year then the exams will sort themselves out. And while the nervous energy levels are high at the time of exams, the students have been diligently working through them - and with a little over a week to go, the end is in sight. And with the conclusion of the exams, Valedictory Dinner (Wednesday, November 20th) will be an opportunity for students, their families and the staff to celebrate their final year of secondary schooling. This year the Valedictory Dinner will be held at Crown Palladium and we already have over 670 guests! This will be a fantastic celebration of our Year 12 students and I encourage the Year 12 students and their families to attend.
While the VCE exams may provide one focus for the school at this time of the year, there is lot more happening than just exams! The process of enrolling students for 2020 has continued apace. This has included an Information Evening for the incoming students and their parents, as well as preparing for Orientation Day for the 2020 Year 9 students on November 22nd. One of the most important tasks we undertake is transition for our new students, which we aim to make as smooth as possible.
The two-week 2020 Transition program begins on November 25th for our current students. Sometimes referred to as a ‘step-up’ program in other schools, this is a cycle of classes for the students to prepare for next year. This years' program also includes a 2020 Year 12 preparation camp. It is important for all families to note that students are expected at school for the transition cycle.
For the second year running, we are having a Twilight Fair! This wonderful event will be on Friday, November 29th, and is our way of saying "Thank You!" to our community for a wonderful school year. Please join us for free food trucks, gelato and coffee carts, snack vendors, and live music from 5:30pm. I would encourage all students, staff, and family members to attend.
Each state school has a Strategic Plan that usually runs for four years. We are currently in the third year of our Strategic Plan; however, the Department has changed the review process and we will be undertaking our review in Term 1 next year. As part of the review process we are required to undertake a pre-review self-evaluation of our current strategic plan. This allows us to engage with key stakeholders in the school community - namely, staff, students and parents. There is an opportunity for parents to provide feedback on this process on Tuesday, November 19th. To participate in the feedback session, please register your interest here.
Finally, I just received notification that Suzanne Cory High School is the winner of the School Sport Victoria ‘School of the Year Award’. This award recognises the magnificent work of the Director of Sport & Student Engagement, Claire Breed, the many staff who take and coach sporting teams, and the students who have participated throughout the year. We are truly a Renaissance school!
Colin Axup
Principal
Contact Us
Phone: (03) 8734 2800
Email: suzanne.cory.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au
School Website: www.suzannecoryhs.vic.edu.au