Year 12 Presentation Ball

The 2015 Year 12 Presentation Ball was held last Friday evening at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre in South Morang. This year there were 22 Year 12 students, 6 girls and 16 boys, presented to Kirrily and myself in front of more than 250 guests.

This is Concord School’s ‘night of nights’ and an evening that will never be forgotten by the students and their families. The girls looked stunning in their white gowns and the boys were handsome in their red vests and tails. The students all had a wonderful night, dancing their special dances and celebrating with their families and friends. Thank you to all of the Secondary 11-12 staff who made this night such a success, especially Claire Charlesworth who taught the students the dances and Nina Kahle who organised the event. Thanks also to Mark Lancaster, President of the Concord School Council, for attending the event and addressing the students and their families.

The students behaved with great maturity and they were a credit to their parents and carers.

Fencing and Landscaping Front of the School

The landscaping to the front of the school will commence during the upcoming school holidays and will take six weeks to be completed.

The fencing at the front of the school, from Watson Holden to the Gleeson Drive corner, is in the progress of being replaced and will be installed by the end of this week. The School Council carefully considered the installation of the new fencing as there was some justifiable concern that it would be unattractive and disconnect the school from passing traffic. It was determined that the priority was to create a designated entrance to the school and improve access, student safety and security.

The new fence will be at the same height as the fencing at the side and back of the school but will have vertical bars instead of chain mesh. When the landscaping has been completed, the only entrance at the front of the school will be a newly constructed entrance/pathway leading straight down from the front of the school to the office area. The gates outside the Primary Wing and the gym will only be opened during ‘bus times’ and the gate outside the Discovery Centre will only be used when maintenance to the oval is required.

Concord School Review

Government Schools undergo a School Review every four years and the Concord School review will be conducted on Wednesday 2nd September. The purpose is to reflect on what has been achieved in the previous four years and to write the Strategic Plan for the next four years. The review is overseen by an independent reviewer and this year Zenda Clarke will be working with us. We have also invited two Principals, Marise Boff (Norris Bank PS) and Diane Bassett (Hume Valley School) to attend and provide insight into our findings.

The panel will discuss the school’s performance relating to Achievement, Engagement, Wellbeing and Productivity. The results of this school review will be published in subsequent newsletters.

Secondary 9-10 Night Out

On Wednesday 5th August, Secondary 9-10 held their annual evening through which students and teachers demonstrate the wide variety of programs students in the learning area participate in.

It was a wonderful opportunity for all to experience and celebrate student learning achieved through the engaging, hands on and interactive curriculum. It was enjoyed and appreciated by all in attendance.

Superhero Day

On Friday 28th August, the Primary students from both Campuses will be participating in the Muscular Dystrophy Australia Superhero Day. Students are encouraged to make a gold coin donation and dress up as their favourite story book character or comic superhero.

This event has been created to give children with Muscular Dystrophy and their families hope by showing them that they are not alone and that their community is working to raise funds to help find a cure. The overall message of the day is one of hope, acceptance and understanding. Funds raised will go to support research at the National Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre.

http://superherodaymd.com/

ES Recognition Month

August is ES Recognition Month for Educational Support staff. At Concord School, all staff who not teachers, leadership staff or trainees are classified as Educational Support staff. The majority of these staff members support the teachers in the classroom but also include our technical, maintenance and administration staff.

The school leadership and teaching staff greatly appreciate the wonderful work and support provided by the school Educational Support staff (and trainees).

Principal for a Day Program

Tom Melican, Councillor, Banyule City Council, will be Principal for a Day at our school on Tuesday 8th September. The mission of Principal for a Day is to increase and strengthen partnerships between schools and the community.

Further information can be obtained at http://www.acer.edu.au/pfad

Principal's Award

The Principal's Award goes to Bryce.

Bryce displays qualities at school that will assist him in successfully completing his VCAL and then transitioning to his post-school option. He takes on a leadership role within his Work Related Skills programs and always puts in his best effort when completing tasks. Bryce takes pride in his work, participates in all activities and is a polite and kind young man.

Congratulations Bryce you are a well deserved recipient of the Principal's Award!

"Students striving to be the best they can be"

Jason Coningsby

Principal

President's Message

A School Council meeting was held on Monday 17th August 2015.

The agenda items that were discussed at the meeting were:

· School Review Progress

· Camp Australia

· 2015 Student Attitudinal Survey Results

· Discovery Centre Video

· Student Achievement Tool

· Concord School Policies

"Working together for our Children"

Mark Lancaster

School Council President

Community Noticeboard

NDIS

OnLine Survey

Head Space