Firstly, I would like to thank all members of our school community for their continued patience, resilience and support, particularly over recent weeks.

I can understand that the most recent remote and flexible learning period was both somewhat surprising as well challenging.

It is great to be back onsite and I am looking forward to our students embracing the learning opportunities ahead.

Transitioning back to onsite learning

The challenge of transitioning between onsite and remote learning is one that we will work on together to support our students to make the most of their time in the classroom. Returning to positive and consistent learning habits is central to student success. Over the past 18 months there have been some refinements and improvements to how some of our supports operate at the College. I would like to take this opportunity to outline some of the ways that the College is working to make sure all students are ready and equipped for learning.

Uniform

Any families experiencing difficulty obtaining uniform can seek support from the College. The State Schools Relief organisation has recently expanded the program to include more items. The College has also been able to implement a process where increased subsidies will enable more students to gain appropriate uniform. Our Year Level Engagement Coordinators, Sub School Leaders and Principal team are available to support the referral process.

Digital devices / Netbook program

This program has been expanded to reduce barriers for students experiencing any financial difficulty. Increased flexibility in payment plan options are available to fit all budgets and can be arranged by contacting the main office.

Materials fees and changes

As per the above, payment plans to suit all budgets are available. Please contact the main office to arrange a plan.

The above information highlights the College commitment to supporting all students so that they are ready and equipped for classes.

Course counselling and subject selection.

In term 3 all students in Years 8 to 11 will be involved in various forms of subject and course selection. Information for students on what they need to do and how this is done will be communicated via Life Skills, STEP and VCAL PDS classes, as well as via Compass newsfeed items. This is an exciting time for students as they begin to consider their future options. Our pathways team at the College is here to support students and are available upon request.

Our first major event in the course counselling process was held earlier this week. The Zooming into Senior Studies (ZiSS) program for our Year 10 students included some special guest appearances from past students. All of these past students communicated similar messages to our current Year 10 students.

These included:

Reward for effort – Work hard and seek feedback for improvement. Results will reflect the effort you have put in and how you have applied feedback for improvement.
Follow your passions and interests - This provides strong personal motivation for achievement
Ask questions and seek support - Teachers and family members have excellent knowledge to draw upon. Looking after your overall wellbeing is vital to success.

I look forward to seeing how our current Year 10 students will apply the above through their senior years.

Gym and performing arts project

This project is coming along well despite some minor delays to material availability. The projected completion date for the performing arts changerooms and toilets is now the end of August with the gym currently on track for February of next year.

Bus and student transport

Some plans have been developed to move the current location of the school bus stop from Brunt street to Clarendon street. These plans will need to be approved by various levels of government. If successful the implementation of the changes will see reduced congestion of bus traffic at the front of the school as well as reduced need for our students to access the Lyall street bus exchange. Thanks to the school community for your input and patience as this solution is developed. I remain optimistic that a significant change will be implemented and operating by early 2022.

Some changes to our calendar of events

Moderation sessions

These have been rescheduled and will now occur on Thursday 5th and Thursday 12th of August. Classes will finish at 2.30pm on these days. Thanks to the school council for their support of the implementation of these sessions for our staff.

Pupil free day

This was originally schedule for Wednesday 11th August. It has been postponed until further notice. Pupil free days provide an excellent opportunity for both myself and the College staff to continue their professional learning, however, in light of recent disruptions to our onsite programs I have made the decision to postpone this until later in the term. When a new date is decided it will be communicated via Compass and Facebook

College Production

This has also been postponed to later in the term. Our staff and students have been working with passion and resilience to make sure this happens. Please see article later in the newsletter.

EID celebrations

This too has been postponed. The students involved in this have worked tremendously hard and shown great leadership to prepare this performance. They have also been invited to perform at a local primary school. When these performances are able to occur for live audiences, we will communicate the details to the community.

Finally, our parent opinion survey will be commencing soon and I would encourage parents to provide your thoughts on our school. This feedback is important to us and has an impact on informing future improvements.

Many thanks,

David Caughey

College Principal

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