Principal's Report
Welcome to iNewsletter
We have moved our newsletter to an online version to better showcase the wide range of activities and events that take place here at the College.
Compass 'my news' will remain as a vital communication tool to keep families up to date with important information, with the newsletter providing news and a review of the month along with reminders for upcoming events.
Farewell to the Class of 2016
The last classes were held for our year 12 students on Wednesday 19th October. A school assesmbly was held, in which the year 12's entered to a round of applause from the entire school. In only feels like yesterday when the Class of 2016 was introduced to the College in the old Hall by Mrs Vinocuroff and Mr Zahra. Whilst the time has flown by, there has been a vast range of special memories and great experiences.
At the assembly, the school captains spoke about their journey through the College and reflected on their most memorable experiences. The following day, year 12 students came to school in fancy dress, completed a lap of the school and had a morning tea with the staff. The fun and excitement was short lived as the students transitioned to exam mode.
Year 8 Electives
In 2017, year 8 students will be given the opportunity to complete up to two elective classes for the year.
Teachers in consultation with students have been developing a range of subjects for students to be able to select. Whilst the classes are yet to be finalised, proposed subjects at this stage include:
- EXCEL Sport
- Horticulture
- Green Team (Sustainability Program)
- IT for Girls
- Coding & Game Development
- Art & the Environment
- Cultural Arts
- Sport & Recreation
- Active Maths
- Creative Writing
- Book Making & Illustration
- Linguanauts (LOTE)
- Rising Stars (Performing Arts)
- STEM Robotics (Robo Cup)
- Master Chef
- Edible Gifts
- Carrum-Carrum (History & Geography)
The electives have been developed as one of the many initiatives that will be implemented next year in an attempt to maximise student engagement at years 7 & 8. Arrangements for selecting classes will be communicated in the coming two weeks.
German Exchange
Over the past two weeks, we have had the pleasure of hosting 18 students from our sister school in Lorch, Germany, who have stayed with PRSC host families and experienced life as a secondary student here in Australia. The exchange and host students have completed a large range of different activities and excursions, including a number who attended an Outdoor Education Camp in the Otways. I would like to thank the staff, students and families who assisted with year's trip.
German Film Festival
Once again, our year 9 German students took out first prize in the German School Film Festival "Wenn ich groB bin..." held at ACMI by the Goethe Institute with their film titled "Helden". Congratulations to Ms Scott and her talented group year 9 students.
Finalists: Victorian Game & App Challenge
A team of four Yr 10 students have been shortlisted as finalists in the Victorian Schools Games and Apps Challenge!
They have been invited to attend the Games at the Education Summit where they will be coached by Jon Yeo, from TEDx.
The game prototype they created is called ‘Offline’.
Offline is a game that addresses issues faced by today’s youth. This includes but is not limited to peer pressure, teenage choices and respectful relationships. The game itself will be presented in messenger form with the player’s choices effecting the game and its outcomes. More details can be found on the 'Striving for Excellence' page.
Parent Information Sessions
Patterson River SC has developed a partnerhip with local primary schools to deliver a range of parent information sessions to be held here at the College. We are planning to host one session per term, which will coincide with classroom activities and articles in each school's newsletter.
Our first expert presentation will be Andrew Russell, Elite Performance Manager at Hawthorn Football Club on the 24th November (7pm). Andrew's presentation will cover the following topics:
- Life Balance
- The Power of Sleep
- The Power of Diet
- Stress Management
- The Power of the Mind
Although Andrew's experience is largely in the field of sport, his presentation will be highly relevant to students and families who are seeking to maximise outcomes, including academic performance.
Tickets are free of charge, however you will need to pre book your tickets via Eventbrite or URL andrewrussell.eventbrite.com.au and use the access code PattersonRiverSC. Tickets are limited so please only book if you can definitely it to the event.
Senior School Development
Tenders closed this week on the planned $1.2 Million Senior School Development. We are currently in the process of reviewing the tenders and selecting a builder for the project. Building works will commence this term and are planned to conclude by the end of the first semester next year.
The new senior school building will feature an immense common space overlooking the oval for senior students, along with a kitchen space and presentation area.
The current senior school office space will be doubled in size with the provision of additional meeting spaces which will better enable students and families to meet with staff and access pathway advice.
Thank you to all of the school council representatives who have been working on this exciting project.
Have your say:
Parent Survey
PRSC is currently completing a formal review and associated self evaluation with the Department of Education, a process that all schools complete once every four years. Whilst our general school data and student outcomes are very good, to help shape the future direction of the College, I encourage parents to take the time to complete one of two surveys:
Thank you in advance.
Mr Daniel Dew. College Principal.