From the Acting Principal 

In previous newsletters, I know I've have written that I hope that I will see you back in school soon, and now it has finally been realised, although perhaps not as soon as I had hoped!

The Year 12s were able to return for a number of days before their final day of classes and work with their teachers face-to-face for final assessments and exam preparation.

Last Friday we welcomed our Year 7s, 10s and 11s and we are excited to have our Year 8s and 9s back this week. The staged return has allowed for the school to put in place the COVIDsafe measures outlined in the last newsletter and for Year Level Program Leaders to check in on all of the classes that they coordinate.

The Year 11s are now working to finish their Semester 2 subjects before they undertake their own exam period and the Year 7s have returned with enough time in the term for teachers to assess where they are currently at and re-establish learning routines.

We have taken a number of steps to support onsite learning, including staff vaccination, ventilation, physical distancing for staff and students, staggered break and finish times, and mask wearing. Our teachers will be encouraging students to remain safe and practise good COVIDSafe behaviours for the remainder of Term 4.

Our teachers have been preparing for the return of all of our year levels and our Learning Specialists and Leadership Team have been supporting staff with strategies and activities to welcome back and support our students.

The  Student Services Wellbeing team is also excited to have our students back and ready to have supportive conversations with our students. Check out the wellbeing page in this newsletter to find out how to approach a member of the team for support, or talk to your child's teacher or Sub-school for a referral.

Last week we had our first Parent Information Evening for our ‘2022 Year 7’ cohort and in the same week was our last day for year 12s. It is great to reflect on the journey of our Year 12s, who were once in those Year 7 shoes, and to see what the curriculum and programs throughout their 6 years at Secondary School have taught them, and how well it has prepared them for what comes next.

Last Monday was the last day of classes for Year 12 students, and although some students were required to isolate or chose to stay in remote, the whole cohort was able to gather virtually for a final assembly via Teams, to collectively celebrate their fantastic resilience in reaching this milestone. Their COVIDsafe behavior throughout the day was to be commended and the absence of the usual ‘muck-up day’ activities was appreciated and a tradition that I hope continues.

I wish our Year 12s all of the best with their upcoming Exam period and all of our Grade 6s that are about to join the Northcote High School community a worry free transition to our school. I look forward to welcoming them onsite in a few weeks time for their Orientation Day that has been confirmed will go ahead.

Chris Jones

Acting Principal