Principal
From Ms Allison
The positive return of students and staff to a ‘new normal’ routine of face-to-face classes was such a highlight. It was very pleasing to observe both staff and students working together to reconnect and engage in their teaching and learning with such supportive attitudes, displays of strength and collegiality, both in the yard and classroom.
I would like to congratulate and extend my gratitude to the Year 12 2021 cohort for their bravery, perseverance and determination with their studies, the college staff for their compassion, kindness, leadership and perspective and the carers/parents for providing ongoing support, love, kindness, and hope. Together everyone has co created great opportunities to develop resilient and positive individuals. The upcoming Valedictory evening in November will be a delightful celebration of their achievements and an opportune time for students to reconnect with their teachers and friends.
Year 10 and 11 students will launch into exam preparation within the next few weeks followed closely with a transition and preparation program for 2022. Students across all year levels have displayed persistence and compassion and should be congratulated for their willingness to ‘have a go’, trial new tactics and be innovative. The knowledge they have gained by looking through a wider lens will equip them with new skills and help prepare them well for life ahead. Their ‘broaden and build’ skills have been extended and their GRIT Scale has certainly also increased!
The last few days of declining COVID-19 cases is very encouraging. Compass notifications will continue to explain if any DET school operational changes will occur. Important recent changes included information on the resumption of outdoor activities and mask wearing. Students are reminded to ensure they correctly use and wear masks, to social distance and to ensure they stay adequately hydrated. Carers and parents are reminded to refer to Compass for all College updates.
The Visual Arts and Technology staff are creating an interactive, online collaborative display for our annual Art and Technology Exhibition to be launched in Mid-November that will showcase our student’s creative skills and talents from a wide range of the Arts and Technology subjects such as: Art, Studio Arts, Visual Communication Design, Media, Photography, Textiles, Wood, Food Technology, Materials, CAD and Digitech.
The long awaited ‘GREASE’ senior musical production will be held in December with nine performances being held from December 3rd-11th. It is a culmination of many hours of hard work for all involved and will be a great night’s entertainment. Please refer to the College website for further details and updates.
Welcomed news that the current DET Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI) program will continue into 2022, providing access to ongoing additional support for approx. 350 students. The tutors will continue to provide semester based, targeted small group teaching to selected students.
He has left the building…
Mr Michael Phillips, our College Principal, commenced his long service leave on Friday, 29th October and will formally retire in late January 2022. Principal since 1997, Michael has well served our college community ensuring educational opportunities for all our students, improved and new buildings, and a greener environment.
On behalf of all students, staff, carers, and parents, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Michael for his fine contribution to education. I do wish him a happy, healthy retirement. Formal farewells will be held early next year once restrictions allow this to occur.
Thinking ahead, I leave you with a few reflective thoughts.
Bring your whole self to school, to work and to home
Be open to change
Be present
Be kind
Maria Allison
Acting Principal