Principal's Report
Beauty and The Beast
What a show! Following months of rehearsals, our cast and crew recently got the chance to perform six sold out shows of 'Beauty & The Beast'.
It was great to see so many students involved in the performance which included a large cast, band members and backstage crew. Whilst our last production of 'Hairspray' set the bar very high, our school community was able to work tirelessly to put together another highly impressive show. The talent and dedication of our students and teachers never ceases to amaze me and I am sure that everyone involved has formed fond memories that will stay with them for life. I would like to thank the many teachers and parents who assisted in the preparation of the production, with particular thanks going to Mrs Witteveen, Ms Molloy and Ms Harvey.
Senior School News
Before the holidays, our senior school students participated in semester one exams, many of whom also completed the General Achievement Test (GAT).
The end of semester exams are a great opportunity for Year 10/11 students to practice their study and revision skills prior to completing Year 12.
It is important that students maintain effective study and revision techniques throughout the semester and that they avoid leaving revision to the last minute (cramming).
Having just completed exams, it is a great time for students to reflect on what worked and what didn't in relation to their preparation. Below is a link to some tips and advice regarding studying and revision from the University of Queensland's Brain Institute:
Survey Season
July - August is when the Department of Education & Training conducts the annual parent surveys in each school. It is also the time in which they release the student attitudes to school survey results.
The parent surveys are sent out to a random group of parents via an online link. Parents who were selected will have received an email, inviting them to participate. I highly encourage parents who have received an invitation to take the time to complete the survey as we use this information in whole school reflection and planning activities. We use this information for planning purposes so it is great to get as much input as possible. Having high participation rates, also ensures that the overall results are reliable and indicative of the overall perception of the parent community.
For those who have not been selected this year, just remember that you are always welcome to provide feedback and areas for improvement at anytime via dew@prsc.vic.edu.au
Student survey results: We recently received the results from the attitudes to school surveys that were conducted by all students in term two. Pleasingly, we demonstrated an improvement in nearly every measure compared to 2017 results. In addition, across Years 7-12 there was not a single measure that 'went backwards' compared to 2017. Areas that demonstrated particular growth included:
- high expectations for success
- student effort
- effective teaching time
- resilience
- stimulated learning
- school connectedness
- respect for diversity.
In the coming weeks, we will be conducting student focus groups to better understand the thoughts of the student body in relation to all aspects of the survey questions and results obtained.
Southern Metropolitan Partnership Assembly 2018
Wednesday 1st August saw Patterson River Secondary College host the Southern Metropolitan Partnership Assembly. The Metropolitan Partnerships are an important way for local communities to engage directly with state and local governments, and advise the Victorian Government of the top priorities for jobs, services and infrastructure across the region. Georgia Newman and Callum Johnstone were invited to report back to the assembly on the outcomes of Youth Forum that they attended earlier in the year. The students spoke passionately and positively about their experiences. It was a daunting task considering the hundred strong audience included Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister Natalie Hutchins, Special Minister Gavin Jennings, Sonya Kilkenny MP, Tim Richardson MP, mayors from Frankston, Dandenong and Casey as well as the Regional Director of Education, Stephen Gniel.
The event was also attended by a variety of college community members including staff, parents and students. It was great to see Year 11 student Ronald Rossiter take an active role in the event and report back to the assembly on issues surrounding Youth Pathways and Transition.
Patterson River was also represented by the The College Stage Band who entertained guests as they arrived and then finished the evening with a fantastic rendition of “Cry me a River” sung by Tegan Miller. The evening was a huge success and very well attended by the local community.
Chelsea Art Show Winner
Year 11 Studio Arts student, Candice Knox, won 2018ʼs Chelsea Art Show first prize (Junior Art School Years 10-12) for her moving photograph “Untitled”.
Beautifully composed and edited “Untitled” was purchased by an attendee of the Chelsea Art Show. Congratulations.
Child Safe Standards
The Child Safe Standards were introduced in 2015 by the state government in an effort to ensure that all children are protected from child abuse and neglect. The standards apply to all organisations that provide services to children including Victorian schools. Since they were introduced, our College has made a number of changes to our polices, processes and procedures to ensure that all children are kept safe in all aspects of their lives. The changes have included:
- Staff training regarding detecting and reporting
- Development of a child safe policy
- Introduction of a code of conduct for staff
- Improved induction processes for contractors
- Introduction of an on-site supervision policy
- Recruitment processes in line with safety standards
I encourage all members of our school community to raise any concerns regarding suspicious behaviour, conduct or relationships that they have in relation to a child whether it be in or outside of our school community. Students and parents can raise concerns with their mentor teacher, coordinator, assistant principal or myself at anytime. Further information can be found here:
Mr Daniel Dew
College Principal