Principal's Report

A shortened week brings its own difficulties; remembering what day of the week it actually is, is just one of them! However, even in a shortened week, much learning and growth can happen.

Tuesday was changed from a Report Writing Day, to the teachers’ Professional Practice Day, where they had 6 different areas of their work they could focus on, being planning, preparation, assessment of student learning, collaboration, curriculum development or relevant professional practice. Our Education Staff continued with their own work throughout the day, and I think everyone found it a productive day overall.

This week, our Unit 1/2 students (mostly Year 11s) sat their Unit 1 Exams. These exams provide students with many valuable opportunities, from seeing what they have learnt and retained over the semester, testing out revision strategies, and getting used to writing for a sustained period of time. While not all students sit exams at the end of Year 12, there are many situations in life where completing tasks or work under test conditions is required, such as the literacy/numeracy test for TAFE courses. Our students rose to the challenge with a mature and ‘do your best’ attitude, which is all we can ever ask for.

Next week is the General Achievement Test (GAT), for any student enrolled in a Unit 3/4 VCE study. This externally assessed exam will be run throughout Victoria at the same time, and is really important as a back up if a student is unable to complete one of their assessments throughout the year, as it is used for quality assurance, statistical moderation, and emergency scoring if needed.

Acting Assistant Principal 

Interviews of internal applicants concluded last week for this position, and I am pleased to announce that Shantelle Stimson was the successful applicant. Shantelle spent a short time in this role in Term 1 and will ably step into Mitch’s shoes to ensure the school continues to run smoothly. She will continue Mitch’s work on the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) activities as well as managing the day to day operations relating to students. Shantelle will also continue in the Year 11/12 Student Engagement Leader (SEL) role, so will remain the point of contact for parents of Year 11 and 12 students.

Progress Reports

The End of Term 2 Progress Reports will be available on Compass today. These reports are completed in Weeks 4 and 8 of each term and help to monitor student learning habits in class. All students should be able to achieve working at a level of 3, the expected level. A fifth behaviour is assessed in the End of Term Progress Reports, being Home Study Habits. This assesses students’ habits relating to homework being completed and submitted on time. A copy of the Progress Reports matrix, which students are being assessed against will be attached to the Compass post when they are available.