Principal Report

A New Agreement for Our School Staff

There has been some important news for Victorian government schools, with the new Victorian Government Schools Agreement progressing through the approval process following strong support from staff. The agreement recognises the important work our teachers, education support staff and school leaders do every day to support our students.

What does this mean for families?

From 2027, families can expect an increase in the number of student-free days, with the new agreement providing for up to eight student-free days per year, compared with the current maximum of five. This reflects the increase in Professional Practice Days for teachers from one to four per year.

These additional days give teachers dedicated time to plan curriculum, assess student learning, collaborate with colleagues and develop teaching programs. While we recognise that additional student-free days can create challenges for families organising care, this time is intended to strengthen the quality and consistency of teaching and learning across our school.

We will communicate the dates well in advance, so families have time to make arrangements.

Norwood Scores HIGH

This is the time of year when schools receive their annual 'Report Card', known as their School Performance Report. Schools are assessed against 'similar schools' for their performance in Learning and Wellbeing. Achievement levels include: High, Improving, Medium and Developing. For the third year in a row, Norwood has been assessed in the top category (High) for both Learning and Wellbeing, gaining an overall HIGH performance assessment. We are proud of these results as they reflect directly on the calibre of staff at the College.

Spring Show

Once again the Spring Show was a successful and well attended event, showcasing the work of our senior students, completing Unit 3 & 4 studies in Media, Product Design and Technology, Visual Communication and Design and Art Creative Practice. All who attended appreciated the collective talent of our senior students, their creativity, detailed folios and of course, their final pieces. 

This year both the Principal's Acquisition Award and the People's Choice Award goes to Zara Robb for her beautiful 'Summer' oil painting and her pair of coffee tables. Congratulations Zara!

Farewell to the Class of 2026

It has been a busy couple of weeks for our Year 12 students and their teachers, as they worked together on honing last minute revision skills and strategies. As a College we are proud of our Year 12 students in the way they conducted themselves across their final days at school. They were respectful of their school and prioritised thanking their teachers for their support. 

As a staff, we enjoyed sharing a BBQ breakfast with the students. Their final school assembly was student-led with the teachers forming a guard of honour to close the final chapter of their formal schooling. The Valedictory Dinner was well attended by proud families with all students receiving Certificates of Completion and a commemorative glass. We are reminded that this group of students experienced COVID interruptions to their schooling in some very formative years: Grade 6 and Year 7. Despite this, they have always shown resilience. They have been a cohort that always got involved, particularly in sport, music and College Productions. 

As they now prepare for the final exams it is heartening to see so many of them using the College facilities to study, whether that is the Library or their spaces in M Block. We encourage students to be at school if this helps remove distractions. Having their teachers at hand is another reason to stay in touch during this study period. To the students embarking on exams, we know that you will do your very best. 

We know that next year, the Class of 2026 will chose many different pathways, whether that be University, Tafe, apprenticeships, work, travel or even a Gap Year. Regardless of their destination, we will always view them as Norwood students and take an interest in their futures. We hope they return to share their successes with us.

World Teachers' Day: Friday 30 October

On Friday, next week, we recognise World Teachers' Day and thank teachers for their  passion and hard work that make a real difference to student’s lives every day. If you get the chance, it only takes a moment to send a note of thanks.