VICE PRINCIPAL

Hello – Kaya

Finally the rain came and it came with vengeance. It was a very welcome sight but with this there has been some associated flooding and damage to properties around the area. As the saying goes, when it rains it pours.

Protective Behaviours

This week I had reason to speak to the entire student body in relation to “risk taking” behaviours with images on their phones and the ramifications of these. This is a sensitive topic and something that comes from both a moral and legal perspective. 

From a legal perspective Sexting is when you share sexualised images (including videos) or messages using a computer, mobile phone or other mobile device.  

Sexting is a crime when it involves a young person who is or looks like they are under the age of 18. These laws are different from the laws about the age of consent for having sex. It is against the law to take, keep, send or ask for a sexualised image of a young person who is under the age of 18 years old, even if they consent. If you are under the age of 18, it is also against the law to take, keep or send a sexualised image of yourself (for example, a selfie).

This can be treated as child pornography and serious legal consequences apply. In WA, there are more charges that can apply if the young person is under the age of 16.

I encourage parents to have conversations with your child/children around this sensitive topic because the reality is they live in a digital age where their decisions have the capacity to change their lives permanently.

Year 12 Student Declaration

This term I will be asking all Year 12 students to complete the SCSA student declaration. Attached is a letter to parents about this and why every Year 12 student in WA will complete the declaration this year.

Toilet Damage

Sadly, I have had to limit access to the male toilets in the class area, during class time. Damage and vandalism to these toilets is upsetting for all and has fallen upon our cleaners to clean these areas when the cause is totally unacceptable behaviour. Male students will still have access to the toilets during class time but will be required to sign in and out of them through the front office so we can better track usage and potential damage. 

I have worked at other schools where toilets are restricted during class time to reduce both vandalism and vape usage and it is not something that I thought would ever come to Harvey Ag College. I am hopeful this is only a short term measure and students will go back to treating these areas with respect.

Murdoch University 

I recently received an email from Murdoch University which will be relevant to our Extension students and parents. This will be worth following up with Mrs Pfitzner or directly with Murdoch University and highlights the importance of our Work Placement Program, Certificate III qualification and passing any of our courses in the class area.

I am pleased to share that we have updated our Portfolio Entry Pathway at Murdoch University. More courses are now available via the new Experienced Based Entry pathway and academic achievement and extracurricular  / life experiences will be used in combination to assess applications.  Could you please share this information with your colleagues involved in post school conversations with senior school students and your Year 12 cohort. 

Our new Experienced Based Entry is now available for most courses with a selection rank of 70, with the exception of Nursing and Laboratory Medicine.  Please explore the new Experience Based Entry pathway.

In summary, to meet minimum academic requirements, your Year 12 students will need:

Passes in 3 ATAR subjects, 

or ‘B’ grades in 3 General subjects, or

A combination of both eg: a pass in 1 ATAR subject and 2 ‘B’ grades in General subjects.

A Cert III can be used in lieu of an ATAR or General subject. 

Experiences can range from paid employment, to work experience, volunteering, coaching, umpiring, mentoring and holding a position of responsibility. All experiences are to be supported by references / referees and need to have been undertaken for a minimum number of hours within the previous 12 months.  Details and FAQs are at Experience Based Entry.

Students utilising the Experience Based Entry pathway can apply for an Early Offer via TISC. Offers will be made conditional on attaining the required subject grades in their final Year 12 results. 

There are no changes to the Media Portfolio Entry, where students can submit a body of creative work to demonstrate their aptitude. Further information at Media Portfolio Entry.

With TISC now open, request that you share this information as soon as possible.  We look forward welcoming and supporting your students at Murdoch University.

If you have any questions, please contact me by return email.

Kind regards – Kerina

Kerina Puttman (she / her)

Associate Director Student Journey Services

Student and Library Services

T: +61 8 9360 6078

90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150

murdoch.edu.au