Principal's Report

With just over four weeks until the end of the term, the school is currently a hive of activity with a range of events and activities occurring over the past few weeks. Central to this has been the recent subject selections that students have been making, which will set in place the school timetable for 2027. Families should be aware that staff will be following up with students regarding their choices and potential options in order to clarify subjects which hopefully will be finalised early next term. Many hundreds of hours are spent putting a whole school timetable together and where possible, we try to ensure that students get the majority of their selections. Students who are applying for industry based training programs outside of the school, as part of their pathway moving forward, should also ensure that all of the relevant documentation has been submitted as these educational providers follow a similar process of alerting students regarding their courses etc in a similar timeframe. If students miss out on selections please see your relevant Sub-School team member or careers based staff member for assistance. If you are unsure who these people are, please contact your Year Level Managers and they will assist you.

As usual there have been a large number of activities and events occurring throughout this term, including our school’s recent production of “Queens” which has been a wonderful event, with staff and students rehearsing for many hours and weeks getting everything ready for the shows. Other events and activities that have been occurring across the term are as follows:

Interschool Basketball and Hockey (multiple Year Levels)
Outdoor Education excursions, including fishing and canoeing
Practical Pathways – rock climbing
Organising revision lectures for VCE exams
Enhancement Program interviews and testing
Public Speaking competition from Years 7-10
Year 8 Tech School excursion
Career Start activities
Years 10/11 Road Safety
Rubicon Leadership Camp
“Be Bold Be Heard” Event and associated activities
Year 8 Camp

This is just a small snap shot of the wide selection of activities and events that have been running across the school and beyond for our students. When added to lunchtime Clubs and other related classroom activities, there is a wonderful opportunity to see students being challenged, supported and encouraged in a variety of ways. Students are also looking at a potential after-school activity program, which they are busily working away on and further demonstrates their engagement in school and what we offer.

In recent weeks we have also begun discussions with the AFL to look at the possibility of upgrading our existing oval to become a training venue for the community, including placing lights and other amenities on-site to support the growth and development of sport across the area. In line with this, I would also welcome any parents who would be willing to advocate for the school as we do need additional specialist classroom spaces such as an industrial kitchen (to deliver industry based training courses on-site), a fully “kitted-out” media centre, inclusive of a “green screen” for film making, specialist technology classroom spaces, a high performance lab (for science and PE) and additional shade areas across the school site adjacent to buildings. While we are fortunate to have fairly new classrooms and facilities in general, we certainly need these additional spaces to provide an even better breadth and choice of electives and pathways courses for students. We also need additional funding to create some designated Sub-School areas for our students so that they have a greater sense of belonging and ownership within the school to promote inclusion and a greater sense of community. Going into an election I am hoping that all parents see the value in having these resources available at Oberon so that we can provide even more opportunities for all students. If you are interested in assisting us please feel free to contact the school to discuss these matters.

Warren Dawson

Principal