Principal Team Editorial
Mid-Year Reflection
Last week, staff came together on Curriculum Day to engage in professional learning and team planning, focused on improving explicit teaching in the classroom. To start the day, we took time to reflect on the last two Terms and consider the data and evidence of how we are tracking towards our school improvement goals for improving student outcomes.
Student Survey Data
Early Term 2 we had 88% of students participate in the annual Attitudes to School Student Survey (which all Victorian Government schools are expected to engage in) and were overwhelmed with students reporting significantly improved positive endorsement in every measure.
'These are incredible results and provide valuable feedback that endorses the work teachers are doing to improve consistent quality teaching practices across the College.'
Two results that resonate with me and show a significant improvement from last year are around thinking and learning – ‘my teachers ask me questions that challenge my thinking’ and ‘my teachers motivate us to think in our learning’. Students have given significant endorsements in these two measures which have increased by 15% and 23% respectively and when we consider this in conjunction with the research evidence that suggests ‘if students aren’t thinking, they are not learning’ then I’m confident we are heading in the right direction and making a real difference in our classrooms.
| Survey Questions | 2025 | 2024 |
| My teacher gives extra help when students need it | 85% | 72% |
| My teachers are well prepared | 86% | 71% |
| My teachers ask me questions that challenge my thinking | 80% | 65% |
| My teachers motivate us to think in our learning | 82% | 59% |
| My teachers expect us to pay attention/to listen | 96% | 86% |
| My teachers set clear rules for classroom behaviour | 89% | 77% |
| My teachers expect me to do my best | 94% | 83% |
| My teachers encourage all students to do their best | 87% | 73% |
Throughout this term, we will continue to analyse the student feedback from this survey which is designed to provide valuable feedback to teachers, leaders and the Department, giving all students a voice and the opportunity to inform decision making. In the coming weeks I will be sending out a parent/carer survey link and I hope our families, like our students, take the opportunity to provide valuable feedback.
For more information regarding our school improvement work, please access our Annual Implementation Plan for this year, our four-year School Strategic plan (on school website) or access the research evidence that guides our work.
AERO – Explicit instruction optimises learning
Facilities
Last week, we started the Term with a special naming assembly in our new Mooroop Centre. It was a great opportunity to officially name the two basketball courts and Performing Arts studios and share with our community the connection our new facility has with Country.
The whole school held their breath and broke into resounding applause when Jayvel Singh, a Year 11 student who excels in both sport and performing arts, took the first basketball shot on the Patty Mills Court. After the assembly, PE classes started using the gym in Period 2 and, last weekend, community basketball had their first weekend of games. I have received positive feedback by staff, students and the wider community about how great Mooroop is!
Details on how the names for the new Mooroop Center were selected can be found overleaf.
BBlock Toilets
Our brand new BBlock toilets have been somewhat overshadowed by the opening of Mooroop as both facilities became operational on the first day of Term 3. Thank you to students for their patience throughout term 2 as we worked hard to deliver this significant upgrade and provide our students with another beautiful, clean, safe block of toilets. Early reports from students have been very positive and I look forward to working with students to maintain these facilities and ensure they are kept sparkling clean and accessible to all.
Parent Forum
6pm, Tue 2 Sept - Staff Lounge
Finally, with so many building projects happening around the school this year, our next Parent Forum will be focused on Facilities with a tour of all the new works and a discussion of future plans. I’ll look forward to hearing from parents/carers about what their thoughts might be for future plans, too.
Mooroop (gym/performing arts/carpark)
BBlock toilets
New Music space
Bus shelter/gates
Connect room
VET building and construction shed – to be repurposed
Ramp works
Old gym demolition/new space
Carrie Wallis
Principal