Dear students, parents, carers and families,

I hope you are well and have had a positive start to Term 2.

It has been wonderful to return to the College after the last three terms working in a different role.

My time spent as an acting Senior Improvement Education Leader (SEIL) has provided me with an expanded view and deeper understanding of both the government education system and educational leadership. In the SEIL role, I was able to learn with and from an array of experts while undertaking school reviews as well as supporting the strategic direction of leadership teams and schools.

I am looking forward to applying new learning and fresh perspectives to our wonderful school and continuing to lead the fantastic staff in our collective work in improving student outcomes.

School review, New Strategic Plan and our 2024 Annual Report.

Our 4 yearly review was completed in Term 1, resulting in a new strategic plan for the school. The plan for our school includes both an endorsement of our work over the previous 4 years, while also combining current and anticipated Department of Education (DE) priorities.

The most significant DE priorities is the implementation of the new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0). Further information on this can be found on the DE website – Information for Parents and Carers. The VTLM 2.0 is informed by the Science of Learning and associated evidence based teaching practices. The model was developed in collaboration with the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO).

While many of the teaching approaches included in the VTLM 2.0 occur in schools regularly, the model provides an opportunity for the refinement of these practices with closer appreciation and linkage to how students learn best according to cognitive science and brain development. This is exciting to be leading at the school, and I look forward to sharing further information regarding our work in future newsletters and other communications.

The College Annual Report for 2024 has been approved and is now available on our website.

Please click here to access.

Term 3 – Pathways and course selection

During Term 3, students from years 8 to 11 will undertake subject selection for 2026.

Further information regarding the various processes, activities and events tailored to each year level will be shared via Compass – please be on the lookout for this information. For our current Year 9 and Year 10 students, the focus on pathways and subject selection is particularly important.

Year 9 into 10

For our Year 9 students, considering Year 10 options is significant. It is their first year in the senior part of the school and they will be able to apply to commence either a,

Unit 1/2 subject Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) subject, or,
a first year Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificate.Students will be required to undertake an application process where an assessment of their readiness will be completed.

During Year 10, they will also have the opportunity to undertake work experience – this is a golden opportunity to help students better understand the world of work and to explore potential areas of career interest.

Year 10 into 11

The selection of subjects for our Year 10 students commencing Year 11 is very significant as they will be asked to deeply consider areas of interest while also assessing their readiness for their final years of schooling. Our students in year 10 are provided many opportunities to engage in this thinking and planning with staff, past students (Alumni), and some of our current students. The work experience program in Year 10 is also an excellent opportunity for students to explore workplaces, industries, and skills that can inform subject and certificate selection in their senior years.

In terms of students ‘assessing their readiness’ for their final years of schooling, the College uses a variety of data sources including progress reports, attendance, Literacy and Numeracy levels, School Wide Positive Behaviour Support data to help students understand the most suitable subjects for their pathway to senior school completion.I look forward to working with students, families and staff through this work.

Farewells

Many thanks to the following staff for their contributions to our school community.

Heinz Pfister – Heinz started at the College in 2020 and has worked largely in the junior school area, teaching German and Humanities. He has shown great commitment to the school, travelling from northeast Melbourne to Cranbourne and back every day. He has now accepted a role closer to his home.

Keira Lynch – Keira has worked as an educational psychologist on the Student Wellbeing Team. She has been able to positively inform learning and wellbeing strategies for many of our students. Keira has elected to take a role in the independent school system. I would like to wish her all the best in her new role.

Lima Noori – Lima has been an essential member of the front office Education Support team. Her professionalism, organisation, and kind and caring nature will be greatly missed by all, particularly members of our community who relied on her diverse language skills. We wish Lima all the best in her move interstate.

Eleasa Mauigoa was an established member of our Education Support staff, beginning in the Inclusion team she then moved into an attendance and administrative support role for the Year 11 and 12. Thanks to Eleasa and all the best at her new school.

It is also with sadness that I share with our community that one of our teachers, Mariette Roelofse, passed away earlier this term. Mariette was an experienced educator who joined us in Term 1 of this year. Our condolences have been shared with her family and a school-based support plan for staff and students has been implemented.

Welcome

Welcome Sally Beckingsale, Nitesh Chawda, and Akhik Gupta into the Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI) team. All three bring a variety of subject discipline skills and life experiences that will make a positive impact for our students.

Also, welcome to our newest Mathematics teacher, Kade Peterson. Kade will be teaching Maths classes across Years 7 to 10. A big welcome to the teaching profession Kade!

Congratulations

We recently learned that Helen Johansen won the Dean's Award from Monash University for being the top graduating student for the Education and Development Masters in 2024. Congratulations, Helen, on receiving such a prestigious award. Your hard work and dedication truly deserve this recognition, and we are very pleased to have you as part of our team!

We were pleased to receive our new flags from Federal Member for Holt, Cassandra Fernando MP.

Our school leaders relished the opportunity to showcase the vibrant new flags, which fly proudly daily as a welcoming symbol to our school community.

IDAHOBIT Day