Message from our School Council

Please find below the Top 5 Messages from our recent School Council Meeting, held on Tuesday, 16th June. Further on, you will also find information about our School Council Sub Committees and how you can get involved in supporting the College.

CAPITAL WORKS - COUNTDOWN IS ON!

School Council has been in the privileged position of receiving incredibly detailed updates throughout the Capital Works project, including early architectural drawings, design information, videos and even site tours (always from behind the safety fences, of course!). At this meeting we heard that everything remains right on track, with the Certificate of Occupancy and completion of the build now just around the corner. Once this milestone is reached and D Block is demolished, the final landscaping works can begin, bringing the whole project together. We can’t wait to be part of the grand opening and see our students enjoying these fantastic new facilities. We also want to acknowledge the tireless work of Michelle Scheiwiller, who has lived and breathed this project from the beginning. Michelle… we promise to double wipe our feet when we come in!.

WHAT DO PARENTS AND CARERS WANT?

This important question was posed to School Council by Aaron Smith, and it sparked some fantastic discussion. We broke into small groups and pairs to brainstorm before sharing our thoughts with the wider group. A number of common themes quickly emerged, including communication, safety, personalised approaches to learning, confidence that concerns and actions are followed through, and opportunities for parent engagement. Aaron has taken all of this valuable feedback away to help inform future planning for our school. If you would like to contribute your thoughts, please feel free to contact the office by phone on 5945 1433 or via email at pakenham.sc@education.vic.gov.au.

CRAZY, CRAZY BUSY!

We hope everyone is holding on tight because Term 3 is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting terms yet! Where do we even start? We have the State Schools Spectacular (including the city stay), Kayaking and Rock climbing at Wonga Park/Warrandyte, the Year 8 camp to Phillip Island, Cross-Country skiing at Mt Baw Baw, Rock Climbing at Bayside Rock, Two Bays Trail hike from Dromana to Cape Schanck, and of course the much-anticipated production of Mary Poppins Jr. the Musical. It promises to be a jam-packed term full of opportunities, experiences, challenges and fun for our kids. A huge thank you must go to all of our teachers and support staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make these incredible experiences possible for our kids.

RECONCILIATION WEEK

Our school once again marked Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) with a range of meaningful activities that encouraged students and staff to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements, while considering how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. Throughout the week, students participated in a whole-school lesson exploring the significance of Reconciliation Week, wrote gratitude letters to Bunurong Land and Nature, took part in Yulunga Games, and engaged in Indigenous Australian arts and craft activities. These experiences promoted respect, understanding and stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. Reconciliation Week provides an important opportunity to learn, listen and reflect, and serves as a valuable lead-in to our upcoming NAIDOC Week celebrations.

THAT'S A GAT

Congratulations to our Year 11 and 12 students who completed the GAT on Tuesday, 16 June. It was an early start and a long day, with some students sitting both assessments. The General Achievement Test (GAT) assesses a broad range of knowledge and skills, including written communication, mathematics, science, technology, humanities and the arts. Rather than focusing on specific subject content, it measures students’ ability to think, reason and communicate. GAT results play an important role in helping the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority check and validate school-based and external assessment results and can also assist with grading should special circumstances impact a student's exams. Well done to all students for tackling the challenge and giving it their best effort.

Join a School Council Sub Committee!

Our School Council subcommittees are a great way for students, parents and carers to have a voice, share ideas, and make a real impact on our school community. Whether you have professional experience, a passion for improving student outcomes, or simply want to be more involved, there’s a place for everyone. Subcommittees are collaborative, welcoming, and a valuable way to help shape the future of our school.

And it’s open to students, parents and carers, plus you don’t have to be on School Council to join a subcommittee.

FINANCE SUB COMMITTEE

The Finance Subcommittee supports the responsible management of the school’s budget and resources. Members help review financial reports, discuss funding opportunities, and most importantly ensure spending decisions align with the school’s strategic goals. It’s a great opportunity to contribute to the long-term sustainability and success of the school.

BUILDING AND GROUND SUB COMMITTEE

The Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee focuses on creating safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environments for students and staff. Members contribute ideas and feedback on school facilities, maintenance, landscaping, and future improvement projects. This committee helps shape the physical spaces where our children learn and play.

CURRICULUM SUB COMMITTEE

The Curriculum Subcommittee supports and discusses the teaching and learning programs offered across the school. Members gain insight into educational priorities, student achievement, and curriculum initiatives, while providing valuable student and parent/carer perspectives. It’s an excellent way to engage with and support student learning outcomes.

UNIFORM SUB COMMITTEE

The Uniform Subcommittee reviews and discusses school uniform matters, including practicality, affordability, inclusivity, and presentation. Members may provide feedback on current uniform items, consider future changes, and help ensure the uniform reflects the values and needs of the school community.

All subcommittees meet for approximately 30 minutes each month after school, generally commencing at 4.00 pm or later, providing a flexible and manageable way to get involved in our school community.

We warmly welcome students, parents and carers to be part of these important conversations.

If you are interested in joining a subcommittee, or would like further information, please email pakenham.sc@education.vic.gov.au or contact our General Office on 5945 1433.

We also currently have a parent/carer vacancy on School Council. Joining School Council is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to important decisions, help shape the future direction of the College and represent the voice of our parent community. Please contact the College to find out more.