Principal 

It is with great excitement that the school year has commenced with formal classes commencing for all students. I thank all members of our community for contributing to the very positive start to 2024. The majority of our students are wearing our uniform with pride and are prepared for a big year of not only academic achievement but with engaging in our wider school program. There is a genuine optimism and excitement around the college with the building works well underway. We are seeing a lot of work being completed on both sites and look forward to having our school transform over 2023. There will be some disruption to the school operations as the year progresses, however all changes will be communicated to the wider school community as required.

Year 12 Study Skills Conference

I had the pleasure of attending the Year 12 Study Skills conference last Friday the 2nd of February. The group were in good spirits when I arrived after 3 days of recreational activities and study skills information, and all reported that it was enjoyable and worthwhile. I had the opportunity to do some Archery with the students and listen to Paralympian Don Elgin speak to the group which I hope inspired the majority of our students.  I would like to thank the group of teachers that attended over the duration of the conference, making the camp a success and especially Kate Brittingham who coordinated the experience for our students.

Year 7 Start of Year Program

The Year 7 program is full of wonderful events commencing with the Year 7 start-up program over the first 3 days of school. This program allowed students to meet other students out of their home groups, teachers and community members. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to all of the students, discussing my life and the importance of making good choices as you move into secondary school. The photo below is of my house group – Paterson. 

The Year 7 camp is just around the corner starting on Wednesday the 28th of February and is the highlight of the year for those students who attend. I look forward to going up to the camp and enjoying the activities with the students. All Year 7 parents and their families are invited to attend the Meet the Teacher evening that will be held on Wednesday the 21st of February. This is an opportunity Year 7 parents, carers and students to attend and meet their teachers in a less formal occasion. There will be a BBQ between 5pm and 7pm for all families and staff, and will be a wonderful opportunity for parents and carers to check out the new buildings.

Hardship Fund – Family Assistance

Any family that may be experiencing financial difficulties in 2024 can seek assistance from the school by contacting the school business manager - Debbie Boyce. The school has a hardship fund that can be accessed by all members of the school community, and I encourage anybody who is having trouble supplying books, uniform or attending school events just to name a few, to contact Debbie and have a discussion on how to access this fund.

Anaphylactic Requirements

A reminder to all parents within the college that if your child has had an Anaphylactic reaction you are required to provide the school with an Individual ASCIA Action Plan as a well as an Auto-injector kit to the school. The schools Anaphylaxis management policy is on the school’s website for more information. If you are unsure of anything in this policy, please contact our school first aid attendant Ms Rebecca Avramoski who will arrange a meeting with you to discuss the school's processes.

Key Events – Student Free Days

A reminder to all parents of some key events that are coming up on the school’s calendar. Parents are also reminded that there are 2 student free days coming up on the calendar. Tuesday the 27th of February is our first Curriculum Day and Monday the 13th of March is the Labour Day public holiday. Both of these days are student free days. Parents will need to make alternate arrangements for care on both of these days.

The school will also be closing one day this term to move into the multi-story building – the Library – Arts building. We will be moving the administration back into this building as well as over 50 staff. The logistics means school council has approved a moving day where students will work from home. This date will be communicated to all parents, carers and students when confirmed. 

School Council – Parent Nominations

A reminder to all parents that nominations for School Council remain open until this Friday the 16th of February. There are 4 positions that require parents for 2024 with several of our long-standing parent members finishing their terms after many years of contributing to the development of the school’s vision and progress. Nomination forms can be collected from the general office. Refer to the schedule below for more details.

If you have any queries or questions that you would like answered about the school or the information listed above, then please contact me on 9463 7300 at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

Corey Jewell

College Principal