Principal Team's Report

It has been an amazing Term Three and I would like to begin by acknowledging the tremendous work of our Teaching staff, Educational Support staff, Parents and Carers for supporting our students. It does take a village to educate a child and we could not do it without you. 

2023 Production Announcement

For me, there have been a raft of highlights but a special one is ‘SpongeBob the Musical’. There is indeed something magical when we do empower students to take ownership of their learning and achieve Mastery, Autonomy and Purpose. Given the enormously positive impact that the Production has on our students, work will be begin in earnest for the 2024 School Production Mama Mia in Term Four. Mikayla Ellis will again lead the production and performances are scheduled for late Term Two. 

WHSC Sports Program Thanks

I would also like to highlight the incredible work that goes into our Sporting Program. Our Sport Coordinators, the PE and Health Staff as well as all the teachers who take out teams do an amazing job in supporting our extra-curricular Sports Program. Similarly, our Arts and Technology teachers are busy preparing for our annual Arts and Technology Exhibition which is another magnificent event showcasing student creativity and achievement. 

What's happening in Term Four? 

As we all know, Term Four is huge as well as being eleven and a half weeks! So much is happening and here are just a few things: 

• Early Term Four all VCE students assigned their subjects for 2024, followed by Years 7 to 10 
• WHSC Arts and Technology Exhibition 
• Current Year 12 students will complete their sequences and competencies  
• Students undertaking a scored VCE preparations for their end of Year Examinations 
• Year 12 Valedictory 
• Completion of End of Year Reporting Cycle  
• Step Up Program for Year 11 undertaking Year 12 in 2024 
• Production Rehearsals  
• Connecting with our Indian Communities Celebration and Banquet  
• Presentation Evening (Dec 7) 

Vocational Major Replaces VCAL 

This year is also the final year for the VCAL certificate. In 2024 it is replaced at both Years 11 and 12 by the Vocational Major which sits within the VCE certificate. The VCAL Program, over many years, has been life-changing for so many students who wished to pursue vocational education. I would like to acknowledge all the staff who have been involved in delivering the program. In particular, I would like to thank Yeneo Pousoulis who has led the development of the Vocational Major Curriculum. 

Uniform Reminder

Term Four also marks the start of the warmer weather. I want to remind families that we are a uniformed school and that students are expected to wear uniform items. School Council is in the process of making some small changes which focus on items that are NOT part of our dress code: 

• Leggings (black or blue) 
• Casual hoodies, jackets and pants 
• Brightly coloured trainers (black with discreet logos are acceptable) 
• Coloured t-shirts long or short sleeve 
• Socks with logos 

We are more than happy to support families through the Sustainability Shop or please make contact with your student’s Sub School or the General Office directly if you do require financial assistance. Please also be mindful that what students leave home wearing is not what comes through the school gate on many occasions. A process for passes so that we can better monitor uniform will be introduced during Term 4. 

Good Luck Ms. Novak

We wish Abbey Novak the best as she begins Family leave in Term 4. She will be returning to us in 12 months’ time. Her work with the Monash Tech School will be picked up by Nery Soto, our Leading Teacher for Teaching and Learning and David Gill, our Leading Teacher for Community Engagement, Student Voice, Leadership and Agency.

International Program  

I am also incredibly proud of the growing interest in our International Student Program. A huge thank you to Wendy Ning who has done an incredible job supporting our International Students while Jane Xing has been on Long Service Leave. 

Reminder - Please Lodge Student Absences

A friendly reminder to parents to please lodge any student absences using Compass. If you know your student will be late to school due to a medical appointment etc, please log onto Compass and enter the absence. Similarly, if your student needs to leave early, please lodge this on Compass. If you need assistance accessing Compass or you have forgotten your login details, please contact our Administration team on 9561 5811 and they will provide you with your login details. As a school, we have to account for all student absences, and we appreciate your assistance in assisting with this. 

NASA Trip - have fun! 

Finally, I would like to wish our students travelling to NASA over the holiday a fantastic time! Judy Anderson is leading our school contingent which are part of a larger group of schools from our Network. 

We look forward to hearing about their adventures next term. 

Take care everyone and have a wonderful break. 

Fern Brisbane 

College Principal