From the 

Principal's Desk.....

College Review

The review process is rigorous and is conducted over 4 four weeks with 5 days of work by an independent Reviewer appointed by the Department of Education, which included the College preparing a self-evaluation, 13 staff focus groups, 9 student focus groups, 3 parent focus groups and 3 days of classroom visits. 

The Reviewer commended the school on the following:

1. A strong, knowledgeable, and committed leadership team and staff – unconditional positive regard

2. Calm and orderly learning environments – strong processes

3. Commitment to students evident

4. Staff commitment and support for each other high

5. GANAG – embedded (our Teaching and Learning Framework)

6. The effort for collaborative curriculum development

7. Data collection is high as it is used in planning cycles emerging/evolving

8. Responsive approaches during COVID-19 and return to school

9. Strong careers/ pathways – CAP

10. Social and emotional learning

11. Structured student management approach

The Review also highlighted some of our biggest successes over the last 4 years:

1. Wakakirri Success
2. Harmony Day Celebrations
3. Writing results – NAPLAN
4. Differentiation in the classroom

Out of the review, we are just in the last stages of formalizing our new School Strategic Plan (SSP).

The two overall wholistic goals look like being:

• Optimise learning outcomes for all students.
• Optimise student wellbeing.

I would like to thank all of the Parent/Carers, Students and Staff who contributed towards our School Review. I would like to acknowledge the work of School Council President, Mr Willie-Joe Robinson Jnr, our Challenge Partners for the Review. Mr Christopher Pugh (Principal of Bellbridge Primary School), Mr David Lord (Western Metropolitan Regional Office), Sandra Eglezos (our Senior Education Improvement Leader) and the Principal Team (Christine Tipping, Lauren Walton. Julia McCahon and Neisha MacRae). A school review is exciting as it maps out the direction of our College over the next four years. I will update you later next term with more details.

Building Update

As most Parent/Carers, who drive past the school, the outside of the new Gym/Performing Arts Centre are taking shape. The inside is also shaping up with the laying of the flooring.

Semester Exams

Our students have shown great determination in the way they have managed these major assessments, and they were held under the same conditions that our Year 12 students will experience when they sit their final examinations. Both the Junior and Senior Sub-schools, as well as individual classroom teachers, have provided a great deal of assistance to the students to prepare for these examinations with study skill and revision sessions, study timetables and practice exams all being utilised to give the students a sense of confidence.

One of the most important aspects of the examination period actually occurs now with teachers providing feedback for the students so that they can learn from any mistakes made and develop better study techniques. The scores from these examinations formed part of the students’ average for each subject and were used in the calculation of the mid-year Honour Certificates. Honours were awarded to students who achieved an overall average of 80% or greater in a subject.

Semester One Reports

Semester 1 student academic reports became available online via COMPASS on our Parent Access Portal on our website, as of Friday 28th June at 6pm. We encourage all parents to review and discuss their child’s Semester 1 report with them to develop a clear understanding of their academic progress to date. Our teachers put an extraordinary amount of effort into preparing these reports and by discussing them with your child, it shows them that you value education, and aspiration. Please contact your child’s Year Level Coordinator if you have any questions regarding your child’s academic report.

Homework Club

Homework Club operates from the College Library each Wednesday, 3:15-4:30pm, and is designed to assist students in all subject areas, as needed. Our senior students have access to the senior study centre in E3, everyday afterschool across the school week. On Thursday afternoons in E10, the English KLA offers Homework Club to Year 10-12 students also. We have an array of supports to help students achieve the extraordinary!

Sporting Success

During last Semester we had many individuals and teams progress through to Regional and State Finals in many Sports.

Two athletes I would like to highlight are Emerson Arnold and Bon Martin who made it through to the State Cross Country final. These are magnificent achievements by these students.

E-Sports Success

The Acer Predator League Academy is a national program providing students across Australia and New Zealand with a structured and social format that empowers high schools to participate in e-sports. 

Our E-Sports Team who have been competing in then Acer Predator League Academy for Fortnite won the Term 2 Final on Monday, 17th June. 

Congratulations to:

• Jack Clarke 10E
• Liam Richardson 12E
• Liam Allison 10H
• Jaydyn Lee 10K
• Boyd Swanson 10K

Teacher, Emir Nuredini coached this side and did a great job mentoring these students. The team will be invited to Sydney at the end of Term 3 to play off in a final with the Term 3 League Winners.

Course Selection Expo

On Tuesday, 30th July, we held our Course Selection Expo in preparation for the 2025 academic year. We were very excited to provide families with the opportunity to visit the College to learn more about the courses of study offered to students from Years 9 to 12 in 2025. 

While all students were provided with course handbooks and year level seminars to explain the course selection process, the notion of selecting the ‘right’ course can be daunting with all of the options available.  

Families who took part in the expo were able to speak to staff about subject specific information, ask questions and receive assistance in completing the  course selection forms via an onsite Help Desk.

Attendance

A reminder to all, that daily school attendance is vital for students to achieve success. Schooling is compulsory for children and young people aged from 6 to 17 years unless an exemption from attendance or enrolment has been granted. 

Daily attendance is important for all students to succeed in education and to ensure they do not fall behind both socially and developmentally. Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete VCE or an equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives. 

It is important that children develop habits of regular attendance at an early age. School participation is important as it maximises life opportunities for children and young people by providing them with education and support networks. School helps people to develop important skills, knowledge and values which set them up for further learning and meaningful participation in their community. 

Our teachers work incredibly hard to ensure students are engaged in their classrooms with just the right amount of challenge and rigor. If you feel you need support with increasing engagement and attendance, please contact the relevant sub-school for support.

Rod Kendall

Acting Principal