Principal's Report

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing is well underway, and we are near the end of the testing periods for Year 7 and 9 students. As many may be aware there was a significant hiccup on Day 1, with the Test Administrator website being impacted across the country for Writing. As a result Writing was postponed for Horsham College students. We have been assured by ACARA that students were neither provided an advantage nor a disadvantage because of the technical error. I commend all students who gave it their best, as that is all one can ask of another. 

Thank you to Shannon Argall (Assistant Principal – Teaching & Learning) and Rod Kirkwood (Leading Teacher – Assessment and Reporting) for their work in coordinating the event, as well as the IT Team (Toby Haynes, Michael Carra and Calvin Shiells) for trouble shooting the technical difficulties that could be dealt with at a school level.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 

On March 21st, we acknowledge the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). This day reminds us of the importance of standing against racism and working towards a community where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. Together we can continue to learn, reflect, and take action to challenge discrimination in all its forms.

#horshamcollege #fight racism

Term 1 Reports & Parent Teacher Interviews

Teachers are currently finalising Term 1 Reports. These provide students and their parents/guardians with a snapshot of both the students’ results (where assessments have taken place) and progress. Reports will be released prior to Parent Teacher Interviews on Wednesday, April 1st. 

Reflecting on the Term 1 Reports is an opportunity to both celebrate the positives and look for opportunities for strengthening and improving learning habits. At times, I hear that students ‘don’t like’ something, or ask ‘when will I need this?’, and that this then impacts their effort or behaviour. It is important to understand that learning habits, and persevering when things might be challenging, are important lifelong skills that support people with problem solving, understanding the world around, and preparing students with the required skills for future learning as they move to further study, training and the workplace.  

I encourage parents/guardians and their students to make the time to attend Parent Teacher Interviews and meet or reconnect with their students’ teachers. Great success comes through teachers, students and families working together. 

Industrial Action

As per earlier communication, the Australian Education Union has communicated to its members plans for stop-work action to take place on Tuesday 24th March. 

Confirmation of any impacts of the proposed stop-work event to our school is currently not available. I will communicate detailed information as soon as it becomes available. As previously communicated, there are a number of processes that must be followed before schools can confirm whether arrangements need to be made to manage any interruptions. 

I can confirm that the Stop Work will not impact the students attending the Year 7 Camp (Monday – Wednesday). The camp will run as planned. 

Thank you all for your continued understanding.