Welcome back to our College newsletter. I am delighted to present the second edition of our newsletter, providing you with a glimpse into the vibrant activities and accomplishments that have enriched the learning of our students over the past 8 weeks. It has been a very busy and productive term so far, as students, teachers, and staff engage in a myriad of activities aimed at fostering holistic development and creating memorable learning experiences.

As the proud College Principal, I celebrate with the wider community, a Term of Growth and Engagement!

Highlights of this Term so far…

Whole Campus Assemblies: Our whole campus assemblies have served as platforms for celebration, reflection, and community building. They provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents, share achievements, and reinforce the values that define us as a community. They also provide me, the College Principal, with the opportunity to address all students and pass on the same message about our achievements and also school expectations. Some of the topics discussed include wearing our uniform with pride, being amazing ambassadors in our wider community, and always treat each other with respect, as per our values and high expectations. Very important to our students is to always come to school on time and always be prepared to try their best in every class they attend.

As I mentioned in my Principal address, I together with my staff will do everything in our power to provide the best possible teaching and learning experiences to our students, ensuring that they fulfill their full potential.

As I walk around the campuses before school, during the breaks and on many occasions after school, I meet many wonderful students. I am impressed by the calibre of our students and always interested in their ideas, concerns, and aspirations for the future. Thank you to all the students who took the time to talk to me sharing their educational and future aspirations. I am looking forward to meeting many more students as the year progresses.

Swimming, Sports, and Physical Education: Swimming, Athletics and physical education play integral roles in our students' overall development. This term, our students have participated in various sporting events, honing their skills, promoting teamwork, and embracing the values of sportsmanship and fair play. The swimming carnival was without any doubt a highlight for all Years 7 and 8, and other participating students. It was a day where both Junior campuses came together, competed and celebrated the uniqueness of our College. Many students and staff wore their House colours with pride, and enjoyed a very festive swimming carnival.

Camping Adventures: Outdoor education is an essential component of our curriculum, offering students unique opportunities for experiential learning and personal growth. Our camping expeditions this term have provided students with unforgettable experiences, fostering resilience, independence, and an appreciation for the great outdoors.

Curriculum-Related Excursions: Beyond the confines of the classroom, our students have embarked on enriching excursions that complement and enhance their academic learning. These excursions have allowed students to explore real-world applications of their studies, deepen their understanding of various subjects, and connect with experts in their fields of interest.

Junior Campuses' Challenge Program: Our Junior Campuses' Challenge program continues to thrive, empowering our students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and develop essential life skills. Through city activities and other immersive experiences, students are enhancing their social, emotional, and resilience capabilities, preparing them to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and adaptability.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to the remainder of the academic year, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the myriad opportunities and experiences that await our students. We remain committed to providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every young person can thrive and realize their full potential.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and enthusiastic students for making this term a resounding success. Together, we continue to build a vibrant and thriving community that inspires excellence and fosters lifelong learning.

School Council Elections

This year we have had 4 parent, 2 community member and 2 DE employee member vacancies. We also have had 1 student vacancy. All vacancies are for a 2-year appointment (2024 & 2025).

At the close of the call for nominations in the Parent Category for School Council there were 4 nominees for the 4 vacancies.

The following parents were therefore, elected for a two-year term.

Ms Mandy El Ali
Ms Vera Mijakoski
Ms Sheena Pettigrew
Ms Marcella Esposito

At the close of the call for nominations in the Department of Education Category of School Council there were 2 nominees for 2 vacancies.

The following DE&T members were therefore, elected for a two-year term.

Ms Marianne Gualtieri
Ms Miranda Orford

At the close of the call for nominations in the Student Category of School Council there was 1 nominee for 1 vacancy. The following student, therefore, was elected for a two-year term.

Dylan Paluch-Vinh – Year 10 student

Congratulations to the parents, Department of Education, and student members who have joined our School Council and thank you to all for showing interest in school governance. Working together makes a huge difference in improved student outcomes and students’ future.

On behalf of the school community, I sincerely thank the outgoing council members (parents, student & staff), Ms Lisa Jackson, Ms Kim Moulton, Ms Lynda Gaylard, and Ms Faith Samuels.

Their contribution has been paramount to the life of our College Community.

Annual Report 2023

Annual reporting is an important tool for effective governance within schools and across the government school system. Reporting to the school community adds value in a number of ways:

Keeping the school community informed: The annual report provides a means for the school council to inform the community of what has been achieved and how the school is performing. Providing information about schools helps the community hold schools, the system and government accountable for improving student outcomes.

Contributing to system accountability and meeting legislative requirements: Public accountability for improving student outcomes and for the use of public money is mandated in the Education and Training Reform Act (2006), where school councils are required to prepare and publish an annual report.

Relationship between the planning and annual reporting processes: The development of the annual report is an opportunity to reflect on the school’s achievements and use this as a basis for future planning.

The 2023 Annual Report was presented to the school community at the Annual General School Council Meeting (AGM) on Monday March 18. The Annual Report will also be published on the school website following its endorsement from the Department.

Please take time to read through and familiarise yourselves with the Annual Report. A copy of the annual report will be published on the school’s website: copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au

Visit by The Hon. Natalie Hutchins, member for Sydenham - (Minister for Jobs and industry, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Women)

On Friday March 15, The Honourable Natalie Hutchins, member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, visited our school. The minister had the opportunity to meet with the school captains and discuss contemporary topics about education, pathways, life after Covid and in particular, our school and the opportunities it provides to all students to succeed in life with whatever careers/pathways they wish to pursue.

The school captains shared with the minister their ideas about school improvement and their aspirations and future pathways.

On behalf of the school community, I thank The Honourable Natalie Hutchins for taking the time to come and visit us and learn a bit more of the wonderful programs we provide for our students.

2024 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)

The 2024 AIP is based on the 2020 – 2024 School Strategic Plan.

The annual implementation plan (AIP) describes how the key improvement strategies in the school strategic plan, and other significant projects, will be put into operation during the year and how they will be monitored. It assists schools to:

plan and communicate their work for the coming year and how this will lead to achieving their identified goals and targets
ensure efficient and effective allocation of resources to complete the work
monitor progress and success.

The 2024 AIP is also published on the school’s website: copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au

International Women’s Day Celebration, 8th March 2024

This year’s theme was 'Inspire Inclusion'

At Copperfield College, we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, to forge a better world.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Copperfield College hosted a morning tea on each Campus, on Friday 8 March, for all female staff members and all student Captains. School Captains on each campus spoke about the significance and the meaning of the day.

Personal Property brought to school

Personal property is often brought to school by students and visitors. This can include mobile phones, electronic games, calculators, toys, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. I wish to remind you that, DE does not hold insurance (excluding the school’s iPad program) for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property. Students that choose to bring their mobile phones to school must store them safely in their lockers during the school day as per the Department’s rule.

I wish to discourage students and visitors from bringing any personal property in particular

valuable items to school and if you choose to do so it is entirely at your own risk.

Student Appearance

All students at Copperfield College are expected to take pride in their personal appearance. Jewellery, make-up, hair colour and style must be discreet as per the school expectations and policies. Earrings must consist only of sleepers or studs in the ears.

It is the school’s preferred position that students do not have facial piercing i.e. any facial piercing other than the ears. However, for students who already have facial piercing they have the following options: (i) the facial piercings are removed during the school day, to and from school. (ii) the facial piercing is discreet and clear plastic and (iii) a band aide is applied on the piercing during the school day, including to and from school.

Under no circumstances will metal facial piercings be accepted.

Therefore, new facial piercings cannot be obtained during the year due to the healing time which requires the piercing to be metal.

Privacy Reminder to all Parents/Guardians

Copperfield College collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy

Please take time to remind yourself of the school’s collection statement, found on our website https://www.copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au

For more information about privacy, see: Schools’ Privacy Policy – information for parents. This information also available in a number of community languages.

School Zone Speed Limits

Just to remind parents/guardians and friends of the school community, of the importance of road safety around schools.

School Speed Zones are enforced from the commencement of the school year and parents/carers are reminded to adhere to all VicRoads School Speed Zones rules.
Also, parents/guardians are reminded to take care and obey these parking signs and observe the Road Rules when picking up or dropping off students around schools. The City of Brimbank and Information Officers monitor all supervised school crossings on a regular roster and issue infringements to drivers who stop in unsafe areas, such as “No Stopping” zones, within 20 metres of a school crossing, parallel to a yellow edge line, or if double parked, even for a moment to drop off or collect a student.
Queuing to enter a pickup/drop off zone can often lead to traffic congestion with vehicles being stationary in prohibited areas. Should the pickup/drop off zone be occupied with vehicles, to avoid the possibility of receiving an infringement it is advised to drive around the block and return when legal parking is available.
Statistics show that illegal parking around schools is greatly reduced due to an Officer’s presence and Council prefers to achieve these results though education and awareness.

Designated school speed zones: Specified times (8.00 - 9.30 am and 2.30 - 4.00 pm).

Further information in regard to VicRoads speed limits around schools can be found at: VicRoads School Speed Zones

Also, please note that the school car parks (Kings Park, Sydenham, and Delahey campuses) are out of bounds for all parents/guardians, even if the boom gates are up. The campuses’ car parks are only for staff. It is imperative that parents DO NOT enter the carparks during pick up/drop off as they are placing students and staff at grave risk.

I wish to thank all parents/guardians who always adhere to all traffic rules re: school zones and the College’s carpark rules. The safety of all children, staff and parents is paramount.

Last Day of the Term 1, Thursday, 28 March

The last day of Term 1 is on Thursday 28 March.

Wishing you all, Happy Easter, a safe and relaxing break.

Term 2 begins on Monday April 15.

Nick Adamou

College Principal

Important Dates