‘See the best performing NAPLAN schools near you’ (Headline in ‘The Age’ newspaper on 23 February)

Members of the school community were delighted to view the list of the TOP 3 NAPLAN performing schools for each region. In the Melbourne North-East region the following schools were listed:

Rank	School	Sector	Well Above Average	Above Average	Average
1	Preston West Primary School	Gov	73%	27%
2	Doreen Primary School	Gov	56%	20%	24%
3	Reservoir High School	Gov		70%	30%

While congratulating the schools ranked first and second, I would like to make particular note that Reservoir High School is the only high school listed.

I would like to congratulate the school community on this achievement. It is the work of the whole school community that leads to impressive results such as these, and the achievements of our students is a great source of pride for the school.

Welcome

In introducing myself as the Acting Principal of Reservoir High School, I would also like to thank the school community for the warm welcome that I have received. Over the past weeks I have taken advantage of opportunities to get to know staff, students and the broader Reservoir High School community.

I would like to acknowledge the commitment of all staff in providing a supportive environment for all students. It is obvious that staff know the students well and that their confidence in each other is built on strong dependable relationships and processes

I had the opportunity to meet with the whole school community through the Whole School Assembly held on February 21. I would like to share with you some elements of my presentation to students at the assembly.

‘The theme of today’s assembly ‘Getting to Know You’ is relevant to me as a new leader to the school. At year level assemblies on the first day of school I spoke of the school values of Diversity, Success, Excellence and the mantra of Respect. At that point I could only refer to the values in a theoretical way, I was yet to see them in action.

Over the past few weeks I have now had the opportunity to see these values in action, and encourage each and every one of you to understand and act on these values in every day of your school life.

In a few moments we will introduce our School Captains. These students embody the school values in their approach to their learning, their engagement with the community and in their actions.

I understand that many students have expressed interest in the student leadership opportunities across the school. That is fantastic to hear! While those positions are yet to be finalised, I want to congratulate each of you that has stepped out of your comfort zone to apply for one of these positions. Such experiences are learning opportunities. I encourage all of you to seek out opportunities to learn and experience new things, and also to reflect on the experience and learning if things don’t go the way you may have hoped.

Living the values of Diversity, Success, Excellence and the mantra of Respect allows each one of you to continue to grow as a person.

I am getting to know the Reservoir High School community a little more every day. So far I have;

Taken visitors on tours of the school and visited classes with them,
Visited the year 7 students at Camp Toolangi,
Had many enjoyable conversations with many of you in the yard,
Met and chatted with our School Captains,
And worked with some of you on school-based committees and projects.

I am looking forward to continued opportunities to meet more of you.

School Values

As acknowledged above, the school has a significant focus on the school values. The school values of Diversity, Success and Excellence are well embedded in the school, as is the mantra of Respect – ‘Is it kind, is it safe, is it fair’.

I understand that discussions commenced in 2022 to include Respect as a fourth school value. Staff and students have been consulted and see the inclusion of Respect as a value as a natural next step. In formalising this the School Council felt that it was also important to consult with families. Thank you to those families that have provided feedback on this.

New staff

At the assembly I also was able to introduce new staff to the school community. I have enjoyed talking with the new staff and hearing their experiences of joining the Reservoir High School Community. There has been a consistent message from them that they are enjoying getting to know the school and their classes.

Welcome to the following staff:

Andrew Lewis – Senior School Leader and Biology/Maths teacher

George Maxwell – English/ EAL/ Humanities

Michael Brewer – ICT/ STEAM

Lori Rong – Chinese / EAL

Hope Morrison – English/ Humanities

Tom Wilson – English/ Humanities

Robyn Elliot – Food Studies

Hamish Campbell-Miller – Maths/ Physics

Ingrid Qu – Maths

Deniz Yilmaz – Maths/ Chemistry

School Council Elections

The School Council election process has been finalised. I will take the opportunity to introduce the 2023 School Council in the next newsletter.

Ms. Fran Mullins - Acting Principal

Reservoir High School

Showcase & Information Evening

Wednesday 5th April