Principals' Report

Principal Team Report 

Year 12 Class of 2019

October 18 saw the final formal classes for our Year 12 cohort. The senior team and teachers were very pleased with the high level of attendance and commitment by the students to the practice exams which were held during the holidays and to the revision sessions held after school. Friday’s final Celebration Day was a thoroughly positive affair, beginning with the breakfast and the opening of time capsules, followed by a wonderful whole school assembly and culminating with the Valedictory Dinner.

Congratulations to all in the Senior School and to staff members who contributed to and celebrated with our Year 12 students on a very big, yet positive day.

The atmosphere was excellent and the students’ behaviour was exemplary. Strong relationships and great community spirit was evident. Feedback from parents and students has been extremely positive, they are grateful for all the support they have received. It is a collective effort and we should all be proud of our community. The school captains and vice captains spoke eloquently about their experiences and thanked all who contributed to their time at Koonung.

VCE Exams – Tips to stay focussed and motivated

As our students prepare for the examination period it is important for them to look after themselves well. This time can be compared to the final training phase of elite athletes as they prepare for major competition. The major training block has been done. It is now time for precise practice, combined with good nutrition to fuel the body and brain alongside adequate rest and recovery.

Remaining focused can be one of the biggest challenges when attempting to study. It is easy to be prone to distractions, getting caught up with Facebook, Instagram or going down a YouTube spiral. If that can be you, try to put your phone in another room. There is also a  great app called SelfControl that can be downloaded to a computer — it blocks all those distracting websites during study. Remember an hour of undistracted revision is far more effective than two hours without focus.

Find your best study time

For some students it’s the morning, when they are well rested and minds are clear. This can be a good time with excellent focus potential.  Others may find afternoon or evening works well.

Get organised

Have all of your resources and study material, notes and practice exams available.

Take a break from study

If you’ve read the same line a million times, maybe it’s time to take a break. Better yet, go talk to someone and tell them about what you are studying. It will help you retain more information.

Revisit topics

Spend time to review and revisit concepts and notes on multiple days prior to the exam. If completing practice exam questions or past exams, mark them yourself using examiners notes and identify the gaps in your answers. What are the difference between the best answer and your original response.

Drink lots of water eat well and get lots of sleep

Drink lots of water and make yourself a cup of tea or coffee when you need a lift – just stay hydrated while you’re in the study bubble.

Take a break to refuel with healthy options, not too much sugar or salt. It is a good opportunity to walk away from your desk. Aim to go to bed early so that you are allowing your brain to recover. A rested brain thinks more clearly.

Good luck to all students working through final exams, I know they will be well supported and encouraged as they head to the conclusion of the exam period and their secondary schooling.

VCE Art Show

The annual VCE Art show was officially opened on Wednesday 23 October. The Art Captains spoke passionately about the Art experience at Koonung and it is wonderful to see the diverse and interesting products on display. Students, parents and staff members enjoyed the gallery experience and voted on their favourite art piece. The staff were also treated to a screening of the Year 12 Media films in the theatre prior to the opening. The films were excellent and displayed terrific technical skill.

We are very fortunate to have such talented and dedicated visual art and technology teachers at our school.

PFA Bunnings BBQ and Bake Sale 

Thank you to our wonderful PFA for their efforts and hard work in the lead up to and at the Bunnings BBQ and Bake Sale on Saturday. The long day was a resounding success and I would especially like to thank event coordinators Nicky, Janelle and Lou, along with all the parent helpers who contributed to the day. Thank you also to our amazing Year 8 Food Technology class, led by their teacher Ms Kelly Szlachetko, for baking an array of delicious cakes and slices for the bake sale. 

We are very fortunate to be part of a wonderful community.

Marianne Lee 

Principal 

Capital Works Program Update

Following consultation and feedback from our College community, the revised proposed masterplan has been endorsed by College Council and submitted for Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) approval. The first stage of the proposed masterplan includes the demolition of the lower gym and toilet block and relocation of the portable classrooms near the staff carpark. A new building will be constructed on this site and will consist of a new Year 7 to 9 space and new reception area facing towards Box Hill Crescent to reorient the entrance to the school. This stage will cause minimal impact to the learning and teaching activities as we will be able to utilise existing buildings while construction occurs. The next stage in the program, after VSBA approval, is the schematic design process. This is where we start looking at how the spaces within the building footprint will best suit 21st century learners. The revised masterplan is attached below.

Stace Kerr

Business Manager