Welcome to Term 4 and back to onsite learning.

We nearly had a full house in the primary school on Thursday. This shows how keen ‘everyone’ was to be back at school (including the parents). The past two terms have not been an easy road. Students have found it tough, teachers have been the same and parents found themselves in positions they had never been in. Moving forward we are already looking at programs to help settle students back in and at catching up on schooling missed. The department is supplying plenty of resources and direction.

Good luck to all VCE students and teachers as we get down to the business end of the year. To the students, exams start in just over a month, so hard work and asking for direction and help will get you your best outcomes!

On the Covid front, we are now allowed to re-engage students with excursions and camps which is great. Students over 12 still need to wear masks (as do staff). Essential service workers, - plumbers, cleaners, etc, have always been onsite, but volunteers and parents are not allowed as yet. Covid numbers in the state are dropping so hopefully we will get back to an ‘almost normal’ place before long.

We wish Jon Neall all the best with his new career in Shepparton and his family will join him in 2021.

Staffing News Term 4

We welcome back Sarah Jude who is filling a role teaching for us in Term 4. She will teach electives and Year 8 Maths.

Sarah has been living in Mackay Queensland for the past few years and is back visiting her family. Sarah is an ex student and community member who we are thrilled to have back with us. Sarah and partner (another ex-local), Brad Burgess have come back with daughter Elsie, but are not getting to spend much time with her as Granny & Poppy Boof (Kellie and Andrew Jude), are holding fort.

Rachel Munro has kindly stepped in to fill a three week gap as Emma Wallace works her placement for her masters course. Rachel has taught mathematics at Bainbridge College in Hamilton, but has left fulltime teaching to start a business near Natimuk with her partner. Rachel will be taking Emma’s Year 7 teaching load for the time Emma is away. Welcome Rachel!

Hayley Hocking is currently on student teacher placement with us at Edenhope College. Hayley hails from Apsley and is studying Mathematics, but is highly qualified in IT as well. She has helped and led my Year 8 Mathematics class during a short spell of remote learning. Hayley has a bright future ahead of her and has been fantastic so far on placement.

Staffing News for 2021

The really fantastic news is that we have already hired three teachers to cover VCE PE, Health, Psychology & Mathematics in 2021. These teachers will also cover middle school subjects and teach in our new and exciting elective program in 2021. Applicants have been outstanding, due to our early advertising of 2021 positions. The only position left to fill is VCE English and while we have the capability to teach VCE English with current teachers, those teachers have put forward many exciting electives for our 2021 program. At the end of the day we want what is best for the students and that is how we will do it!

Another real positive is that in 2021 we will continue with four classes in the primary school. We can cater better for student needs with a structure like that. In 2021 we will also welcome Kathryn Close back into our primary area, this helps to consolidate a very strong primary teaching team.

Keep reading to learn a little bit about the new staff we welcome aboard for 2021.

Morgan Coventry will be teaching VCE PE and Psychology as well as PE in other year levels.

'I'm very excited to move to Edenhope and become a part of its tight knit and supportive community. Through my love of sport, particularly netball and volleyball, I hope to join the towns sporting clubs and get involved in everything I can. Trying new things always interests me and I have developed a great love of photography, embroidery and gardening over the years. I could spend forever in the great outdoors and being so close to many National Parks will be great for many camping and hiking adventures. I am really passionate about experiencing every opportunity to its fullest and meeting new people, which has enriched my travels around Australia and the world. This only increases my excitement for what's to come in Edenhope! I believe people are what makes a place special and I cannot wait to immerse myself in the community of Edenhope.'

We also welcome Jenni Barling to the 2021 teaching staff. Jenni will be leading VCE Health & Human Development and teaching some PE and Mathematics in lower senior school and primary areas. Jenni has family locally at Casterton and was really excited to gain a teaching position with us.

'Aside from teaching, I am passionate about health, fitness and dance. I also enjoy the outdoors, going camping and spending time with friends and family. I support the best AFL team, the bombers! I look forward to meeting everyone at Edenhope College'.

Our third confirmed staff member for 2021 is Paul Perversi, who will be the VCE & Senior Maths teacher.

Paul comes to us with a wealth of teaching knowledge and is very passionate about getting involved in the local community. Paul is shifting from Hamilton, where he taught at Hamilton and Bainbridge Colleges. He was a Systems Director for three years at an international school and recently returned to Hamilton. Paul loves the outdoors and has plenty to choose from in close proximity to Edenhope.

He likes listening to a wide range of musical styles and has been trying to improve his guitar playing, although he openly admits that there's still a fair way to go. Best of all, he enjoys spending time in the classroom, getting to know students and helping them to learn mathematics.

Yes our students have missed out a bit in 2020, but our recently recruited and returning teachers will bring an amazing array of teaching styles to our learning environment for 2021 and beyond!

Trevor McClure

Acting Principal

09/10/2020

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