Principal's Report

May Newsletter

Welcome to our end of May newsletter. As I write this, we are again in a period of remote learning. While we hoped that 2021 would be free from COVID restrictions, lock-downs and remote learning, that has not been the case. For all updates and procedures related to remote learning, please see Compass. We recommend that parents download the Compass app as it not only allows you to see the learning program and progress of your child, but also our updates and all communications.

This months newsletter highlights the many activities and programs we were able to undertake across May. It highlights the busy nature of schools as well as the significant number of programs, excursions, and opportunities presented to our students. 

There were many highlights, including our student's achievement in Debating, the Rostrum Voice of the Youth and our hosting of the Darebin Youth Forum. The Darebin Youth Forum was an event where students from Darebin Primary and Secondary schools came together to discuss both the local area and the future of our local area. The day culminated in students presenting their ideas to the Mayor of Darebin, Cr Lina Messina, as well as Darebin Council CEO Sue Wilkinson and Councillors from the Darebin Council. For me, the highlight was the visits of Uncle Jim Berg, respected elder of the Gunditjmara people of South West Victoria. We were honoured to have Jim visit and present to both our Year 9 students as part of their studies and also meet with Koorie students of the school. 

Remote Learning v.4

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students, families and staff for their on-going efforts, hard work and expertise during our latest lock-down. We learnt a great deal about remote learning in 2020, and the feedback we have received about this period of remote learning has been that the approach has been pitched at the right level. Through the use of Compass, WebEx and Microsoft Teams, we have been able to remain connected to our students, and continue to provide high level teaching and learning. Thanks to everyone for their support of the school at this time, but let's hope we can get back to face to face teaching for all students as soon as possible.