Principal's Report
2020 A Different Year
What a year 2020 has been. We started positively with increased enrolments and quality teaching occurring in a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment for our students. Orientation programs at all year levels had set the scene for high expectations and students quickly settled into well planned timetabled classes. The start of the year gave me the opportunity to visit classrooms and liaise with students and staff; an opportunity which I thrived on. It was also a time when we were fully booked with tours in the lead up to Open Day. Year 7 students were welcomed to life as secondary school students and enjoyed a fun-filled camp, whilst Year 12 students participated in their Study Camp at Ormond College at The University of Melbourne. Our students were lucky as both camps were not impacted by the extreme bushfires Victoria had faced early in the year. However, the year was quickly turned upside down in the most significant way as a global pandemic hit Melbourne, forcing all schools and non-essential businesses to close. The pandemic, known as COVID-19, led to unprecedented changes that saw both staff and students undertake remote learning for the first time.
Here we are at the end of the year with students who have gained so much more than solely what they have learned during the remote learning and their return to school. They have developed deeper relationships with their families throughout the lockdown, increased their skills in the use of information and communications technology and, for many, much needed resilience to overcome future challenges.
Special Events
The past few weeks the following have taken place:
Virtual Orion Night
Our annual presentation night ‘Orion Night’ is held at the end of each year to celebrate the success and achievements of all students. Our virtual event will be available on our You-Tube channel via the following link : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC3pPLKAxiA6eiVh8RrkbQg OR
Thank you to Mr Chris Knight and the team who organised the event and Mr Ben Phillips for the production of the film.
Virtual Year 12 Valedictory Celebrations
Despite not being able to celebrate the end of thirteen years of schooling because of the restrictions, our Year 12 students had a virtual celebration to share with their families and friends. Follow the link provided to access this significant milestone for our students:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC3pPLKAxiA6eiVh8RrkbQg OR https://youtu.be/GaGxeBzY4WA
Thanks to the Senior School Staff and Mr Ben Phillips.
Orientation Day
On Tuesday we welcomed Grade 6 students enrolled for next year to spend their first day on site. If the enthusiasm, friendships formed, and excellent behaviours are anything to go by, these students are set for a positive year in 2021. Congratulations to Mr Sam Eddy for coordinating the day together with the current Junior School Team. Thanks to the Junior School students and other teaching staff who supported the day.
If you are not already following our Facebook page we would encourage you to do so. Get up-to-date posts on what is happening at the College.
Student Leadership
Last week we farewelled our Senior School Students and heard the speeches from prospective college captains. Following interviews and elections I am pleased to announce the following College Captains and Vice Captains for 2021:
College Captains for 2020
Bonnie Collins -Year 12
Tatira Tatira - Year 12
College Vice Captains
Aimee Bugeja - Year 11
K'Sameer (Sam) Dhillon - Year 11
Jasmin Lewis - Year 12
Mason Rimmer - Year 11
The Junior School Student Leadership Team will be announced early in Term One once our Year 7 students have fully transitioned into the College.
Uniform
Please read the uniform requirements carefully. Students have been reminded repeatedly of the requirements, in particular those regarding shoes, piercings, nails, dress length, and the requirement for single natural hair colours. Every year we face a very small number of students who have not prepared for their return to school.
Apologies
I apologise to those members of the community I have not yet replied to via email or phone the past few weeks. Following the passing of the second of my closest friends this year, I have not been able to maintain the 48 hour reply timeline.
Thank You
I wish to thank everyone for the exceptional support throughout the year that has enabled students to continue their education throughout the pandemic. I congratulate the students who achieved so much and gave their best throughout the year, whether it was in the classroom, at College assemblies, music performances, sporting events, or in other activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the teachers, support staff, College Council, and other members of the College community who worked tirelessly to provide so many unique opportunities and resources for students. It was through these opportunities that our students gained, learned, problem solved, developed leadership skills, and fostered friendships and relationships that will be remembered and built upon for many years.
I would especially like to thank members of our Strategic Leadership Team: Mr Chris Knight (Assistant Principal), Mr Murray Cronin (Head of Curriculum and Pedagogy), Ms Michelle Deboer (Head of Maths and Instructional Leader), Ms Emily Phibbs (Head of Junior School), Mr Tony Stirling (Head of Senior School) and Mrs Vicky Kamfonas (Business Manager and Education Support Leader). This team showed significant growth and resilience as a leadership team throughout what has been a high pressure and intense year. I have valued their support, honesty, integrity, and commitment to the work carried out for the Scoresby Secondary College community this year.
They have been well supported by teachers, education support staff, leadership coaches, members of College Council, and College partners, in particular Thermo-Fisher Scientific and Rotary Club of Knox.
I would like to acknowledge what a challenging year it has been for parents and carers who were thrust into isolation and facing children learning at home. I look forward to the high level of engagement in your children’s learning continuing into the future.
On behalf of our College, I wish to thank our outgoing College Captains, Shannen Toogood and Zac Tarquinio, for their work in representing our students and the College throughout the year. Student voice is and will continue to be a major part of our College and what makes it great.
I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break and look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and ready for 2021.
I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break and look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed ready for 2021.
Mrs Gail Major
Principal