Principal's Report 

Schools as Community 

In speaking with new staff, students and families about their experience of Vermont Secondary College, I consistently hear about the strong sense of community at our school. People describe the way we value relationships, show interpersonal concerns and have high levels of support across all levels of our school community. This is reflected in our data which consistently shows high levels of student, family and staff support and connectedness, but data isn’t everything.  

Suzanne Plant, former Assistant Principal and now Principal at Glen Waverley SC, once remarked to me that Vermont felt like a country school. This wasn’t to denigrate, it was because what she noticed when coming here was a sense of warmth, community, good humour and fun, at Vermont we care for each other and that we prioritised relationships.  

This continues to be true. Despite the growth in numbers across our school, through an embedded culture, committed staff, supportive families and engaged students we continue to create an environment where we care for each other, offer support and make a contribution. The strength of communities is particularly evident in difficult times such as in the past week when many within our community have experienced the most profound grief. Thank you to all those within our community who have at this time, through words and actions supported each other and ensured that our school is a place where young people feel safe and can learn, grow and flourish. 

Updated Student Dress Code 

Many of you will be aware that last year we completed a detailed review of our Student Dress Code. We collected data through multiple surveys and focus groups across the school and established a student advisory body to review our uniform items.  

The result of this process is the updated Student Dress Code which was approved by School Council last week. This revised policy as a fantastic example of student voice in action. 

Our revised Dress Code aims to:  

• represent our shared identity, commitment to learning, and pride in our school’s history of academic and extra-curricular success. 

• foster pride, cohesion, and belonging, reinforcing the values that underpin our school community – Integrity, Respect and Excellence 

• support Vermont Secondary College’s commitment to ensuring that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities 

• reduce student competition on the basis of clothing 

   

The most significant change to our Student Dress Code is that students may now choose to wear either the Academic or Sport uniform. Mixing items across the Academic and Sports uniforms is not permitted. 

Beyond this, the student advisory body worked with Bob Stewart, our uniform supplier, to refine the design of some of our uniform items and to explore the introduction of new items. This resulted in the following changes:   

• the introduction of a College blazer 

• modification of the white shirt fabric 

• adjustment to the soft-shell jacket construction to increase warmth/water resistance 

• introduction of a new Sports uniform jumper 

Across the school over the next few weeks the House Teams will be working with students to share the changes to the uniform policy. Early indicators are that it is being most positively received by students.  

Congratulations to Mary Zervos  

Congratulations to Mary Zervos who has been appointed to the Acting Assistant Principal position to replace me whilst I am Acting Principal. Mary has a long history with the school and has previously led the Maths Learning Area and whole school Learning and Teaching as a Leading Teacher.  As part of her role, Mary will be the Assistant Principal supporting the Hotham House. 

School Council

The school council had its meeting on Tuesday 19th May. The council was informed about the status of the school’s finances (which are all positive) and approved the various motions of the finance committee. Council members were informed on the Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality policy by our Acting Principal Aidan Message. Council members who receive gifts over $50 need to be declared.

What probably was the most celebrated outcome at any of our council meetings by our student members was the approval of our new and updated Uniform Policy. In short, students at all year levels, in every class, throughout the year, have the option between two school uniforms: An academic and a sport uniform. There are of course various exceptions and amendments to that generalisation of the policy, i.e. you won’t wear an academic uniform in PE class, you have to wear the academic uniform at the annual school photo sessions, no branded gear, etc. Students and the community have been informed of the details of this policy via compass. Council would like to thank all staff, parents/guardians and students involved in evaluating the school’s uniform and it is hoped that most, if not all, recommendations have been to a various degree addressed.

Other changes are that the old signs at the front will be replaced by newly erected, 3.5m tall signs and a new fence will be built at the back of the school.

On Friday 22nd May there will be the official retirement function of our departing principal Tony Jacobs. The School Council wishes Tony all the best in his retirement.

Frank Drost