From the Principal

It always amazes me how quickly the weeks seem to pass and we near the end of another school term.  The reflection of the term then surprises me at how many different events and activities there have been for students to get involved in school life outside the classroom. Yes, the academic classroom learning is the number one focus, but these additional opportunities add to this learning both socially and emotionally.  This is such a valuable part of the school experience.  My congratulations to all students who have participated in these activities and encourage all students to have a go at something new. 

NAPLAN 

NAPLAN was sat by year 7 and 9 students during week 7 and 8. Students have done a great job in engaging with these tests. The NAPLAN results are an important data set for us as a school to measure student learning and growth. It is important to note that, as with any testing, this one measure in one moment in time and the results do not define individuals. The value in these tests is to give us some benchmark data and as a diagnostic tool to improve student learning as opposed to being a measure of the quality of a school, teacher or the students. 

SCHOOL EVENTS

There has been a wonderful energy around the school this term with numerous events adding to the vibrancy of the school community. Year level information evenings have been held this term and been well attended by parents/carers.

The College Swimming Sports were held at the Oakleigh Swimming pool on Thursday 2nd March. The weather was perfect and contributed to the great enthusiasm and participation by the students.  Iluka were the overall winners of the house competition on the day. We are certainly looking forward to another day of fun and competition at the School Athletics carnival in August.

Many students have been involved in the summer round robin interschool sports competitions which again has been pleasing to see after the disruption to sport in previous years.

International Women’s Day was celebrated on Friday 7th March. The SVA organised a photobooth with IWD pledges, there was live music and a quiz hosted by the school library. In addition to the celebrations held at school to recognise International Women’s Day, a number of our students were also involved in the Women of the Year Awards held at Kingston Town Hall. 

Friday 15th March saw the social event of the year, the year 12 Formal held at Merrimu Receptions. Students looked resplendent in their dresses and suits. Students did us proud in their behaviour and their participation on the dance floor and all had an evening to remember. Thank you to the year 12 team, Mrs Kelly Pondard, Ms Faya Mrad, Mr Lucas Vogt and Mrs Carly Gaffney for the organisation of this event. 

The annual STEP astronomy night was held Wednesday 5th March and was a star studded event with many students and family members taking the opportunity to gaze at the stars and moon through the telescopes getting to see a closer look at the night sky. We are the only school to have this opportunity and a huge thank you to Ms Janelle Scott, Mr Tim Thompson and Mrs Julie Mullins for managing to organise these phenomenal opportunities. 

The Year 10 Theatre studies class have rehearsed and performed “the Fairytales” and performed for the local primary schools, the Early Learning Centre children and their families and the smiles on their faces were matched by those of the audience.

It really has been fantastic to see our school engaging so positively again with school and community events. This will be a real priority as we move forward this year.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Parent/teacher/student interviews were held on Wednesday 26th March (Year 10-12) and will be held Thursday 1st May for Year 7-9. The format is changed this year with online interviews available from 1.00pm-4.00pm and then in person interviews from 4.00pm -8.00pm.  This change was following feedback from parents. 

Term Break

I take this opportunity to wish all members of the school community a restful and safe term break and look forward to our return in Term 2.