Principal Report

End of Term

With final assessments complete and reports released today, it is time for a well-deserved break for both students and staff. Term Two has been a long one; 11 weeks in total, with many ‘events’ taking place. Examinations and final assessments for Semester One have concluded and reports are due for release. Now is the time for students to reflect on all that they have learnt and set goals for the semester ahead. 

Year 12 Formal

The Year 12 Formal at the Karralyka Centre last week was a highlight for our Year 12s, signalling the halfway point with their studies. It was an enjoyable evening for students and staff alike. Our students looked amazing, and their conduct was impressive. Thank-you to Chris Sheehan and Leisa Beggs for organising the evening and to the student planning team. All staff in attendance thoroughly enjoyed sharing the night with our wonderful Year 12 students.

Central Australia Tour

On the weekend, we farewelled 81 Year 11 students and staff on the annual trip to the Top End and Central Australia. We know that for many students, this will be a highlight of their secondary school years. For families, with students on the trip, no doubt you are enjoying their day-by-day blog. Here are a couple of excerpts from the blog, written by our students, unedited and in their own words: 

June 29th: Darwin is very very different to Melbourne. We stopped at a cliff overlooking the turquoise water to take some photos. The view was very nice. We then went to the Darwin Museum, it was very interesting to learn about the Indigenous Australians and the hurricane in 1974. Darwin has a lot of history. 

A quick stop at camp to get changed prior to leave for Mindil Market. The market was really cool and it was so good to taste all the different food and drinks and the sunset was really pretty. Students love the potato twist on a stick, as well as options like Indian curries, Asian curries and fresh lemonade. A super memorable first full day. 

June 30th. We had to wake early so we could pack away all our bags and tents which was really difficult - however we have been assured we will get better and quicker at doing it as the trip goes by. We got on the bus at 9am and had a quick stop at a shopping centre to get food and supplies, before heading off to Berry Springs. At Berry Springs the water was really beautiful and warm. Everyone had such a great time. We got to swim up to a waterfall with fish below us!

The trip is off to a great start! 

We look forward to their return in the first week of the holidays and wish them a fun and memorable experience. Thanks to the staff, who have given up their own time to attend this trip, in particular to Annie Hearne and Rod Mitchell for leading it.

Year 9 City Experience  

Our Year 9 students are enjoying an action-packed week in the City this week. Some of their adventures include: The Old Melbourne Gaol, Victoria Market, MCG, the Big Issue, the Amazing Race, an Escape Room and a lovely Italian Restaurant in Lygon Street. Our students have received high praise from members of the public and staff at venues. We are immensely proud of how they represent themselves and the College. 

I enjoyed attending on Wednesday with groups 7 & 8. The MCG tour was very informative and the students enjoyed accessing so many areas, including player changerooms and the ice bath facilities. The Lygon Street lunch was a real treat with more pasta and pizza than the students could actually eat. Whilst it rained for the entire day, not once did I hear a single complaint from the students. Their conduct on the day was impeccable. Congratulations to Adam Given and Christina Bukojemski for their organisation of this week long event.

Work Experience

This is a valuable experience for our Year 10 students and some of our Year 11s. For some students, this experience will confirm an interest in a profession, for others it will be a taste of work in general but equally important, some students will realise that a particular occupation might not be for them. Thank-you to Paul Duncan for overseeing this program. 

Holiday

On a final note, on behalf of the Norwood staff, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students a relaxing break. Enjoy some quality time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you back, well rested and ready for a busy Term 3.