From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

The sun is shining, and for now Spring appears to be just around the corner. The next fortnight will see our students shining as they participate in several activities. 

Our School production is on stage this week. Held in Elwood at the Pheonix Theatre, a cast and crew of experienced and novice thespians will perform ‘The Addams family’. I acknowledge the efforts of Sally Edwards, Caroline Hardy, and Julia Burke who have inspired, motivated, guided, and coordinated the students involved. If you would like to purchase tickets, please find the booking details on Compass. ‘Break a leg’ as they say, and good luck to all. I look forward to seeing the production at the Saturday matinee. 

The house competition is well and truly in action. This fortnight we have the House Athletics, and the inaugural final of House Debating. Students have shown a keen interest in the new debating competition both as speakers, researchers, and audience members. It has been pleasing to see the appetite for expansion in the house activities. Thank you to the staff who have organised this competition and I know many students will be inspired to participate in the Debating Association of Victoria’s interschool competition. House athletics is next week at Duncan McKinnon track in Carnegie. Buses will transport our students from Auburn High School to the track, and then the games will begin. I really enjoy watching the performances of the students, and the team spirit and costumes all add to the energy of the day. Students winning the events will progress to the Division athletics carnival. Good luck to all. 

Currently we are in a reporting phase of the term for Learning Behaviours. The behaviours include: Agency in Learning, Completes required work, Works productively in class, Seeks assistance when necessary, Works in a team, and Respects the rights of others to learn. Student are given a score of 2, 4, 6 (expected), 8 or 10. The rubric for these is attached to this article for your information. Research shows that behaviours drive performance, and that feedback on process, routines, structures and actions has a significant impact on learning outcomes, and student engagement. Education is a lifelong process and I demand the same learning behaviours in my staff. Please have open conversations with your children to reinforce the real world applications of these skills and behaviours. Parent Student Teacher conferences are on the 5th of September and this will be a good chance for further discussion, and positive reinforcement. 

Staff had a fantastic Professional Learning Day last Wednesday. The focus was on wellbeing and how we develop the capabilities necessary to thrive, contribute and respond positively to the challenges and opportunities of life. Our leading teachers held a series of opt in workshops and staff enjoyed collaborating, and discussing strategies that they can use in class. The feedback is that staff would like to engage again with the topics below. These topics will also be discussed at our major parent forum in term 4 (TBC).

In the afternoon, the staff participated in some activities that allowed a social connection, and a physical outlet for some. We also have informed staff of a CONVERGE app, that has been built by the DET to assist staff with their personal wellbeing. This facility offers medical, physical and general assistance for teachers and support staff. 

Last week parents/carers received an email regarding the 2024 Parent/Carer Opinion Survey. Each household receives a link to the statewide survey and I encourage you to complete it. Responses from the Auburn High community help system wide programs, and provide invaluable insights for our own school. The survey closes August 30th. When we have the data from the survey we will be consulting parents via the term 4 forums. In the meantime, I have instructed my staff to investigate into: parent and student engagement with reports and Compass communications, and notifications. Both these areas have been of interest for some time and are ready for review.

Finally, with an eye on 2025, the school is processing enrolments presently. Our enrolments are now fully zoned, except for our French Specialist Programs where students are coming from Caulfield Junior College, and Camberwell Primary School. There is unprecedented demand for local enrolments and currently we have well over 175 enrolments. This is exciting and the total school size will be over 900 students in 2025. We can’t wait to welcome our new students in term 4. 

Until next time,

Kind regards,

Ross Pritchard