Principal Team Editorial
Mid-Year Academic Awards
Last week, we celebrated the outstanding academic achievements from semester one. It’s a significant event on our school calendar as we acknowledge the efforts of so many of our students.
Wantirna College students are capable of achieving outstanding academic results which was evident in our Year 9 reading and numeracy NAPLAN results this year – 79% of our Year 9 students achieved medium to high growth in numeracy outperforming similar and state schools and 81% of Year 9 students achieved medium to high growth in reading, again outperforming state and similar schools.
These outstanding results are reflective of the great learning and teaching happening in our classrooms and I commend our students for their hard work, commitment and perseverance to achieve learning growth regardless of their starting point. I look forward to continuing to see our students thrive and achieve the great outcomes they deserve.
Subject Selections
In recent weeks we have been supporting students and families in choosing subjects and pathways for next year. We spend considerable resources to ensure the curriculum handbook, information night, counselling interviews and Explore classes provide students with the best possible support in making informed decisions which will impact their futures. Whether they are academically gifted and striving for a high ATAR score or following a VM pathway and starting a school-based apprenticeship – we are committed to valuing all pathways and supporting students achieve the best possible outcome for them. Every student is different and I’m confident that at Wantirna, we have the resources, programs and opportunities to ensure that each student can be successful in whichever pathway choose.
Athletics
On Tuesday we held our much-anticipated annual Athletics carnival. Despite the rain, it was great to see staff and students embracing the spirit of the day by dressing in their house colours and participating in lots of the events. It was disappointing having to cancel our relays and of course the special Year 12 race at the end of the day, however, I thank our staff and students for their resilience and positivity. It’s when things don’t quite go to plan that sometimes bring out the best in people and that was certainly evident on Tuesday – I always say we have great students at Wantirna!
Production
With much anticipation, our school production of Matilda has finally opened. And what an opening it was! The hours of time our devoted production staff and students have given to this show is remarkable and their passion and commitment is evident in every aspect of it. It’s a high energy show with lots of great cameo roles from students across all year levels.
Save the Date!
Father’s Day Breakfast
Fri 4 Sept, 8:30am - 9:15am
The Orchard (school canteen)
Off the back of our highly successful Mother’s Day breakfast earlier this year, we are inviting our dads and grandfathers to come along to Father’s Day Breakfast and celebrate the important roles our dads and father figures play in the lives our children. Like our Mother’s Day event, dads/grandads/father figures are invited to come along, meet other fathers and see what learning looks like in the classroom.
Tea, coffee, croissants, muffins, fruit and yoghurt cups will be provided. This event is open to dads/carers and grandfathers - students who arrive to school early will be directed to the library.
Meet the Principal
Tue 18 Aug, 6pm, Staff Lounge
I invite parents and carers to join me for our termly Principal Chat in the staff lounge where I’ll be sharing more data and listening to feedback about what’s working well and opportunities for improvement.
Carrie Wallis
Principal