Term 3 Newsletter - September 2024

This term is best described as one of high energy, excellence, connection and celebration. There has been a wide array of events across the school and our students have achieved highly in a range of pursuits and made all of us proud at Reservoir High School.

As has been the pattern all year, our Year 12 students continue to show impressive commitment to their study and a persistence in learning. As the final exams come nearer, I urge every one of our senior students to give everything you have to this final sprint. If every individual can do their very best, then each of you are able to finish up your schooling lives with no regrets, only a deep sense of pride.

Our Term 3 Whole-school Assembly was an amazing event, where we come together to celebrate individual achievement and foster whole-school spirit. Having our students organise and run an assembly of such magnitude demonstrates the genuine student voice and leadership that exists at the school. Our four School Captains led the assembly and all were very impressive in their ability to communicate the importance of active involvement and embracing all of the opportunities that our school provides.

For those of you who were able to attend a performance of our school production of

Matilda, you will understand how magnificent it was. Sitting next to our Federal Member of Parliament, Ged Kearney, we were blown away at the sheer talent and extraordinary performances executed by each cast member. The acting was superb, the singing was joyous and the dancing was sharp and dynamic. Beyond the acting, the stagecraft was stunning, with such clever designs for the sets, lighting, backdrops and props. I, like every member of the audience, was captivated from start to finish. I was a very proud Principal, sitting and watching the talent of our students and witnessing the commitment and dedication of our staff.

On Friday 30th August we celebrated Wear It Purple Day at Reservoir High School. Our staff proudly wore purple, as did students across the school. It was heartening to see how, as a school, we can demonstrate respect, compassion and inclusion for all members of our community.

We also acknowledged another important milestone in our annual calendar with the Bruce Kingsbury ceremonial service taking place. We were joined by the students and staff from Kingsbury Primary School and members of the 2/14th Battalion Association, where we collectively paused and reflected on the individuals who have fought and sacrificed their lives in order to allow us to live the lives we do today.

Just how exceptional our students are was further demonstrated in the outstanding results of our students in the NMR Athletics Competition, in what was a highly competitive field. Our senior Debating Team, consisting of three Year 11 students - Vivien T, Jake P and Jake C, competed in the Grand Final in the Lions Club Interschool Debating Competition against Santa Maria College. It was a very close debate and our three students were highly articulate, confident and very persuasive. Although we were not the winning team on the night, there is no doubt that our students were deeply impressive and made us all proud.

On Friday 6th of September I joined our four School Captains – Ainsley, Charlotte, Dylan and Vittoria, at the Northern Innovation and Sustainability Precinct Launch at La Trobe University, which is a collaboration between key stakeholders in the North, melding research, health and community, with the intention to create a vibrant, sustainable hub for growth and excellence. Our School Captains starred in the project’s film, which was introduced at the launch. The new Vice Chancellor of La Trobe University, Professor Theo Farrell, commented on how impressive our students were in showcasing what highly involved, intelligent and insightful young adults look like and who will be the change-makers of the future. Our students are truly remarkable.

We have our Performing Arts Evening taking place this Thursday at 6.30pm in the Theatre. This event will showcase the extraordinary array of talents among our students, including musical performances, dance and drama. I strongly encourage families to attend and join us in a final celebration of student excellence for Term 3.

I have greatly enjoyed this term and am so proud of what we, the staff, students and parents can collectively achieve. I wish you a restful term break and very much look forward to welcoming you all back to the final term of 2024.

Kind regards,

Katie Watmough,

Principal.

Performing Arts Night

September 12th

Performing Arts Night