From the Principal 

 

Class Team 

Dear MRC Community, 

Term 1 has flown by, and we are fast approaching the term one break. Reflecting on our achievements over the past 9 weeks, our successes are a direct result of our continued partnership between staff, students, families, and external parties including businesses and wellbeing services. As the saying goes – ‘together we achieve more’. 

Student Attendance Reminders

From the commencement of Term 2, the College will be trialling an increase in SMS reminders provided to parents/carers regarding unexplained student absences. Parents currently receive a text reminder at the conclusion of Session 1 each day, in addition to this, a second follow-up message will be sent at 2:30pm from April 15. 

Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day 

Cultural Diversity Week was celebrated across the state of Victoria from 18 - 24 March, which allowed us to highlight our cultural diversity, where over 60 nationalities are represented at MRC. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths.  It is an integral part of our national identity and is at the heart of who we are.  The week’s events enabled us all to bring major celebrations to the attention of students and illustrate that as a community, we are a true reflection of the ‘outside world’.  In doing so we invited students and staff to wear an orange accessory to commemorate Harmony Day, the Wellbeing Team ran activities in Berkshire and students and staff were encouraged to complete various cultural activities in their classes.  

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students has been completed for 2024. The success of the NAPLAN online program would not have been possible without the willingness of staff, students and parents to work collaboratively to support the implementation of this significant logistical and administrative task. 

NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment, that allows parents and the College to see how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy, against the national standard and compared with peers throughout Australia. A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided to parents/carers during Term 2. 

Inter-school Sports

Over the past few weeks, we have had several sport teams participating at inter-school competitions as well as our VET Sport and Recreation students acting as event facilitators. The feedback about the conduct and teamwork of all the students who have participated have been very positive. Inter-school sport provides opportunities for students to develop skills through a program of training and competitive experiences, connecting students to the wider community and promoting teamwork and good sportsmanship. Congratulations to students who have qualified for the next level of competition; thank you to staff and senior students who have helped to train and organise the teams.

WeShare Interviews

WeShare interviews will take place onsite at the College on Wednesday 27 March. WeShare interviews are a valuable opportunity for a three-way conversation between parents/carers, students and teachers. In preparation for the conversations, we encourage you to read the comments for Learning Tasks and review the latest cycle of Grade Point Average (GPA), both available on Compass. It may also be beneficial to discuss with your child their learning progress to date and identify questions you may wish to ask of teachers when you meet. 

As active participants in their own education, students are expected to attend the WeShare conferences with you. Students are encouraged to reflect on their efforts and discuss future learning goals and challenges with both you and their teachers. Student attendance at WeShare is entered against each child’s yearly attendance data.

We look forward to this opportunity to meet with you to discuss your child's learning. 

Winter Uniform

A reminder that when we return from term break students will be expected to be in full winter uniform. Uniform requirements and where to purchase uniform items are on the College Website under the ‘Our Community’ tab.

Thursday 28th March: Last Day of Term 1

Please note, students will be dismissed at 1.30pm on Thursday 28 March. 

On behalf of the Principal Class team, we wish staff, students and parents all the best for the Easter break and to enjoy the time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing our students back on Monday 15 April rested and ready for Term 2. 

Helen Casey

Deputy Principal: Curriculum