Principal's Report

Principal Report

We have come to the end of what has once again been an extremely busy term, but a term that has offered a wide and engaging range of activities and events both inside and outside of our classrooms.

Such activities have reflected the energy and commitment of both staff and students over the past few months.

At this stage of the year, it is also important that students take the opportunity to reflect upon all they have achieved to date, and what they intend to focus on during Term 4. The reflections and learnings from the first three terms can and should act as a springboard for further improvement, growth and application in the final school term of the year. 

This is especially the case for our Year 12 students who will now be preparing for their final school examinations. I would like to encourage all Year 11 and 12 students undertaking Unit 3 and 4 subject studies to take the opportunity over the break to commence preparing for their forthcoming VCAA examinations. 

Equally, it is also important that they take this opportunity to rest and recharge for the challenges ahead in Term 4.

It is our sincere hope that all our Year 12 students can say at the end of the year that they have given their best and that they have no regrets. We can ask no more from our students nor feel any sense of disappointment if they have given their best. There are, I believe, life lessons in that mindset.

I wish all students and families a wonderful term break and hope that it provides a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Parent Teacher Student Interviews

It was great to witness so much support from our parents and students at our Parent/Teacher/Student interviews conducted last week.

With over 4300 individual interviews over the course of the afternoon and evening, it was pleasing to see the level of interaction and connection during these sessions.

The conversations taking place during these sessions, even though they are brief, complement the ongoing dialogue teachers have with students during classes and the feedback provided to students about their learning and performance in learning tasks.

I would further remind our parents that they are also able to keep abreast of student progress by requesting that their children bring home the assessed learning tasks, and through regularly accessing the COMPASS Learning Management system for detailed and regular feedback.

Once again, I would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful members of our Parents and Friends Association for their presence on the day with their bake sale and the welcome temptation of their home made cakes and warm sausage rolls – thanks PFA!

Year 8 Camp

Last week our Year 8 camp was held at Camp Rumbug in South Gippsland, two hours drive from Melbourne CBD, with highlights including abseiling, aeroball, archery, canoeing, bush crafts, group sporting activities and the night walks. The weather was a bit mixed over the course of the camp, however, the students and staff involved adapted to the conditions and participated with enthusiasm in the range of events planned for their time at the camp.

Could I acknowledge the Middle School team for their extensive planning of the event – in particular, Justin Bond (Head of Middle School), Leanne Kauffman and Daniel Lincoln (Year 8 Coordinators). Thank you to each of our staff who contributed to the success of the camp and gave up their own valuable family time in doing so.

Our staff observed that it was rewarding to witness the interactions between students as their connection and friendships with each other grew visibly in that relatively short space of time.  I trust that our students enjoyed their camp; every indication was that this was certainly the case.

Year 10 Work Experience

Our Year 10 cohort have this week been facing an array of wonderful opportunities as they have participated in the Work Experience program.

It is well documented that Work Experience programs offer students the opportunity to:

• develop employability skills
• explore possible career options
• understand employer expectations, and
• increase their self-understanding, maturity, independence, communication skills and self-confidence

What has also been readily evident is the vast range of placement opportunities that students have been involved with. Many of our students took it upon themselves to source diverse, challenging and, at times, outstanding work placements that mirrored their aspirations and possible future pathways.

Apart from the earlier starts and later finishes, the challenges of work experience placements are numerous. The program offers students a real insight into the world of work and the pathway possibilities. The feedback received over this week by teacher visitations and employer communications have been well received and positive.

Information session for parents and carers

The Butterfly Foundation Presents:

Let's Talk Body Confident Children and Teens

I wanted to take this opportunity to inform parents and guardians of an information session that is being organised by our Wellbeing Coordination Team – ‘Let’s talk body confident children and teens’

With a focus on prevention, this session provides information and practical tips to help parents better understand and promote positive body image in the home.

Format:  Live Virtual Presentation using Zoom (time-limited recording available)

Date: Tuesday 17 October 2023

Time:  7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

Price: $15.00

Suitable for: Parents and carers of primary and secondary age children.  Please note this session is not designed for children to attend or for those caring for someone with an eating disorder. This session will explore:

• Overview of body image and the importance of prevention
• Key influences on body image, including social media
• The impact of diet culture and weight stigma
• Reducing appearance talk and how to respond when a child expresses negativity towards themselves/others
• The power of role modelling positive body image and healthy behaviours
• Understanding warning signs and the importance of early intervention
• What to do if you are concern

Please refer to your Compass Newsfeed for full details.

Outstanding Student Achievements

Year 7 Badminton - State Finals (boys and girls)

Congratulations to the Year 7 Boys' Badminton Team on becoming the 2023 Year 7 Boys State Badminton Champions after defeating Maribyrnong in the state final!Well done Jayden, Kryshant, Kriish, Shih-Yuan, Aiden, Jacky and Johnny. 

It was also a great effort from our Year 7 Girls' Badminton Team that consisted of Rosie, Sophy, Alyssa, Kiana and Effie. The girls were awarded the title of state runners-up after being defeated in the grand final by a very strong Maribyrnong team

Please note that Term 4 will commence on Monday 2 October.

John Roberts

Principal