Assistant Principal (VM, 9/10) Report 

Report from Assistant 

Principal Travis Mcintosh

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

Whole school events play a vital role in shaping and strengthening school culture and at Westall Secondary College, I think we do a great job at providing our students with opportunities to engage in a whole range of activities that meet the needs and interests of our cohort. 

As always Term 3 across the College is jam packed with a whole range of these events not only embedded into the curriculum but as part of the traditions that Westall Secondary is so well known for. 

This term students took part in variety of events including the Work Readiness and Safe Partying workshops for year 10’s, excursions to the Immigration Museum, Intermediate Sports Days, House Athletics, District Athletics, representation at this year’s Badminton All Schools tournament, Arts Week, Science Week and the Year 12 Formal to round out the term. 

These events bring together students, staff, and even families, to help build a sense of belonging and foster a sense of community. They also showcase the values, achievements, and uniqueness of Westall and students and staff can take pride in their school. 

With term 4 just around the corner I encourage students to get active and involved in many of the events that we have on offer. Participation in whole school events does a lot for not only the school community but staff and students as well. Here are 6 reasons to encourage your son/ daughter to get involved in what Westall has to offer:

1. Encourages Collaboration and Teamwork

These events often require collaboration across different year levels, departments, or groups, promoting teamwork and cooperation. Students and staff learn to work together toward a common goal, enhancing their sense of shared responsibility.

2. Strengthens Relationships

Whole school events create opportunities for students and staff to interact outside of the regular classroom setting. This can improve relationships, break down barriers, and create a more open, supportive school environment.

3. Supports Inclusivity

When the entire school is involved, it encourages the inclusion of all students, regardless of background, abilities, or interests. It creates an environment where everyone is valued and has a role to play, supporting diversity and inclusion within the school community.

4. Builds Traditions

These events often become cherished traditions that define the school's identity over time. Students and staff look forward to annual or recurring events, which help build continuity and a sense of shared history within the school.

5. Reinforces School Values 

Whole school events can be used to align the school community with its core values of care for yourself, care for others, care for your learning and care for your school. Through activities like assemblies, charitable events, sports days and excursions schools can reinforce the behaviours, attitudes, and goals they seek to promote.

6. Provides Opportunities for Leadership

These events often allow students to take on leadership roles, organizing, planning, or hosting. This can boost confidence and foster the development of leadership skills, contributing to a positive school culture where students feel empowered.

VCE Vocational Major Updates

A reminder that all year 11 VCE VM students are required to participate in Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) placements as part of their learning program, Term 4 Week 8 commencing on the Monday 25th to Friday 29th November. 

Students who require assistance obtaining a structured workplace learning, are encouraged to contact Jonathan Roberts (Vocational Major Coordinator), Nicholas Smith, Gary Bottomley (Work Related Skills Teacher), Jane Jamieson (HeadStart Coordinator) or Geraldine Borgonha (Careers Coordinator). 

By the time you read this newsletter the term will be drawing to a close, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank both staff and students for their hard work and efforts for what’s been a really successful term. For those that follow sports, best of luck to your team whether that be NRL or AFL, September is always a great time for finals footy. 

Best wishes,

Mr Travis Mcintosh

Middle School Assistant Principal 

(VM, VPC, VP -Yr 9/10)