Principal's Report

Term 3 has been a brilliant term full of some fantastic things. I can’t believe we are already in September. Term 3 into term 4 is jam packed with subject selections and opportunities for students to show case their growth in learning via reports, exams and showcases.

Here is a summary of the great things that have happened or are about to happen across the college:

2023 Variety Show – Alice’s Adventures Absolutely Anywhere

Tickets are currently on sale for this year’s variety show: Alice’s Adventures Absolutely Anywhere! Scenes have been written entirely by performing arts cast, who are rehearsing every Tuesday after school. Show times are Thursday 7 and Friday 8 September from 7-8:30 in the multi. You can purchase your ticket here: https://www.trybooking.com/CJXCT 

Principal’s Awards

Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to award a number of principal awards that recognised excellence in student learning. It was exciting to see the quality and effort these students are putting into their learning. Congratulations to those that received these and a reminder that awards like this can be kept for job portfolios and resumes. The full list of recipients are below.

Child safe

In response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Reponses to Child Sexual Abuse, all schools are required to implement minimum Child Safety Standards. At Staughton College, we hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our school. We have fully implemented all of the standards, including a Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct. Both of these documents can be found on our website. I will be regularly reminding our school community of these policies as part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care. 

Athletics Day

It was fantastic to see the athletics day finally happening earlier this term. The efforts from all staff on the day ensured it was a smooth and fun day. What I saw when I popped to the track for a visit was some pretty fierce competition. The vibe was really nice and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves even with a toilet debacle! Congratulations to all involved in the lead up and running of the day. Particularly Tash Berry and Maree Ploumatos who I know have spent numerous hours preparing behind the scenes. 

SLT Principal Forum Presentation 

Year 12 Leader, Charley James, accompanied the Principal Team and presented at the Principal Area Forum earlier this term. Charley worked with Ben Russell to speak on her experience collaborating with Daryl Nayler, Elliott Tregonning and Aboriginal community members on Staughton’s house rebranding using the Aboriginal story of Waa. Charley represented Staughton as a proud Koori student, spoke beautifully and embraced the leadership experience. We’re proud of her effort! 

Term 3 Interim Reports and Parent Teacher Student Conference

As you are aware term 3 interim reports have been finalised. An important part of our reporting cycle is parent teacher student conferences where teachers, students and parents discuss these reports. The purpose of Parent Teacher Student Conferences (PTSC) is to provide another opportunity where we can partner to provide support for students to progress in their learning.  It was fantastic to see so many families at last week’s parent teacher student conferences. 

Course Counselling at Staughton College

2024 is fast approaching!!

Last week families of students in years 8, 9 and 10 would have received a summary of what to expect with 2024 Course Counselling and Subject Preferences. Please note that the timelines may change slightly.

One of our main goals at Staughton College is to ensure that all students know the options and pathways available to them after they leave the College. We offer strong, supportive guidance coupled with a variety of experiences so that our students can make informed decisions about their futures.

Our families are key to supporting our students to make informed decisions about subjects based on:

• Interests
• Strengths
• Potential career pathways (careers team will help with this)

Supporting students to make decisions based on the above ensures that students are more engaged in what they are learning and therefore more likely to succeed and do well.

We are working hard to make sure families are fully informed about our course counselling process. This allows us all to support student pathway decisions that are right for them and their future. In some cases, this may move students outside of the friendship groups they have developed in the junior years. It is a normal part of the process of senior schooling that students begin to move outside their comfort zones as they follow their strengths and interests. The partnership between the school and families to jointly send a strong message of ‘we believe in you’ and ‘you can do this’ is vital in supporting students to try and persevere in their journey to a successful and fulfilling career pathway.  

Please see XUNO for more specific timelines and details. 

Literacy Week.

Earlier this term we had literacy week. It was fantastic to see so many activities available to students celebrating all things literacy. Some of the activities included daily tutorial challenges and the following daily literacy events:

Monday: Spelling BeeTuesday: Staff vs Student debate

Wednesday: Escape RoomThursday: Murder Mystery

Friday: Literacy Trivia

Library Awards

As you may be aware Melton City Libraries awards a $300 prize to the local school with the most entries per category for our annual Short Story Competition. I’m so pleased to share that this year our school had the most submissions in the Teen category, making Staughton College the winner of this year’s prize! 

Principal Aware Recipients (Term 3 Week 1 – Term 3 Week 8)

KRISTY HERRIDGE

Acting Principal

We, at Staughton College, would like to show our respect and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is situated, of elders past and present. We extend a warm welcome to everyone who visits our school.