Advisory Committee
College Advisory Committee Meeting / 14 November 2023
College Advisory Committee Meeting / 14 November 2023As noted by Naomi Simpson, College Advisory Committee Member – Parent Represesntative.
The meeting opened with a welcome from Shane Stiles, Business Manager, followed by prayer and Acknowledgment of Country by Jacinta Johnston. The Commissioning ceremony for both new and returning College Advisory Committee members was then undertaken, followed by the election of office bearers for 2023-2024. Silvia Pongracic was elected as the Chairperson and Cate Bearsley-Smith Deputy Chairperson.
Minutes from the Annual General Meeting were confirmed. NAPLAN results were presented in graph form, however, there was not the time available to analyse and discuss in detail. It was requested this be completed at a subsequent meeting.
The Principal’s report was presented by Jacinta Johnston in the absence of Principal Lisa Harkin. Of particular note, was the College Master Plan with the selection of the architects to ensure the continued provision of cohesive connection of buildings within the school. This year will see the introduction of a VCAL/VM Dux, a welcomed recognition along with the existing VCE Dux. The Year 9 camp was reported to be very successful, providing our students the opportunity to develop their self-reliance, interdependence and leadership. In addition, students are given the opportunity to develop an adventurous spirit, manage personal risks and experience safe journeys in the outdoors. Unfortunately, an increasing number of students and families are missing out on this opportunity by opting out of attending the camp. As parents, we can play a vital role in enabling our students to experience the growth that can come from stepping outside of comfort zones and valuing the importance of opportunities that provide this.
A request from the Committee was made for additional time slots to be allocated per teacher for Parent Teacher interviews. The Committee was taken on a tour of the newly completed St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Centre. It provides a collegial space where students and staff alike have room to learn and teach effectively. Shane Stiles presented information relating to the building and budgets projects. The rate the College can continue to complete any upgrade will continue to be staged as the budget can be managed accordingly.
A discussion was led by Jacinta Johnston detailing the Catholic Identity markers to be located around the school. These include quotes within the new St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Centre, Acknowledgement of Country located around the school, identifying Marist Sion as a culturally respectful place. It was noted Catholic identity markers can be both tangible and intangible, including experiences such as the Santa Teresa immersion program which is also a Catholic identity marker.
An outline of the proposed concepts for the parent engagement program was given. This includes a celebration of the special women and men in our students’ lives involving a breakfast in recognition of this. In addition, a Grandparents or inspirational elders breakfast has also been proposed. Time was given for discussion regarding school bullying and how it is addressed. It was noted that attention will be given to explicitly informing/reminding students that their Tutor is a first point of contact to report bullying or anything of concern.
The possibility of a community service program for Year 9 students linking to charitable works was raised and discussed.
As noted by Naomi Simpson, College Advisory Committee Member – Parent Representative.