From the Principal
It has been a very busy four weeks since our last newsletter. The college production, NAPLAN results, domain celebration weeks, SACs, excursions, wellbeing incursions - the list goes on. It may have been a busy program but it has been engaging and relevant to our student’s learning and enjoyable for students and staff. The coming weeks until the end of Term 3, continue to be full with the Year 9 City School, Year 10 Work Experience, Student, Parent, Teacher Conferences, our VCE students increasing their study and revision before they commence their final exams in Term 4 and much more.
School Production
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on a phenomenal production of Mamma Mia!. Special thanks to our wonderful production staff and directors, Marty Rice and Laura Knox, whose talent and dedication truly shone through in every aspect of the show. It was one of the best productions I have had the pleasure of witnessing during my time at the college, well done everyone!
NAPLAN Results
The recent NAPLAN results are a testament to our ongoing commitment to improved student outcomes and academic excellence, particularly in Reading and Numeracy at Year 9. Our students have shown remarkable growth from Year 7 to Year 9, which continues to be one of our key strengths. This growth is especially significant when compared to other secondary schools in the area, highlighting the effectiveness of our teaching strategies and the dedication of our staff.
Our focus on identifying individual learning needs and targeted interventions has clearly paid off, allowing us to support each student in reaching their full potential. The steady improvement in these critical areas not only reflects the hard work of our students but also the collaborative efforts of our teachers and support staff. As we move forward, we remain committed to sustaining and building on this success, ensuring that every student at our college has the opportunity to achieve outstanding outcomes.
Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences
A reminder that our Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday 16th September. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to review their young person's Semester 1 reports and engage in meaningful discussions about their progress. We encourage you to ask important questions about their readiness to learn, their engagement in class, whether they are seeking assistance when needed, and their completion of the required work. Additionally, it’s beneficial to explore any areas of skill development that may need improvement and to address any concerns that teachers may have noticed. These conferences are a valuable time to ensure that they are on the right path and to collaborate with teachers in supporting their academic and personal growth
Year 12
As the end-of-year exams quickly approach for our Year 12 students, it is natural for this period to be challenging, with a roller coaster of emotions leading up to them receiving their final results. During this time, it is crucial that we work together to create a calm and supportive environment for our students. Here are a few strategies for parents to consider:
Balanced Study approach - develop a study schedule that balances study time with regular breaks. Encourage them to take time for relaxation, exercise, and adequate sleep, which are all essential for maintaining focus and reducing stress.
Communication: keep the lines of communication open, let them know you’re there to listen and support them. Sometimes, just talking about what is on their mind can make a big difference, and you don’t have to solve every problem for them.
Positive Environment: create a quiet, organised space at home where they can study without distractions. A positive environment can significantly influence their ability to concentrate and retain information.
Expectations: while it’s important to encourage them to do their best, be mindful of the pressure they might be feeling. Remind them that while exams are important, their worth is not defined by their results. Celebrate their efforts and progress rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
By fostering a supportive and understanding environment that celebrates the whole journey of primary and secondary schooling, we can help our Year 12 students navigate this last challenging period with resilience and confidence.
Warm regards
Karl Russell
Principal