Principal's Report
A Strong Start to Term One
As we enter the second half of Term One it has been really pleasing to get to know staff, students and parents here at Oberon. Over the past few weeks, it has been wonderful to participate in a range of classroom observations to view learning across the school.
I have been impressed with the general tone and application of teaching and learning in the classes that I have visited and the high levels of engagement demonstrated whether this was in English, VCD or an excited Year 7 Digital Systems class.
It was also a privilege to be part of a Year 11 History class debate around the Treaty of Versailles. Watching the various students in Mr Hallam’s class actively engage, question and critically analyse some of the arguments being presented was indicative of the student engagement and interest in the topic undertaken.
This is reflective of the general instruction, care and support being provided to our students and underpins the overall progress that the school is making.
It has also been very positive, as the new Principal, to meet and engage with a range of students in the yard or through the regular classroom visits undertaken so far, to build a better understanding of the school community.
I am sure that there will be on-going improvement as the year progresses.
Strengthening Teaching and Learning Practice
Parents should also be aware that staff are continuing to build their knowledge and practice in a wide range of areas such as literacy, numeracy, elements of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0) with a major focus around explicit teaching and the consistency of this in every classroom.
Many staff have participated in professional learning days and other workshops to ensure that student learning outcomes are maximised over time.
In the coming weeks, all teachers will be participating in shared classroom observation visits, linked to professional standards and the areas of focus for the school.
These critical reflection and practice opportunities allow all teachers to evaluate current practice and then look for areas of improvement over time.
This is a simple hallmark of a school always looking to improve our learning practice, to best meet the needs of our students.
Wellbeing and Inclusion
I would also like to acknowledge the work undertaken by our wellbeing and inclusion team (including Obie our four-legged mascot), who actively support student needs across Years 7-12.
It is clear that there is a “team effort” to best support our students which is very pleasing and underscores the level of positive relationships and interactions that I have witnessed firsthand during the term.
NAPLAN Testing – Years 7 and 9
In the coming days and weeks parents of students in Years 7 and 9, should be aware of the NAPLAN testing that will occur.
These tests are highly important in helping staff understand what levels of literacy and numeracy students have achieved, so that we can then respond with the appropriate level of instruction, which enables all students to experience progress and further success in their learning.
A big thank-you to Ms Hills and all of the staff involved in running the tests, as this is again extra administrative work that teachers undertake to support DET system initiatives.
I want to also encourage all students to do their very best with each of the respective tests so that we can accurately gauge what general literacy and numeracy skills each student has at Years 7 and 9, which leads to better informed teacher preparation and planning to meet student needs.
Vocational VCE Coffee Cart
Amongst the daily schedule of classes, we also have our talented VCE Vocational Major students, ably supported by Mr Tom Ovens and Ms Simone Chappell, who are running a Coffee Cart business for those of us (including the Principal) needing a daily caffeine boost!
The general work and business skills that students gain will build confidence over time, to help them use these transferable skills in the workforce, post their senior secondary studies.
Well done to the VCE Vocational Major students who are involved!
School Events and Activities
Other events and general happenings include the recently completed Athletics Day.
A big thank-you to Mr Scott Morter and his team of staff for organising and running the event.
This whole school event takes many hours, outside of teaching responsibilities to prepare for, and is indicative of the many activities organised by staff which also include the up-coming tour to Germany, the Outdoor Education Great Ocean Walk, MasterChef sessions,
Business Management supermarket sessions, the Grand Prix Day, various sports teams participating in District sport and the Luna Park excursion which underpins the amount of work being done to expand the horizons of our students.
A big thank-you to the teams of staff who have put these activities together, as I’m sure the students involved will have a great time.
School Tours and Open Day
Parents should also be aware that we are now running school tours every second Friday at 9.30-10.30am to offer local families the opportunity to visit and see the school in action.
Please feel free to alert any prospective families who are thinking about secondary schooling that they are most welcome to join us on a tour.
Families are also reminded that our Open Day is on Thursday March 26th and runs from 5-8pm.
This is a great opportunity to meet staff and speak to current students who will be taking tours and providing demonstrations of our respective programs in action.
I would also encourage all of our current families to drop in and see what is happening within the school, while also speaking with students about what they are doing in their respective classes and programs across the school.
Warren Dawson
Principal – Oberon High School