College Advisory Committee Summary

College Advisory Committee Meeting / 12 March 2024

As noted by Abby Scanlon, College Advisory Committee Member – Parent Representative.

Lisa Harkin (Principal) welcomed the College Advisory Committee members to our first meeting for 2024, with Janelle Burgess (Deputy Principal – Wellbeing Partnerships and Safety) following with an acknowledgement of land and the school prayer. The previous meeting minutes were acknowledged, and actions from the previous meeting were reported, which included:

• The review of future camp experiences, which will now see the return of the year 12 camp
• Review of Parent Teacher interview options will see the continuation of face to face meetings to enable relationship formation
• The addition of a Showcase on Tuesday 21 May, for Year 8 and 9 Subject Selection
• School bullying has been addressed within the Anti-Bullying policies
• The addition of a Year 9 Community Service Program is still in progress. However, a Year 10 Music Ministry class is now being taught by Fiona Dyball, a liturgy music expert, with the hope to expand this program. New equipment has been purchased to support this class and the Chapel. 

Lisa Harkin followed with the Principal’s Presentation, with a focus on the new Strategic Implementation Plan. While College’s mission will remain the same, providing innovative education which integrates faith, learning and life in a welcoming community; the vision is for students to experience an education where they are known and loved, grow as life-long learners, and live as active citizens inspired by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Time was given to unpack these statements. Other highlights mentioned from the very busy Term 1 included the Commencement Mass, the move to a monthly publication of Emmaus, the Marist Schools Australia Basketball and Netball Carnival preparations, planning continues for the celebration of 50 years, VCE top study scores assembly, recognition of Hannah Smith’s National HEIA Home Economics Teacher of the Year award, the introduction of the Year 7 Alternative Program and Camp, the House Swimming Carnival and mention of the 66 different SSV sport opportunities this year and production rehearsals are now in full swing. Also outlined was the College’s continued commitment to the development of Positions of Leadership, the appointment of 20 new teachers, 7 education support staff, and return of 3 staff members, the success of the Federation University’s Churchill Orientation Day to attract new graduates.  The curation of a Learning Hub to specifically support professional learning, and the soon to be live MunchMonitor app to ease the Café traffic flow. Lisa also thanked Janelle Burgess for her time as she resigns from Deputy Principal, highlighting Janelle’s legacy and ‘genuine respect from students’. 

Janelle Burgess presented College’s continued commitment to Child Safety; through the Child Safety & Wellbeing policy, Child safety Code of Conduct, and Complaint Handling Procedure. Discussion was held regarding the effectiveness of the introduction of Routines for Learning as an engagement strategy, by providing predictability, and how junior learners can engage further with this. Janelle also spoke to the programs which will be held this year aiming to combat bullying while also empowering students, and the avenues students can take if they are needing help.