Instructional Practice and Student Empowerment

Assistant Principal Update

Brooke Roy

Teaching and Learning

Term 1 has been a strong start to the year for Teaching and Learning, with a clear emphasis on building consistency, strengthening practice and supporting staff professional growth.

Already this term, 75 ten minute instructional observations have been completed of teachers from Years 7 - 12. These focused observations provide valuable insight into everyday classroom practice while allowing leaders to give timely, constructive feedback without disrupting learning.

In addition, over 20 teachers (a third of our teahcing staff!) have been supported through individual 1:1 coaching, ensuring focused, personalized support aligned to teacher goals and whole‑school priorities.

Professional Learning across Term 1 has centered on:

The Berry Street Education Model, reinforcing trauma informed and student centered practice
Building consistent approaches to regulation, engagement and wellbeing
Refining attentive behaviors, with a renewed focus on the Cue to Start routine to strengthen lesson beginnings and maximize learning time

These initiatives continue to support calm, predictable classrooms and high quality instruction across the College.

Student Voice: CARE Captains

Radio Western Port Update

The Student Voice Leadership Team has been actively taking student voice beyond the classroom through their involvement with Radio Western Port. Recent sessions have been fast‑paced, collaborative and rich in learning, as students worked together to plan content, listen actively, speak confidently and participate in live broadcasts.

Across these sessions, students explored a range of school and community topics, including:

Interschool activities
Athletics Day
Legally Blonde rehearsals
Open Night preparations
Community events across the Western Port region

These experiences provided students with valuable opportunities to represent the college, develop communication skills and support one another as a collaborative team.

Highlights from Our Latest Broadcast

In the most recent episode, students shared:

Learning experiences from music lessons at Western Port Secondary College
Highlights from Grade 6 Discovery Day
A range of student‑led music segments

Students took responsibility for planning content, managing transitions, supporting peers and ensuring the broadcast ran smoothly from start to finish.

Leadership in Action

It has been fantastic to see many CARE Captains actively involved in co‑curricular leadership opportunities, including:

Supporting Grade 6 Discovery Day
Participating in multiple Radio Western Port sessions
Open Night
Inter School Sport and Athletics Day
Year level Assemblies

These authentic leadership experiences continue to build confidence, responsibility and collaboration skills across the team.

Looking ahead: Term 2

The Student Voice Leadership Team is looking forward to an exciting Term 2, with:

Senior Camp on Phillip Island
Five Radio Western Port sessions already scheduled, with further opportunities planned
New stories, interviews and student‑led segments in development

We also look forward to Term 2 when our CARE Captains will officially start theirAction Plans and mini projects to leave a legacy in their roles.

Marrung: Walking together in Term 1

Our commitment to Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan continues in Term 1, with a strong focus on building and sustaining meaningful relationships with Traditional Owners. These connections remain central to developing authentic On Country experiences for students and staff and to shaping culturally responsive curriculum.

This term:

Students and staff have participated in excursions and incursions that deepen understanding of Aboriginal histories, cultures and perspectives
The Western Port Mob continues to meet weekly, providing a safe and welcoming space for connection, while also extending opportunities for allies to learn and engage
Our Koorie workforce continues to grow with Pippa Campbell leading our Curriculum implementation across Years 7 - 12, Western Port Alumni Nash Jones leading student engagement and Mark Thomas of Headspace Hastings supporting First Nations Mental Health

Looking ahead, we are preparing for Reconciliation Week next term, which will include an exciting program of activities and opportunities for the whole school community to learn, reflect and participate.