From the Principal's Desk

We have finished semester one on a very positive note with the finalization of examinations, common assessment tasks (CATs) and reports keeping both staff and students focused on learning and outcomes in the last few weeks. We began semester two on Tuesday 11th June with all students 7-12 in the last three weeks of the current term focusing on new content, new units, and new elective classes. 

Over the course of Semester One I have enjoyed being able to visit many classes from Years 7-12 and I have been excited to see our students engaged in their learning with high quality instruction provided by our teachers using our AVID instructional practices with each class using Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organisation and Reading (W.I.C.O.R.) strategies, Cornell notes and Binders to support their learning. I ask that parents continue to work in partnership with the school by supporting your children in completing their three level questions and summaries each evening for homework, encouraging them to read and ensuring that they have their binders, planners, and laptops/textbooks at school each day being ‘ready to learn’. 

In term three the motto of ‘ready to learn’ will continue to be a whole school focus and ‘ready to learn’ Mondays will continue in our AVID center. If your child needs a binder, books, or stationery continue to remind them to attend on a Monday to be supported by our staff. Our teachers have been focused on classroom engagement for all of our students and are working in professional learning communities to implement the Amy Berry ‘Engagement in Learning’ framework.  Your sub-school assistant principals, year level leaders, coordinators and our tutor teachers will be communicating and educating our students on the framework with the additional process to support all students that will start in term three.  This will also include supporting our students to be at school and in their classes each day with attendance continuing to be a major focus area with individual student attendance goals a priority. 

I have also observed a large number of extra-curricular programs being offered at the College which enable all students to access teachers outside class time where they can gain further feedback and support to help them improve their work. Homework clubs, Collaborative Study Groups, tutoring, CAT and SAC resists are having a positive impact on the student learning, results and pathway options. Other programs that we have organised for the students throughout this term include: excursions, incursions, student workshops, interschool and zone sports, music rehearsals, STEM programs, SRC conferences and forums, community projects, work experience, and much more. Such programs indicate our college certainly offers a learning environment where students can thrive and develop a sense of connectedness with their peers and teachers.  Within this newsletter you will find many examples of what has occurred during term two and we can’t wait to share the news and what opportunities are available for students in term 3. 

Reports

Reports are now finalised and are available on Compass this week. Printed copies have been sent home with students who have also completed their semester reflection and set their new learning goals.  I encourage all parents and guardians to read through the reports and report letter and spend some time reflecting and discussing with your children their achievements in semester one and support them to work on what they can do in Term 3 to support the setting of their improvement goals. Regardless of how good a report is I am always impressed with the high level of commitment from the students and staff in relation to our school motto ‘Creating a Community of High Expectations’ and their focus on improving and achieving, stiving to do their best and reach their full potential. 

2025

At this stage of the year the school leadership team(s) have already begun the planning for 2025. This starts with the students completing their Career Action Plans (CAPs) and their submission of course applications.   In week two next term, students from years 9-11 will be participating in pathways week, submitting their final web preferences for the subject selection. Please note that as a school we are continuing to grow, and it is forecast that we will be at full capacity once again in 2025. Therefore, it is important that you advise the school if your son/daughter is NOT returning to Wyndham Central College in 2025. 

If you DO intent to return in 2025 then it is essential that the subject selection forms are SUBMITTED via the web link provided by the due date and that you attend the COMPULSORY pre-enrolment interviews during November and December for parents/carers and students. 

As Term 2 draws to an end, I am sure our community is looking forward to a well-deserved break.    We hope all of our students have a relaxing and safe break and they are able to use this time to recharge and be ready to come back in Term 3 ready to achieve their best.

Leanne Gagatsis -  Principal

Creating a Community of High Expectations 

Respect, Cooperation and Excellence