Principal's Update
Principal’s update
Voice of Students (VOS)
I would like to commend the VOS students for all their fabulous work so far this year. The most recent Footy Day and R U Okay? Day events were incredibly well run, there was outstanding teamwork and a great community spirit vibe during all of the activities. During the day, Jesse Hoekstra also raised money for the school to purchase an outdoor table tennis table. It’s great to see students putting back into our community for the betterment of all.
Trade Classes and Electives 2025
We have had great success this year with our small trade classes. The excitement has built around these classes with our female students now keen to try. Consequently, we will be running two groups in Term 4 for girls. We have not intentionally separated the groups, but these classes have been formed based on interested students.
In 2025, we will be offering two new electives at Year 9:
- Trade Taster
- Fashion Design.
The Trade taster will cover carpentry, fabrication, plumbing, and small engines. Fashion will design, make, and exhibit fashion wear. Both these classes require students to complete an expression of interest form (you can get this from Ms Neill) and return your form to Ms Neill. As this is not core curriculum, parents are required to pay the materials cost for these subjects. If you have any questions about these electives, please give us a call on 5667 9000.
Parent Payments
Many families are aware that three years ago the government made a statement that all parent payments are voluntary. However, there were exceptions to this – where we make a payment to a third party (e.g. an outside supplier), or where the program is not part of the core curriculum.
Over the past few years, with this change, our income to purchase materials such as wood, food, art supplies, and other materials that students take home, has dwindled. This has required us to use funds from other things. We are aware moving forward that this is not sustainable, and we are asking parents to support us where they can. Our goal is to offer as many options for students as possible, hands-on activities generally are more expensive. Costs in our Technology programs (food, metal and wood) have all increased over the past few years, which is also putting pressure on these programs.
Billy Cart Club
It’s been great to see students signing up for this and having an absolute ball. If you haven’t already, please check out our Facebook page for more information.
Staffing Shortages
Like every school across the State, we have been affected this year by staffing shortages. We have also been very blessed to find a new Maths Teacher, Mr Mark Ball, and to have Ms Melissa Haw move across from tutoring to classroom teaching. Mr Mitchell Gazzard has been filling in for Mr Danny Zizic whilst he has been on leave. You will also see shortly an advertisement where we will be looking for Education Support Staff who can take on a variety of roles. If you are interested in working with a great bunch of people, in our awesome school, keep a look out for that advertisement.
Vaya Dauphin
College Principal