Principal Update

New Vision

After thorough consultation with staff, students, and families we have developed our new vision statement.

At Castlemaine Secondary College we have high learning expectations of staff and students. We promote and support emotional and physical wellbeing, developing resilient community members. 

I truly believe this vision fits perfectly with our current context. Over the past 4 years, we have developed calm, and supportive classrooms across all Learning Areas within the college. This has been achieved through significant work with the Berry Street Education Model, specifically in developing positive relationships and applying trauma informed practice when applicable. The next phase of our development is enhancing the teaching and learning that occurs every day, and by having high learning expectations for staff and students will ensure our focus remains constant through our next strategic plan, (2024 until 2027). Another key component of the vision focuses on the mental and physical wellbeing, which are the cornerstones of having a productive and healthy life. Through their secondary school journey students should aim to develop sustainable routines that support a healthy and active lifestyle, particularly with the obesity trends, and associated health issues, that currently exist within our society. The last component of the vision statement focuses on building resilient and community minded individuals. Everyone encounters challenges during their life, and through developing self-awareness and building a repertoire of self-management strategies, we aim to provide our students with mechanisms that allow them to successfully navigate challenges, using these situations as learning experiences, developing strength of character. 

School-Wide Instructional Model (SWIM) and Learning Walks 

During Term 3, the principal class maintained twice weekly Learning Walks across the college, continually enhancing the quality of Learning Intentions (LI) and Success Criteria (SC), that are being used by all teachers for all lessons. Through conversations with students during these walks, it is clear most students are aware of LI and SC and how this consistent approach is enhancing their learning. Each lesson all students across the college know exactly the purpose of the class and how they can achieve success, which also promotes a certain level of independence through the learning process. The principal class will continue to conduct Learning Walks during Term 4, maintaining rigorous application of our SWIM, whilst maintaining close contact with staff and students, being aware of the great learning opportunities that are being provided each day. 

During Term 3, several members of the Leadership Team attended a Developmental Rubric session at Preston High School, with a view of reviewing and strengthening our assessment and reporting processes, specifically to establish more consistency across all Learning Areas within our college. During Term 4, our Learning Area Leaders will attend a follow-up professional development session, and we will start reviewing our current reporting processes. 

Building Works

During last term, and over the Term 3 break, there have been significant works that have been completed in various areas across the college.

• Installation of the shade sail outside the college canteen.
• Accessibility works, which included improved ramp access in the following locations: bus-loop, top oval, Engineer’s Precinct and Performer’s Precinct. 
• Installation of the synthetic grass, and fixed tables and seats outside the Artisan’s Precinct. 
• Completion of the Wellbeing Garden, outside the library.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Lisa Cochrane for obtaining the grant for the construction of the Wellbeing Garden, which occurred approximately two years ago, however unforeseen delays occurred due to the inflation of building materials. The opening of the Wellbeing Garden will occur on Monday 2 October, with Maree Edwards conducting the official proceedings. 

College Council Update

During Term 3 we conducted two council meetings, with the following policies being approved, which are now available on the College Website.

• Complaints
• Curriculum Framework
• Digital Technology
• First Aid 
• Health Care Needs 
• Medication
• Statement of School Values and Philosophy
• Student Wellbeing and Engagement 

Staffing Update 

Shanee Peters and Cole Waters have returned from leave.

Shanee Peters - 7A2 Mentor (Mon, Tues & Fri), 8E Maths and 7R Health and PE.

Cole Waters - 11P Mentor, 7E Health and PE, 9 Outdoor Recreation, 9 Steiner Outdoor Recreation and 10 Steiner Outdoor Recreation. 

Stephen Samuel will be on leave for Term 4, with most of his lessons being taken by Elly Varrenti, except the Year 8 Literacy class, which will be taught by Katherine Vearing.

Sarah Ward is backfilling the Literacy Learning Specialist position vacated by Stephen’s absence, therefore Sarah’s Year 10 English (Mon 5 & 6, Wed 5 and Thurs 1 & 2), will also be taught by Elly Varrenti.

Anthony van Emmerik is on leave for Term 4, and due to the late notification of this absence, a replacement is still being arranged. 

2023 Awards Ceremony

This year’s Awards Ceremony will occur in the College Gymnasium at 9:30am on Wednesday 6 December, which is during the second week of the 2024 Step-Up Program, when students begin their work for next year. All students will be expected to attend. All parents are welcome to attend. Students receiving awards will be notified 7-10 days before the event.