PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

EAST CAMPUS OPENING CEREMONY

The 2024 Kummargee - Rise Up Challenge held its opening ceremony on Friday 23 February with an engaging Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, conducted by Eric Edwards from the Bunurong Land Council. 

In Eric's address to the Year 8s, he expressed the need for us all to be custodians of the land, to care for, respect and look after mother nature, who has provided for us for thousands of years. Eric also spoke of there being one race: the human race. He extended his message on caring to the way we treat ourselves and others, explaining the importance of accepting others' differences and working together in harmony, treating people the way we expect others to treat us. 

During the Smoking Ceremony, Eric explained that traditionally this was done to welcome new tribes into another's area as a way of cleansing any bad energy and welcoming them to their country. 

Nowadays it is to welcome people to Bunurong country and to foster a shared connection and a shared respect for the land. Our Indigenous students Harper Slattery (Year 9), Jasmine Duarte (Year 10) and Summer Thompson (Year 10) lead a group of Year 8 students through the smoke which was created from smouldering leaves from different trees native to the Bunuwong area, which Eric explained was unlike bushfire smoke, but smoke with cleansing properties. 

We were grateful to have Indigenous singer/songwriter Scott Darlow perform and present to the Year 8s, continuing the message of acceptance of all cultures and also the need to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. 

Through his words and song, Scott captivated the crowd, delivering a powerful message that we hope our students take with both hands and lead by example in their daily interactions with our community.

YEAR 11 & 12 FORMALS

It was such a pleasure to attend the Year 12 formal last night where our students celebrated this milestone event at Merrimu. Everyone was looking their best and had such a fantastic night filled with fun and celebration.

Last week we held our Year 11 formal again, at Merrimu. This cocktail event was tremendous, with everyone dressed up and ready to have a great night.

I was so pleased to see our students having such a great time with their friends and classmates. These events bring out their best and help our young people feel more connected.

I thank our Year 11 and 12 Student Managers, our Principal team and all the staff who were in attendance who helped make these events such a success.

SWIMMING TRIALS

The House Swimming Sports was held recently at GESAC. Over 230 swimmers swam in multiple events across the day with all participants representing their House magnificently!

The top of the leaderboard changed multiple times throughout the day but it was Monash who came out as the winner of the day. Read more in the Sport News.

Thank you to Greg Hoskin, Liam Adlington and all of our wonderful staff who helped make this event such a success.

PARENT EVENINGS

The school has recently hosted a number of Parent information sessions - apart from the Year 12 event which was cancelled due to the storm. 

These sessions are designed to encourage a collaboration between families and teachers, so our students receive the best possible support and strategies for optimal study routines maximising their learning outcomes.

Thank you to all the families who have engaged with the school and attended these sessions. All families will be emailed supporting information if they were unable to attend.

Thank you to our Student Managers, Head of Year levels and Principal team for providing families with this important information. 

POLICE FORUM

The recent Glen Eira Bayside Neighbourhood Policing Forum, held at the Sandringham Yacht Club on Wednesday 27 February was attended by a few of our VCE school leaders.

Police members, including the Deputy Commissioner, discussed crime trends in the local area as well as taking questions and suggestions from the community members in the audience, giving an interesting insight into the thoughts of the community, and the role and aims of the police, before a chance to meet school leaders from around the local region.

A big thank you and congratulations to school captains Gisele Hennequin, Bo Fox, and Chloe Apps and Mr Dan Blackmore for their attendance and participation in this event.

SMILE SQUAD

Smile Squad is a free Victorian Government school dental program. This means all students can get a free dental check-up, preventive services, and treatment at school. 

The Smile Squad team from BHN Bentleigh East campus are coming to our school soon.

Parental/guardian consent is required before services can be undertaken. If you would like your child to partake in this program, please sign up to Smile Squad at: https://bit.ly/smilesquadvic 

ATTENDANCE 

I remind our community that Student attendance is critical to ensure our children receive the best education possible. Missing school can have a major impact on a child’s future. Each day a student misses puts them behind and can affect their educational outcomes.

Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and high incomes across their lives.

School participation helps people to develop important skills, knowledge and values which set them up for further learning and participation in their community.

Please avoid taking holidays during the term where possible.  Whilst the costs may be lower at these times, the impact on your child’s learning is significant. I thank parents and carers for supporting and ensuring their child's learning is prioritised.

SUMMER THOMPSON – INSPIRING CHANGE

I would like to extend our thanks to Year 10 student Summer Thompson, who last year approved the use of a portion of her artwork for our school email signature.

Summer created the artwork as part of the AIME Change Program (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience). Through her artistic submission, she brought awareness to Indigenous culture, enacting positive change. By sharing her story with a beautiful piece of art, Summer has engaged us all.

Congratulations, Summer! You have made a positive and welcome contribution to our entire school community.

EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE:  ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

On Tuesday 19 March, we will be holding the next Education Sub Committee of the School Council when we will present the College's 2023 Annual Report. All members of the school community are invited to attend. We will commence at 7pm and meet at the General Office of the Main Campus.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Today is International Women’s Day, and I would like to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in our community and beyond.

I invite you to explore our wonderful English, Science, and Maths pages in this edition where our staff and students share stories of incredible women who inspire them and reflect on their impact.