What a spectacular second half to Term 3 we’ve had!

Our students have not only experienced a high-quality education across a diverse range of curriculum areas from our experienced, dedicated and caring staff, but have also been the beneficiaries of our community-building activities that make our college such a great place.

Recent events such as our P-12 Athletics Day and constant sporting offerings, our ‘Playtime’ and kinder visits which welcome our prospective 2025 Prep students and ease their transition into school, and our Prep, Year 1/2 students going to JETs gymnastics are examples of this. Further, cross-aged initiatives such as our Year 12s reading to Prep students and the Year 11s reading to the Year 1/2 students as well as our Applied Learning students building a Gaga pit with the Year 3/4 students in their Inquiry time have all combined to create a constant refrain from students, staff, families and community members (in varying terms) that ‘our school is doing amazing things’.

The epitome of this was our aptly named ‘Booktacular’, which was a truly spectacular display of the power of reading, the written word and education as a whole. The passion demonstrated by our staff, library staff in particular, presenters, and most importantly, the students is a clear demonstration of the true transformative effect that education can have in our lives. I have no doubt that students have had experiences during this week that have been formative to them and the people they will become. It is this which our staff strive to awaken in our students and facilitate at every opportunity which is presented.

Father’s Day Breakfast was a true pleasure as it showed the importance of community for the education of our students. Education doesn’t happen in the vacuum of the school, and it is great events like this which help us recognise those special people in our students’ lives who help make it all possible. So, for all those out there, whether they be fathers or not, thank you for the support and guidance which you offer our students.

Last week, I was fortunate enough to accompany two of our Year 12 captains, Huon and Michael, to a Legacy lunch with legatees at the Kyabram Club. Not only did these students represent our college with pride, but they were also reminded of the sacrifice that those before us have given so that we can enjoy the rights and privileges we have now. We were also reminded, from the perspective of those who have given so much, about the hope they place into our youth for a better future. It is with all honesty that I can say that these captains, and the students they represent, are a shining example of potential that this hope will take root in.

The uniform blitz which has been occurring for the past two weeks in the 7-12 space and has been an excellent reminder of the pride and respect in both our school and the college uniform. It has reminded many of our students of the importance of their presentation and meeting the expectations of both the community and our college.

The success of this has meant that Term 4 will see this blitz expanded into the P-6 space. More communication about this will follow.

On uniform, it is timely to remind all that as a SunSmart school it is the expectation that all students will have a broad-brimmed hat when they go outside in Term 4.

It is very pleasing to announce that our school has recently taken delivery of 35 new bikes which will be the cornerstone of a bike education program. Well done to all involved behind the scenes in making this happen and congratulations in advance for all the students who will benefit from this work!

Finally, while many of our students are looking forward to a well-deserved break during the holidays, please keep our Year 12 students and those studying Year 12 subjects in your thoughts as they rachet up the workload in preparation for their end-of-year exams.

Good luck to you all!

Many thanks and take care,

Mitch Coombs

Assistant Principal 7-12

The importance of Reading