Swinburne SSC Newsletter
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Principal's Report

This year, the College has continued to focus on maintaining strong student engagement across learning, wellbeing, pathways, and inclusion programs. Staff have supported students through both curriculum delivery and targeted support initiatives as we progress through the term. 

 

The student leadership team has continued to embed student voice through celebration and recognition assemblies, leadership of community events, and improvements to resources available in the student lounge and study centre. 

 

Some of the key highlights of the year so far include: 

 

Teaching and learning programs continue to run effectively across all year levels, with strong engagement in VCE and VM classes. 

 

Key highlights this term include: 

 

  • Ongoing delivery of the newly introduced Classical Studies program (Years 11 and 12), which continues to be well received 

  • Continued participation in enrichment activities including life drawing workshops, gardening club, and folio support classes 

  • Regular access to study support sessions for students preparing for SACs and coursework 

  • Structured Workplace Learning placements for VM students on Fridays 

  • VM Personal Development Camp 

  • Music performance evenings held in the Cottage 

  • Continued development of instrumental music programs, providing valuable creative learning opportunities for students 

 

Student wellbeing remains a central focus of school operations. 

 

Highlights this term include: 

 

  • The new Wellbeing Team has begun strengthening student access to the Mental Health Practitioner and counselling services 

  • Active participation in lunchtime clubs and activities supporting student connection

  • Whole-school assemblies planned and delivered by the School Captains

  • Continued use of the student lounge as a supportive and inclusive environment

  • Delivery of the breakfast program and additional support through Foodbank resources where needed 

  • Ongoing collection of student feedback to improve the quality and provision of spaces for study and social connection

  • A successful student-led Market Day

  • Inner Peas continuing to support students through social connection and cooking skill development

  • Remodelling of the Wellbeing Room to create a safer and more purposeful environment 

 

These supports continue to strengthen student connection, engagement, and belonging. 

Pathways planning and career education programs continue to support students in preparing for future study and employment opportunities. 

 

This term: 

 

  • Students have continued developing their Career Action Plans

  • Ongoing engagement with Swinburne University partnership programs has continued

  • Preparation activities are underway for the upcoming Careers Expo on 21 May

  • Structured Workplace Learning placements have continued to be supported and monitored

  • VET programs in Cookery and Hospitality have continued practical delivery

  • An Alumni Panel was held in the final week of Term 1, with former students discussing their experiences after SSSC

  • Jane Gazzo continues to support music and media students through her ongoing connection with the school

 

The new Pathways Team continues to develop supports and processes to improve access to careers and pathways advice for every student The College continues to strengthen inclusive practices and celebrate diversity across the school community. 

 

Highlights include:

 

  • Ongoing implementation of the Marrung Education Plan

  • Planning and early preparation for NAIDOC Week activities

  • Continued work through the Disability Inclusion Framework (Year 2)

  • Progress on the CERES Community Garden initiative, supporting environmental and community learning

  • A whole-school focus on embedding a strengths-based approach to inclusion

  • Student Management Teams continuing to work collaboratively with families, students, and teachers through Student Support Group (SSG) meetings

  • The Inclusion Team continuing to refine processes that support every student 

 

Attendance continues to be a key focus area.  This week, interim reports highlighted attendance concerns, and students with concerning patterns of absence will be supported to improve attendance as we move toward the conclusion of Semester 1. 

 

Regular attendance remains essential for learning continuity and wellbeing, particularly in VCE and senior secondary programs. Staff continue to encourage students to attend daily and seek support where needed. 

 

Diarmaid Fennessy 

Principal