Principal Team Editorial
Last week, we hosted Mountain Gate Primary School Principal, Lissa Jackway, and Rosewood Downs Primary School Principal, Jordan Warren, along with two leading teachers from their respective schools.
The purpose of their visit was to observe our Year 12 English , Literature, and English Language classes and consider the teaching practices evident in Year 12 classes compared to how literacy is taught in primary school classes.
Our visiting schools observed the explicit interaction that occurred throughout all three lessons and the use of mini whiteboards, ‘turn and talk’ routines and cold call questioning that also occurred frequently throughout each of the classes.
They identified the purposes of these interactive routines, which is to check whether students were learning the concepts and ideas being taught, as being similar practices to what is happening in their schools and we discussed that even though our students' ages may greatly differ, the concept of how people learn is the same.
Following the classroom observations, we discussed areas that our school would like to learn more about when we pay a reciprocal visit to Rosewood Downs, particularly around how they explicitly teach reading fluency and teach students to track their reading, increase their reading accuracy and develop expression in their reading.
It was a great day of learning for both the primary schools and us, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to improve the quality of teaching practices in our classrooms.
Low Tech or No Tech 2027
On Wednesday, teachers, students and parents came together to discuss reducing the use of digital devices in our classrooms. The purpose of the meeting was to consider what 'no tech' would like in our classrooms and the implications this would have on communication, assessment and learning.
Discussions were evidence-based and robust and I appreciate the time everyone committed to engaging in them. We will be making decisions in coming weeks about whether we go to no tech or low tech in 2027.
Phone Policy Update for 2027
In accordance with changes to the Ministerial Order regarding use of mobile phones at school, we have no choice but to ban the use of phones to purchase food at the canteen. From 2027 onwards, students will need to use physical bank cards (not on their phones) or cash to purchase food. More details will be provided in Term 4.
Art Show at Salford Park
Last week, our Art and Technology students showcased their wonderful talents with the residents at Salford Park. Many of our student leaders attended throughout the day and spent time talking with residents and learning about the interesting lives they have experienced.
It was a great intergenerational experience for both the residents and our students and we look forward to more opportunities like these in the future.
Senior Ball
What a night!! The Year 10 and 11 Senior Ball was a great evening giving our students the opportunity to dress in their finest ball gowns and suits as they spent the evening with their friends and cohort dancing and having fun.
As I reflected the next day with staff, this milestone event for our students is something they look forward to all year and their behaviour was exceptional.
At the end of the night as they patiently waited to tick off their names and thanked staff for the evening, they showed a level of maturity and respect that we know they are all capable of.
Special thanks to all parents who supported the event by ensuring their children attended school the day of the Senior Ball and the next day. As we know, as adults, with privilege comes responsibility and this is an important lesson to impart on our students during events like these.
Father’s Day Breakfast
It was great to host our very first Father’s/Grandfather’s/Carer’s Breakfast this morning. Like our inaugural Mother’s Day breakfast held earlier in the year, it’s an opportunity for our community of fathers and father figures to come together and reflect on the important role they have in the lives of our young people.
A special part of this event is taking our fathers on classroom visits following the breakfast to see what happens in the classroom and see learning in action! We look forward to continuing this tradition next year.
Sporting Superstars!
And finally, a huge shout out to our Knox Division Athletics team who competed on Tuesday. For a third year in a row, Wantirna College won the Knox Division Athletics Carnival making it a clean sweep of the Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country. This is an incredible achievement for everyone who participated in these events throughout the year.
Carrie Wallis
Principal