From the Principal Class

Dear Viewbank College Community, 

As we head into the first term break, I want to acknowledge the way the vast majority of our students have engaged in their learning this term and the really positive culture that exists in our College environment. 

Our students have excelled in many areas this term. Our sporting teams have achieved great success, with our swimming squad recently winning North Western Regional finals. 

Our school leaders have built a strong foundation, with opportunities to engage students in STEAM, our multicultural day and teacher-student cricket match. There are many other great events in the planning for the remainder of the year. 

I am very proud of the positive intent shown by students, staff and our community members towards each other and to maximising opportunities at the College.  

This was best demonstrated by the engagement of families in our recent Student Led Conferences. It was lovely to see so many families interacting with our teachers to discuss the learning progress of their student and working together to ensure future success. 

We know that higher levels of education are the greatest predictor of future quality of life. To quote George Washington,

 ‘Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom’.  

Everyday counts.  The cumulative effect of missed days and lateness to school or class has a massive impact on learning and future success. Please work with the school to support your student to be at school, ready to learn each day. 

We continue to identify, as all parts of the wider community, a small number of students and families who challenge our values. Who feel that the rules do not apply. 

 We know that students go through periods of enormous physical and emotional change as they grow and mature. Again, our goal is to work with and support families to ensure that students build their understanding of self, and themselves as part of the wider community and the responsibilities this brings. 

 Look out for some workshops for parents in terms 2 & 3. Parenting presents many challenges, including online safety and the impact of global instability on students’ wellbeing. 

In student news, Jules Nguyen, our Senior School Captain, was invited to attend the annual National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra from March 25–27. She was one of just 120 students selected nationwide to participate in discussions and debates on constitutional issues, helping to deepen their understanding of Australia’s constitutional framework and system of government. 

In more exciting news, Tig Chibo was equal runner up in the Class Clowns National Grand Final yesterday. 

Congratulations to both students. Such diversity of talents and excellence! 

 See more and photos later in this newsletter. 

 Wishing all our students and families a safe and relaxing holiday. 

Sharon Grimes, Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal

Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Anna Crosswhite, Assistant Principal

Penelope Cleghorn, Assistant Principal