Principal Update
Womin Djeka – Hello and welcome to another edition of the ‘THE WESTERN PORT WORD’ which sums up another very positive and eventful term for our college.
Our very purposeful and deliberate focus remains on the science behind how the brain works and how students learn best. The implementation of consistent, predictable routines, science of learning teaching practices and regular coaching for our staff continued was strengthened again this term and will continue to be a focus for our college moving forward.
Our NAPLAN results landed during the term and our growth rates form students between yr 7-9 remains in line with the state averages for reading and numeracy which is indicative that we have the correct programs and practices in place. The task now is to deepens the impact of this work through all mainstreams and interventions approaches.
Our students completed the attitude to school survey with results across year 7-12 well above state averages in almost all factors and improving on 2025. This is a strong indication that the priorities that we are driving are effective in supporting both the learning and wellbeing of our students.
I was fortunate to spend the last couple of weeks of the term in the United Kingdom with some members of our principal team. Recent Victorian Education Excellence award money funded the trip which both reinforced that we are on the right track with our approaches to teaching and learning and highlighted some areas that we can further develop. I look forward to working with our school improvement team to plan and implement these learnings to enhance outcomes for all our students.
Review of some key events in Term 3:
School Production: Legally Blonde was our first full scale production since COVID which was an exciting time for our college. This amazing production was seen by over 500 delighted guests from across our school community. A huge congratulations to all members of the cast and crew and a big thank you to Ms McKenzie and her support staff for producing a wonderful show.
RUOK day: An important annual event for our college and a great reminder to check in with each other as a conversation could save a life. Generously supported by our friends at Rotary Western Port and Hastings who provided a free lunch for all students.
Book Week: Our school community came together to celebrate book week with a many of our students dressing up as characters from their favourite books. there were some outstanding costumes which were recognised at our recent whole school assembly and a shout out to our year 9 students who enjoyed a pizza lunch after having the highest number of students in costume.
Senior school formals: Our senior students had their formals over the last few weeks which were great celebrations before we head into the busy time of external exams and term 4 summative tasks.
With year 12 coursework now complete, many of our Senior school students deep in exam preparation mode. I mentioned to our year 12 students at a recent assembly that our entire school community are rallying behind them as they head into this important last phase of their secondary schooling and they owe it to themselves to stay strong in their commitment to preparing for their exams. Good luck team!
Term 4 will see more building works as the Department of Education invest in roofing works across Victorian government schools. While this will cause some disruption to programs, the result will add further quality to our learning spaces across the college.
Wishing a safe and enjoyable spring holiday break to all members of our school community.
Kind Regards,
Chris Quinn
Principal