Blackfish Bulletin

Principal Report

Term 2 Highlights

Term 2 has certainly been a big one — not just in length (spanning 11 weeks), but also in the rich variety of opportunities offered to our KWRSC students. From the vibrant atmosphere of Athletics Day and the respectful participation in the ANZAC Day March, to the outstanding performances at the Leonie McGinley Music Festival, students have embraced a wide range of experiences.

 

Throughout the term, students have also taken part in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Sport, attended camps, explored future pathways through the Subject Supermarket and Pathways Information Night, and enjoyed a host of excursions and incursions. Highlights also included Year 10 Work Experience Week, Cross Country, and the opportunity for students to apply their semester’s learning in the Exam Week. It’s been a full and rewarding term, and we’re proud of the way our students have engaged, challenged themselves, and represented the College with pride.

Positive Student Voice Reflected in Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS) Results

This term, students participated in the annual Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS), and while we are still awaiting formal comparative data from the Department of Education, our early results provide much to celebrate as a school community. Participation was strong with 80% of students completing the survey, and we’re seeing promising growth across all key areas compared to last year.

 

As a quick snapshot in comparison to last year:

  • We had an 80% participation rate this year.
  • We had an increase in positive endorsement results for all areas in the AtoSS in comparison to last year. The categories with the highest increases include:
    • We had a 59% increase in positive endorsement in the category of ‘managing bullying’
    • We had a 45% increase in positive endorsement in the category of ‘teacher concern’
    • We had a 43% increase in positive endorsement in the category of ‘respect for diversity’
    • We had a 39% increase in positive endorsement in the category of ‘school connectedness’
    • We had a 38% increase in positive endorsement in the category of ‘stimulated learning’
    • We had a 35% increase in positive endorsement in the category of ‘school stage transition (Year 7 and new students only)’
    • We had a 28% increase in positive endorsement in the category of ‘effective classroom behaviour’

These encouraging results are a testament to the ongoing, collective efforts across our school, from the implementation of School-Wide Positive Behaviour (SWPB) to the work of our Sub-School Teams, enhanced Year 7 transition support, and our focus on the Explicit Teaching Model (ETM) with staff. We look forward to reviewing the full data set in Term 3 and using it to celebrate our progress and identify further opportunities for growth. Thank you for your continued support in helping us make our school a place where every student can grow and thrive. 

Leading the Way in Teaching and Learning: Our Focus on Explicit Instruction

This term, teacher professional learning at Koo Wee Rup Secondary College has centred on deepening our shared understanding of high-impact teaching through our evolved Explicit Teaching Model (ETM). Staff have engaged in unpacking the elements and strategies that underpin effective teaching, including: clear and measurable learning goals, activating prior knowledge, the methodical teaching of concepts, modelling and guided practice of skills, and the use of purposeful and regular questioning and feedback. Using both school-based data and current research and evidence-based approaches, we’ve worked collaboratively to sharpen our practice and ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experiences for our students.

 

This work aligns strongly with the Department of Education’s renewed focus on high-impact instruction through the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0), which places explicit teaching at its core. In fact, this was a key theme of the recent Statewide Principal Conference, attended by all school leaders across Victoria. The conference reinforced the importance of consistent, evidence-based practice in improving student outcomes and it was affirming to see that the work we’re doing at Koo Wee Rup Secondary College is directly aligned with these statewide priorities.

 

Our leadership in this space is being recognised beyond the walls of our own school. Earlier this term, our Principal, Shaun Doherty, was invited to speak at the Cardinia Network Meeting, presenting on the significant progress we’ve made in refining our instructional model and the early, but positive shifts we’re seeing as a result. This is testament to the hard work of our staff, the clarity of our teaching model, and our unwavering focus on continual improvement.

Course Counselling in Term 3

A reminder to all families that Course Counselling will take place early in Term 3 on 28th July. This is a valuable opportunity for our Year 10 students and parents to explore subject selections, ask questions, and make informed decisions about future pathways. Attending Course Counselling ensures students are supported in aligning their choices with their interests, strengths, and career goals. When students have a clear sense of direction, they are more motivated, engaged, and focused in their learning. We strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend alongside their child to help set them up for success in the years ahead.

Semester Reports Now Available

Semester reports were published Thursday afternoon, which provide a snapshot of your child’s progress and achievements throughout Term 1 and Term 2. We encourage all families to take the time to read through the report together, celebrate successes, and discuss any areas for growth. These conversations play an important role in supporting students to reflect on their learning and set clear goals for the semester ahead.

Shaun Returns Term 3

At the end of this term, I had the opportunity to step into the role of Acting Principal while Shaun was on two weeks of leave. It was a valuable experience that allowed me to connect with a broader range of staff, students, and families across the College, and also gain even greater insight into the strategic and operational aspects of leading the College and the many layers of work that take place behind the scenes. While I enjoyed the role, I’m looking forward to returning to my focus as Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning as we welcome Shaun back in Term 3. 

 

Kathryn Henderson

Acting Principal