Principal's Report

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter.

Recent events have highlighted to us all the importance of belonging to communities. Communities are often brought together when faced with adversity and this has been seen across Australia during the floods in Queensland and New South Wales. We have also witnessed the support within our college as some of our members transition in and out of short periods of lockdown.

Scoresby Secondary College can be described as a learning community, a community in which teachers, parents and other members share a common goal to provide every student every opportunity to grow. True to the meaning of community, we also work together to support families through times of adversity, raise funds for charities and organisations through our student leadership and VCAL programs, with the first being a student free dress day to be held on Thursday 24 March. This fundraiser is being organised by student leaders to raise funds for States Schools Relief. State Schools’ Relief provides support to students attending government schools based on school recommendations and supports many families within our own community.

There are many benefits in building a culture whereby our students appreciate what it means to give something back to the community and to make a difference to the people around them. For some it will be the satisfaction in making a difference; for others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. If students see members of the family volunteering or giving back, they accept it as a norm. At the start of the year, we received a wonderful acknowledgement from Arcare Knox for the Christmas decorations our students made for their aged care residents. Our ongoing partnership with Arcare is fostering student’s compassion, empathy and understanding of the importance of inclusion of older members within society.

College Council Nominations

We are seeking one more parent nomination for college council. This could be one way you can give back to the College. Over the years I have had many parents who have taken on the role and thanked us for the opportunity. Being a parent on college council not only helps parents to develop a greater understanding of education but also gain skills which assist them in their personal and professional lives. In one letter I received several years ago a parent wrote “I never felt I could contribute much to school council however I was welcomed, and my contributions valued. I believe the confidence I gained helped me to develop personally and professionally.”

Please contact the office for further information.

Student Focus

We are now well into Term 1, and I am pleased with the quality of the teaching and learning taking place. Students at this stage of the term will have commenced or completed assessments in each of their subjects. At Scoresby Secondary College we want to ensure all students extend their skills and knowledge, therefore it is an expectation that each day all students will review what they have learned and complete all homework set. Regular and timely communication between parents, guardians and teachers is a critical factor in supporting student learning growth.

If you require any guidance in relation to using Compass, please collect a Compass booklet from the General Office or contact Mr Chris Knight to seek assistance.

Open Day and Tours

We are currently conducting school tours on Monday and Friday mornings for prospective students and their families. Open Day is being held on Wednesday 27 April (Day 2 next term). On that day normal classes are conducted in the morning with an early dismissal at 1:10 pm so students who are participating in the evening activities can have a break prior to returning for the evening which commences at 5:30 pm.

Activities and Events

The College Athletics Carnival were held at Knox Athletics Centre last week with the weather being kind by not being too hot and rain holding off. It was especially pleasing to see the majority of students putting hands up to participate. Student behaviour was excellent and the sportsmanship and support for each other throughout the day was exceptional. Well done to Mr Jake Barnett, our sports coordinator, for his organisation. Mrs Tracey Carpenter (current parent) who was the race starter and staff for making the day a success. Congratulations to all winners.

Other events which have taken place the last few weeks are the Year 7 Information Night, Year 7 Transition Camp, Intermediate Interschool Sports, Journey Tracks Youth Cultural Leadership Day, VCAL - Fit to Drive incursion, Year 11 Elevate study skills session, Year 7 STEM Program to KIOSC at Swinburne University, Australian Business Community Network (ABCN) student mentoring programs and lunchtime activities.

Scoresby Secondary College COVID Safe Protocols

We have been extremely happy to be all back on site, however, to remain open we need to remember that we still need to be vigilant in maintaining the following safe requirements set down for schools.

staff and students are requested to undertake twice weekly RAT tests. If they test positive they should stay home. You must inform the college of your status and follow the information provided in the letter uploaded to compass
students and staff who are unwell must stay home
masks must continue to be carried and worn if travelling to and from school
sanitiser continues to be provided in locations around the school. Staff and students are encouraged to utilise sanitiser frequently
classroom seating is incorporating as much social distancing as possible. Social distancing should be always maximised.
sharing of food should not occur. In food technology classes where group situations may occur, individual portions and strict hand hygiene is to be used
ventilation is encouraged in classrooms and office spaces. We are fortunate to have a large number of air purifiers installed to enhance this
camps and excursions are permitted provided risk management plans are n place
visitors to the college must produce vaccination status on entry

Mrs Gail Major

Principal

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