FROM THE PRINCIPAL
WELCOME TO TERM 3
Welcome back to our students and families for, what will be, a productive and successful term.
There is a great deal happening this term and we are very much looking forward to everyone positively participating around the school.
GIRLS NETBALL
School's International
Our intermediate netball team spent the first week of the holidays at Waverley Netball Centre participating in the International School’s Championships. There were teams from interstate and overseas playing for the coveted international title.
Although our girls didn’t win many matches, they worked hard to improve their skills and teamwork and during my brief visit I was very proud of the way in which the girls were working together.
Thank you to teacher and Senior School Coordinator Alicia Mortley who gave up a week of her holidays to coach the girls through each of their matches.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
There has been a positive ‘buzz’ amongst all teaching staff who are currently involved in teaching and learning initiatives designed to improve student achievement.
All staff are currently trialling an Instructional Teaching Model that is designed to improve the engagement of our students by providing a more consistent approach to instruction in the classroom. Teachers are working in triads to observe each others teaching practice and engage in discussions about innovative questioning techniques and activities to use in their classrooms.
All teachers are part of Professional Learning Teams designed to encourage discussion and feedback on those issues that assist in creating a school culture that enables our students to have the best opportunities to succeed.
There are also 'Teaching Labs’ happening on a Thursday afternoon that showcase engaging teaching strategies used by many of our teaching staff.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
On Monday August 17, the staff will be involved in a full Professional Development Day with psychologist Andrew Fuller to examine the importance of our students developing resilience and optimistic thinking. Without this, it can be more difficult for students to achieve their best.
Andrew will be talking about whole school strategies to improve levels of resilience and will also educate us on the latest research on teenage brain development and what it means for teaching and learning.
Students will not be required to attend school on this day.
CRAZY HAIR DAY
On Thursday 23 July, teachers and students were invited to support the official Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Day by wearing their craziest hair to school.
Thank you to everyone who supported the day by donating their gold coins and following through with their crazy hair. Many colours and styles were worn, a photo of the staff is included in this newsletter.
Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatening genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system because of a malfunction in the exocrine system, responsible for producing saliva, sweat, tears and mucus.
Cystic Fibrosis Victoria (CFV) provides information, support and guidance to people living with CF and their families. It advocates for services and systems that support the CF community and seeks to raise awareness, understanding and funds for services and research. Over 80% of CFV income is from fundraising.
Despite major advances in the treatment of CF, only 50% of those born with this condition currently reach their late thirties. One in 25 Australians is a healthy and generally unaware carrier of the defective CF gene. Greater understanding, better treatments and increased support is now needed.
$810 was raised on the day – thank you to everyone for your kind contributions and support. Thank you also to Mark Beatson for organising a wonderful day full of community spirit.
If you want to know more or would like to support their work go to www.cfv.org.au
MIPs - MANAGED INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS INTERVIEWS
Thursday 30 July - Year 10 students
Friday 31 July - Year 11 students
A reminder to our parents/guardians and students that on Thursday July 30 and Friday 31 July, our annual Managed Individual Pathways Interviews for Year 10 and 11 students will be held at the Lutheran Church in North Road, Lilydale.
Year 10 and 11 students are not required to attend normal classes on this day, however, they have been allocated a time to meet with a counsellor to discuss pathways for the future.
Parents and Guardians are encouraged and welcome to attend these interviews with their son/daughter.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the interviews on the day.
MIDDLE SCHOOL/VCE COURSE INFORMATION EVENING
Next Tuesday, July 28, all Year 8, 9 10 and 11 parents/guardians and students are invited to attend the information evening to discuss with the teaching staff the subject choices for 2016. Representatives from all Key Learning Areas, will be in attendance to provide such information.
Course briefings have been taking place with students during the day to explain the structure at each year level and the requirements and options each student has in relation to their studies next year.
The times for each of the subschools are as follows:
Middle School (Year 9 and 10)
6.30 pm
Senior School (Year 11 and 12)
7.30 pm
A brief presentation will begin proceedings in the School Hall. We hope that you are able to join us for this valuable evening.
Wendy Powson
Principal