College Principal's Report
Welcome to our last edition of our newsletter for this term
Term 1 has set strong foundations for our students with transition programs, goal setting and student learning. It has also been a term where we have celebrated the achievements of so many of our students. As a college we have been acknowledged multiple times in the media and at various forums following our outstanding VCE growth last year. As Principal, the true recognition comes each day in our classrooms and witnessing first-hand the growth in student learning confidence and engagement in the activities taking place. The recognition throughout Victoria is an acknowledgement of our whole college, but we should never lose sight of the recognition of achievement at all levels.
In addition to classroom learning, there have been camps, excursions, interschool sport, athletics day, music, production rehearsals, lunchtime activities and many other activities. Our high expectations are known and understood by our students, empowering them to be responsible for their own behaviour and learning. This is not to say that a small number need reminding on occasions.
Our teachers have continued to work extremely hard, modelling our learning values of ‘relevance, rigour and responsibility’ to provide every student every opportunity to achieve their personal best. Next week we have our student / parent/ teacher conferences. These conferences are an opportunity for you to meet, get to know your child’s teacher, and foster a positive conversation. It is through the sharing of information about your child’s progress, interests and needs, that teachers are better equipped to personalise your child’s learning.
New College Council
The College Council AGM was held this week. College Council supports the Principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students. On behalf of our community, I thank the following members who have been elected for being prepared to commit their time to support our College
The 2018 - 2019 Committee members :
President
Cindy Lopes (Year 11)
Vice President
Keith Talty
Executive Officer (Principal)
Gail Major
Committee Members
Parent Representatives:
Petra Michaliades (Year 8 Parent)
Brett Wallace (Year 7 and 9 Parent)
Champika Weerrasooriya (Year 9 Parent)
Sue Phillips ( Year 9 Parent)
Department of Education and Training Employee Representatives:
Chris Knight (Assistant Principal)
Murray Cronin (Head of Teaching and Learning)
Fiona Matthews
Michele Rogers (Office)
Student Members :
Mitchell Spooner (Year 11)
Jared Larter ( Year 12)
I would like to acknowledge the work of our retiring members, Ms Simone Hargraves (former staff member), Ms Michelle Kueh (Parent) and Mrs Sharon Wallace (Sharon has retired from her role as a parent on Council to focus on her key role as President of our Parents and Friends Association ‘ParentNet’.
I welcome our new members to Council and look forward to our continued transformation and achievement of our goals and priorities in 2019.
College Uniform
Students are expected to be in their winter uniforms from the start of Term 2 with the correct items being worn to and from school. I have been informed that a small number of students have been seen leaving with other clothing items or carrying a bag other than the approved college schoolbag. This is disappointing as these students not only impact on the perceptions of themselves and other students; they are not supporting Scoresby Secondary College’s vision and values. Students are reminded not return after the break breaching the uniform policy. Therefore parents are advised to check the policy before permitting piercings, multiple hair colours etc.
Knox Expo and Open Day
Last week Mr Chris Knight (Assistant Principal), Senior School student’s Jared Larter and Zac Tarquinio together with Junior School Students Aimee Bugeja and Amaya Phillips accompanied me to the Knox Expo to represent our great College. There were many grade 4, 5 and 6 students from local primary schools who attended the evening. It was very refreshing to hear such positive feedback on how community confidence has grown. I look forward to seeing many of the children we met there and family and friends of our own students at our College Open Day on April 30.
Students at the College will have normal classes between 8.45 am and the end of period 4, at 1:10 pm.
Tours will be taking place at 9.15 am and 11.30 am.
All students will be dismissed at 1.00 pm, to enable staff to prepare and set up for the evening and the students who are assisting with Open Night, may have a break before returning in full school uniform to assist with the evening events at 4.30 pm. Evening tours with interactive activities commence at 5.30 pm and conclude at 7.30 pm.
The Principals address will be at 6.30 pm.
Middle School Certificate
Students in Years 9 and 10 will now be eligible to obtain a Middle School Certificate. Many independent and high performing schools issue a certificate for these year levels. The certificate recognises attendance, participation and application. The certificate is particularly beneficial as a reference for students, particularly for students who choose other pathways following year 10 and not complete VCE or VCAL.
Clean Up Australia Day
Last week Ms Casey Mayne and seven of our students participated in a corporate Clean Up Australia Day at Norton Park. The students, Holly Crennan , Tatira Tatira, Mason Rimmer, Jed Bradford, Aimee Bugeja, Amaya Phillips and Charles Wallace were part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Team. Thermo Fisher recently donated a large quantity of new equipment to our science department. This equipment is already being put to use and will benefit all of our students. Next term there will be further exciting news about opportunities for our students in the next steps in our partnership.
As we depart for our term break next week I wish all of the Scoresby Community members a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break. All students return on Tuesday 23 April and are expected to be present for the two days prior to ANZAC day and Friday 26 April.
Gail Major
Principal