Principal's Post 

Michael Phillips

Ringwood is always a busy place and the start of Term 2 has proved to be no exception.  

Our whole school assembly on April 24th provided an opportunity to commemorate Anzac Day that involved all of our students. The theme focussed on service to others and it was also terrific to have Roger Daniel from the Rotary Club of Maroondah in attendance. The 100th anniversary of the homecoming from World War 1 was also an important moment in the Centenary of Anzac.

Symphonic Band did a superb job in presenting the music befitting for such a commemorative ceremony and was highlighted by the playing of the Last Post and Rouse.

On Anzac morning, our school leaders in Mitchell Hart and Alice D’Arcy attended the Ringwood RSL Dawn Service in Ringwood at the Clock tower. Lest We Forget!

Ringwood Secondary College’s Information and Open Night was held on Wednesday as one of a number of activities that highlight the educational options for students at our school. This evening, supplements the program of school tours that runs throughout the school year. The weather was kind to us this year and it was a pleasure to highlight our new learning environments and outline plans for the future the turnout was again substantial with estimates of over 600 people in attendance. The demand for places at Year 7 for 2020 is expected to be strong, with applications closing on May 17, 2019. Further details regarding enrolments can be located on the College website.

I am very proud of our students who are fantastic representatives of the College and very positive in their outlook and perspective. I would particularly like to thank our teaching staff for their efforts in preparing for the evening and particularly acknowledge the work of Mrs Leah Pritchard, Ms Anna Urbano, Mrs Karen Carden, Mrs Kim Watson, Ms Marissa Lee, Ms Faith Stepniewski, Ms Jessica Friend and Mrs Voula Margellis.

Many of you would now be aware that the NAPLAN online testing for Year 7 and Year 9 students commences on the week beginning May 13 and will occur at various times over a two-week period.

NAPLAN Online will result in reduced time between testing and reporting, increasing the ability of teachers to use the results to inform teaching practice. The ‘tailored test’ design adapts to correct and incorrect student responses providing a more precise understanding of student ability. Incorporating the use of technology, allows for a more engaging test design and a wider range of item types. 

The annual Student Attitudes to School Survey will also be conducted during May as a further opportunity to capture and respond to student reflections about their learning at Ringwood.

 

Recently I had the opportunity to accompany a large group of our students on the 2019 Performing Arts World Tour. We performed 19 times in 7 countries. Our young people were wonderful ambassadors for the school and their country. The students were able to build their inter-cultural capabilities, resilience, and performance skills whilst being accepted into the school communities and families in which they performed. They were extremely fortunate to have these opportunities and the homecoming performance of “Finding the Voice of Australia” will be staged next Friday May 10th in the College hall. Tickets are available through www.rscproduction.com.au

 

 

For all those who are interested, copies of the 2018 Annual Report and 2019 Annual Implementation Plan have been posted on the College website.  

Michael Phillips

Principal