Assistant Principals
The last fortnight has been busy with many events: years 7 and 9 students have completed the NAPLAN tests; the Stand Out group championed inclusion for IDAHOBIT Day with a cookie decorating and tasting competition; the year 10s stepped into the adult world of driving in the METEC excursion; and, the interschool sports continue to be a welcome part of our school calendar. In May last year, many of these events were cancelled. This fact is a timely reminder that the opportunities to step out of the classroom and into the broader community enrich the way students learn to link with each other. This type of cooperation and collaboration is very much the focus of Education Week (23rd - 29th May) Building Connections.
Fundamentally, every classroom is a connected community where students and teachers are united in a learning quest. Next week we will be celebrating the exciting activities that happen on a daily basis in Ringwood Secondary’s classrooms through learning walks. In the school yard, the student prefects have created a number of lunchtime activities to get everyone involved including drumming, trivia, dancing and karaoke. Thanks to Karly Horton and her student team for working hard to build our connections.
As the weather has deepened into that introspective wintery grey, students and staff have burrowed into the gritty business of learning. Junior school students have settled into their secondary schooling: navigating their way around the school and getting better at wrestling with due dates. In middle school, year 10 students are getting ready for a busy month including exams, the new ‘Work Ready’ program and work experience. The new senior school study hub is always a hive of activity with many students using this welcoming space to collaborate as they study for upcoming assessments, helping each other to revise and refresh their growing knowledge.
It is important to remember at this point of the year, that a resolve to study is not guaranteed immediate success. It is useful to find success in the small actions that build ability over time. The very act of persisting is an exercise that builds confidence, like a muscle that needs to be developed. Just as when you want to get fit, your friends can be your most important allies in helping you persist and find enjoyment through connection and collaboration. Students are encouraged to see their teachers as their partners and coaches who celebrate each tiny victory as a stepping-stone to their future success.
Pre-Service Teachers
This week, we welcomed three new Pre-Service Teachers, Jamie Griffiths and Corinne Spalding who are with us for the next 3 weeks; and Victoria Sharples who is on her first placement for 4 weeks, in addition to the seven pre-service teachers who began their placement earlier this term. It is so encouraging to see young people enter our profession with such enthusiasm.
National Careers Week
This week is National Careers Week, an initiative led by the Career Industry Council of Australia to celebrate and promote the economic, social and personal benefits of career development. The week will offer a great chance for reflection on the important role that schools play in preparing students for a career. There are plenty of great suggestions to explore on the National Careers Week website: https://careersweek.com.au/
New Staff
We also welcome some new members of staff who are replacing teachers currently on leave and encourage the Ringwood community to make them feel welcome.
From the Assistant Principals
Agatha Fedrizzi, Matt Tucker and Annette Niven