Principal's Report 

VICTORIAN SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL – 17th AUGUST

Congratulations to our Symphonic Band who won GOLD at the Victorian Schools Music Festival! The band performed 'Excelsior' by Brian Hogg, 'Sonoraon Sunrise' by Kirk Vogel and 'Westport Overture' by James Barnes. Huge thanks to Mr. Ben Muddyman for conducting and leading the group throughout the year. 

2022 Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey

WE WANT OUR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS/GUARDIANS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!

Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents/caregivers/guardians think of our school. The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. We encourage all families to participate in this survey. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies. 

While previously a random sample of approximately 30 per cent of parents/caregivers/guardians have been selected to participate, this year, all families are invited to participate in the survey.

The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey will be conducted from Monday 15th August to Friday 16th September.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the fieldwork period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. The online survey will be available in a range of languages other than English. These include: Arabic, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Chin (Hakha), Hindi, Japanese, Somali, Turkish, Punjabi and Greek. 

PARENTS & CARS - STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP

With over 1,500 students, 1100+ families and 130+ staff, Vermont Secondary College is a very busy place at the beginning and end of every day so please be aware of the safety of others. Take great care along Morack Road, observing the parking restrictions and the 40km speed limit while watching for students crossing. It is important to note that the local by-laws officers and the local police regularly pass by the college at peak times.

Every year a number of parents and local residents contact me about their concerns in relation to some parents/guardians illegally dropping their children off from cars in no standing zones, on or next to the school crossing, at the Morack Road bus stop or illegally blocking off the roadway and driveways. 

Please pre-arrange to meet your child at a regular and safe parking area. Remember that children should be encouraged to exercise on a daily basis and a walk of a few hundred metres is not too much to ask if we are to keep them safe. 

Parents can drop off and collect their child from a prearranged place in the surrounding side streets. The southern end of Morack Road past the roundabout at Narambi Street or the side roads coming off Morack Road are the designated areas for parking, dropping off & picking up. Please use these areas. We also ask that you actively encourage your child to use the guarded crossing on Morack Road at the northern (Boronia Road) end of the school.

A reminder that NO parent cars are to enter the school grounds for the picking up and dropping off of children and that the loop driveway is strictly for buses, visitors, delivery vehicles and staff access. Please also note that the loop driveway is ONE WAY with the entrance being on Morack Road at the Boronia Road (northern) end of the school. 

Student safety is our priority and I’m sure it is yours as well. Your cooperation is essential and we appreciate your support in this important matter.

SENIOR STUDENTS DRIVING TO AND FROM SCHOOL 

 It is crucial that all students driving a vehicle to and from school adhere to our guidelines and are very aware of our local residents, particularly in relation to parking at the back of the college. In the past some local residents have been concerned with how our students conduct themselves at the back of the college including accessing cars during the day, loud music, poor driving habits, dropping litter and not supporting our local neighbourhood in a positive way.

In accordance with Department of Education & Training (DET) guidelines, all students who wish to drive a car to and/or from the college must complete the relevant sections of this contract, have it signed by a member of the college principal team, and return it to the Heads of House before they commence driving to college. Forms were also handed out to students at a Year 12 forum on Wednesday.

The VSC contract states:

That if I drive to and/or from the college, I:

1. will complete this agreement in full before I commence driving to the college;
2. will not drive or park on college grounds;
3. will adhere to all road rules – including driver safety
4. will not park in Cowra Street or Devlin Street;
5. will adhere to all parking restrictions around the college;
6. will not cause any littering, nuisance or obstruction to residents and/or pedestrians whilst parking or driving to or from the college;
7. will not drive myself to college functions, excursions, sports events etc.;
8. will not transport other students to and/or from the college, or during any function connected with the college, as required by DET regulations; 
9. will only transport siblings to and/or from the college if a parent/carer gives approval through completion and return of the relevant section below;
10. will not go to my car during the school day (i.e. leave the college grounds);
11. understand that the college may apply sanctions if I do not abide by the above rules;
12. understand that City of Whitehorse by-laws officers and/or Police will be informed should I not abide by relevant road laws;
13. understand that neighbours making complaints to the college about any matter related to student drivers will similarly be referred to City of Whitehorse by-laws officers and/or Police.

Any student who has gained their licence this year or gains it through to the end of the school year, need to pick up this form from the Heads of House/Student Managers and have it signed by a Principal class member. 

This issue is about the safety of our students and our local community, as well as respect for our neighbours. We would ask parents/guardians to support us and to have a conversation with your child about the use of their car during school hours.