Principal's Report 

Hello Everyone,

I would like to start by acknowledging the generous and genuine support that I have received from the Wheelers Hill Secondary College community this term. For me, it has been a journey of challenges and rewards. Whatever may happen in the future regarding the Principalship, I am immensely proud of my time here. I would particularly like to thank the other members of the Principal Team, the Leadership Team, the Teaching and ES staff, particularly the wonderful people of the General Office Area who have looked after me so well. At this stage, I am assuming that once the principalship of Pakenham SC is determined, WHSC can continue to move forward.

I would like to acknowledge the resignation of Ange Field after the NT camp. Ange has chosen after 22 years in the profession to follow other opportunities and we wish her the best for the future. I would also like to acknowledge that Andrew Dixon is on LSL for Term 3, and we all wish him a wonderful break.

We welcome Celine Tsang who will join the Wellbeing Team in Term 3 in the role of a student counsellor to support Eva and Fosia.

I had the opportunity last weekend to attend the DET Recognition of Service ceremony at the Grand Hyatt as my husband had reached the milestone of 40 years in Education. It was a beautiful event, hosted by David Howes while our Deputy Premier and Education Minister, the Honorable James Merlino, shook hands with them all. He made some very poignant comments about his Grade 6 teacher who told wonderful stories and the Year 12 Politics teacher who changed the course of his life. What was even more special there were three recipients who had been in education for 60 years! One was a recently retired secondary principal who is now working with disengaged youth helping to build their Numeracy skills. Another member of this exclusive club was a current Primary School Principal located in Southern Region. He spoke with passion, pride and conviction about supporting the wonderful families and students at his school and the great reward of making a positive difference to lives of those who make up our communities. A truly humbling experience.

It was wonderful to see our forty-one students and teachers depart on Monday for their trip to the Northern Territory. The excitement was bursting from all participants as they posed for the group photo! I would like to thank the tremendous staff team of Michelle, Ange, Paul, Nick, and Ryan for their commitment to making this happen and supporting our students in such a life-changing way. We all look forward to the photos! I hope that students will be able to share some of their experiences with us at our first whole school assembly since 2019 on Day One, next term.

 Just a reminder to our community that on July 1, the new Child Safe Standards come into operation. The Standards have been expanded to eleven to ensure that Victoria comes into line with other States and Territories. The State Government has introduced cultural safety as a new component to specifically acknowledge our Indigenous children. I have included a link so that you may peruse the new Child Safe Standards yourselves:

https://www.vic.gov.au/new-child-safe-standards-schools

These Standards are the foundation on which education is delivered in Victoria. Every member of our community has a duty of care to ensure that all our actions, behaviours and policies have at their centre the young person. All teaching and non-teaching staff are in the process of completing their Mandatory Reporting professional learning so that they are very aware of their responsibilities when it comes to the safety of the child. If you would like any further information or support regarding the Child Safe Standards, please do not hesitate to contact the College.

It goes without saying that Term 2 has been enormously challenging as we have had to deal with COVID and the re-emergence of the flu which has impacted heavily on staff and students. Assessment and Reporting has been challenging and understaffing has been a significant issue. I hope that Term 3, whatever the challenges are, offer rewards as well. I know that we are resilient. I know that we have teachers and support staff who go beyond every day and together we are stronger. Let us all support the Wheelers Hill Secondary College community to thrive and prosper.

Take care everyone and have a lovely break

Fern Brisbane

Acting Principal

Wheelers Hill Secondary College