Viewbank College

From the Principal Class

Dear Viewbank Community,

 

Term one is well underway, and our first five weeks have been full of excitement and opportunity. Our two major sporting carnivals have taken place and I was blown away by the house spirit and participation.  After two disrupted years, our commitment as a College is about rebuilding connection and sense of community.

 

Other recent events have included the recommencement of interschool sporting competitions, Year 7 Parent Welcome evening, excursions, auditions for our college production and lunchtime activities ramping up.  Our senior debating teams had a very successful start to the debating season (see Debating News) and our camps for Years 7, Central Australia and our annual music camp are fast approaching.

After two years of Covid disruption, it is such a joy to see so much for our students to engage with. The things that bring our College to life!

 

I would sincerely like to thank the community for the ongoing support in implementing our Covid-safe plan at the College. The cooperation of parents and students in Rapid Antigen testing and meeting onsite attendance requirements has made this so much easier. 

There is a real sense of positivity about how this year will evolve, but we will not drop our efforts to maintain a safe environment. 

 

Students have settled into the routine of the school day, with a renewed focus on learning. We acknowledge the disruption of the last two years has meant some students have returned with gaps in their academic and social learning.

Our staff have a focus on both high expectations of student learning support and growth, but also the wellbeing needs of our students. Please make contact with your student’s House Leader or Head of House if you wish to discuss academic or wellbeing concerns.

 

There will be some tutor support again in 2022 in both literacy and numeracy for students identified as needing this support. I also encourage students to attend Study Hall (homework club) on Thursday afternoons from 3.30pm - 5pm in the Library.

 

For students in Years 11 & 12, we have teacher tutor time during Friday morning overlay time (period 1).  Encourage your student to attend for additional small group learning support across most subject areas.

STEAM Conference:

We look forward to our biennial STEAM conference on Friday March 18th.  

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring together experts across a range of STEAM areas to workshop with students and teachers across our education system.

We encourage parents, students, and teachers at Viewbank College to be actively involved. 

Further details in this newsletter can be found on the STEAM News page.

College Review:

Every four years, our College undertakes a strategic review held by an independent panel (Reviewer, Regional representative, College Principal challenge partner and our School Council President).  Feedback is sought from many groups within the College community. We are currently in the middle of this Departmental process and I look forward to sharing the outcomes of the Review and the future direction of the College with the Community.

College Council:

I would like to announce that as a result of our College Council elections, we are welcoming three new members for 2022.

I would like to welcome Peter Harris, and Swati Joglekar (both with a student in Year 7) and Belinda Abbott (student in Year 8).

 

We also welcome back Sam Ricardo, Graham Webb, Maria Tickle and Chris Madden to continue for another two year term.

 

Thank you for volunteering to represent the views of the parent community and your commitment to Viewbank College.

 

Our student representatives will be announced in the next newsletter.

House Swmming Carnival

The House Swimming Carnival was held on Tuesday 15th February.

Well done to Hydra for winning the carnival!

 

House Athletics Carnival

The House Athletics Carnival was held on Monday 21st February.

Well done to Terra for winning the on day!

 

 

Thank you to Ms Lentini for putting together fantastic highlight clip from both carnivals.

Lunch time concert - Ellington Band 

Well done to the Ellington Band who kept us entertained at 1st break today.  

The Ellington Band is one of three jazz bands at the College and comprises of students in Years 8-12.  They have only had 4 rehearsals so far this year and performed beautifully for us today with "A String of Pearls" made famous by Glenn Miller and his band, "Harlem Nocturne" by Stan Kenton and his band, "Blues Machine" and "Slammin' Joe's".

Well done to Mr Van Gemert and the following students in the band:

  • Aaron Western
  • Pat Mehan
  • Long Dinh
  • Ashton Jayathilake
  • Dorian Stuc
  • Hoang Nguyen
  • Leo Brasch
  • Dawson Conceicao
  • James Draper
  • Finn Ellul
  • Jun Lee
  • Talia Walker
  • Jacob White
  • James Young
  • Leo Celestino
  • William Deane
  • Mateus Antunes Torres
  • Joshua Whitford
  • Michael Haynes

News just in!!! - District Swimming

A huge congratulations to the 37 Viewbank College students who attended and participated in the District Swimming at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre today and were overall winners of the day!  Go team Viewbank!!! 🙌⭐🏆

 

 

 

Principal Class Team 

Sharon Grimes, Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal

Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Anna Crosswhite, Acting Assistant Principal