Kings Park Campus Principal Message 

Campus Principals Report- Kings Park

August 2023

The mornings may be very chilly, but students have enjoyed the sunny afternoons playing and relaxing in the school yard. 

We had our first assembly for the term last week. Our Campus Captains and Student Leaders were very professional in MCing the assembly and supporting each other to speak in front of a large group of their peers and staff. Congratulations to our many award recipients, students recognised for displays of behaviour aligned with the values of being Respectful, Responsible and Valuing Relationships. We also had a number of our music students perform at the assembly. Each performance received a standing ovation. The theme of the assembly was ‘choices’.  Choices in the behaviours we display and the impact they have on others and choices in terms of the decisions our students need to make this term.

Preparation for 2024 is well underway and students in Years 8, 9 and 10 are currently selecting subjects for their 2024 courses. Year 10 students ended semester 1 with exams. These were held in similar conditions to the way that VCE exams are held at Delahey. 

This week, Year 10 students completed their Course selections for 2024 by attending the campus with their families. Thank you to the Pathways Team for all of their work in preparing resources, informing and supporting students. Year 9 Students are also currently working with staff to select their Year 10 2024 courses. Again, we have a pleasing number of students selecting to ‘accelerate’ their VCE by choosing a VCE subject as part of their Year 10 program. 

Last week, Year 8 students participated in the Art/Tech Expo. This session is designed to give students information about the Art and Technology electives on offer for 2024. Students were able to hear from subject teachers, view examples of student work from each of the electives and speak with staff about the content and skills of each subject. Final selections are due this week.

We recently had Adam Ballinger conduct a clinic with students in our campus basketball program. Adam was born in Bluffton, Indiana (USA). He played twelve seasons in the NBL (National Basketball League).

Adam is an Australian citizen. He was named to the Boomers squad for 2009 and trialled for the 2012 London Olympic squad.

We continue to work towards achieving our 2023 Campus goals;

Attendance and Belonging:  Students at school, in class on time, and remaining in class (AIP) (Attendance 78% / 10 days per term absent (1 day each week); Late (Unapp.) 12,019 Periods /Ave.18) 

Use of Routines: Use of fluid seating arrangements based on student data and need (AIP; Aspirational Learning Environment)

Pride in the Environment: Respect for the environment students learn, play and socialise in, and in which we work (e.g. classrooms, corridors, toilets and the yard) (Physical Environment as a stressor 12%; State 5%)

Student Acknowledgement: Notice when students do the ‘right thing’ or strive for their personal best, and let them know (KP: Positives, 2980; Needs Improvement; 2570). (AIP; ALE)

It is pleasing to see the high number of genuine positive Compass posts, recognition of the many good things our students do. We thank teachers for taking the time to let students know that you notice them when they demonstrate the best versions of themselves. 

Semester 1 Reports were made available on Compass at the conclusion of last term. We encourage students and their families to read through the reports and to take note of any areas of improvement. We also encourage communication with Home Group and class teachers.

Mr Lance Petherick and Dr Michael Gruis                                   Campus Principals