Principal's Report 

“Music is the universal language of mankind”  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The value of music in our lives cannot be underestimated. The diversity of genres, instrumentation and lyrics makes it an art form that all can embrace. Music is woven into every part of our lives. This was highlighted to me again when I presented at Beaumaris Rotary last week. I had the pleasure of meeting Rotarian Denise Grocke who is a music therapist. We discussed the role music plays in the lives of young people and particularly through the last 2 years. She shared the following podcast with me that is very interesting.

Clinical Psychologist Andrew Fuller chats with music therapist, Prof Katrina Skewes McFerran about:

• How to promote the wellbeing of teenagers through positive music listening
• Music is not directly causative but has a powerful resonance in our lives – the dangers of teenagers using music in the wrong ways
• Using playlist construction as a tool to create optimism and change mood

Lunchtime Concert Series

We had our first lunchtime concert last week and it was wonderful. Our students with a passion for music performed on the outdoor stage to their peers in the first of a series of lunchtime performances planned in the coming terms. It was a fantastic feeling listening to home grown music out in the beautiful sunshine. 

Use of Mobile Phones

A reminder that while students may like to use their phones to listen to music, this is not allowed at school under the Mobile Phone Policy. Phones are to be kept in lockers throughout the school day. If students need to contact parents they should go to the office and ask to use a phone. Phones will be confiscated if used on school grounds. Students will need to collect the phone after 3:15pm from the front office from a member of the leadership team. We would remind parents to support the college in implementing this policy.

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day is April 25th and we will not have returned to school. ANZAC Day ceremonies around the world commemorate those who those who fought in conflicts and war so that we may have our freedoms.  It was described by Sir William Deane, Governor-General of Australia on Anzac Day 1999:

"ANZAC is not merely about loss. It is about courage, and endurance, and duty, and love of country, and mateship, and good humour and the survival of a sense of self-worth and decency in the face of dreadful odds."

This ANZAC spirit is part of our Australian national identity and needs to be preserved. It is the courage of ANZACs and the legacy of their bravery that we must maintain in order to triumph over fear and intolerance that is invading our world today.

The Reveille is played on a bugle to represent the end of the period of silence. This music was used to wake soldiers on the battlefield during the war. We now use it as a sign of respect for commemorating those who fought.

Alpine School

We have continued to provide our students with a range of experiences, excursions and camps. Our students at the Alpine School for Student Leadership are finishing up their term away from home this week. Peter Bartlett visited them last Friday and was impressed with how much they have grown not just in height but in maturity. Their term away has been transformative and we are excited to see what they will lead upon their return. 

Official Opening Stage 2

Our Stage 2 Official Opening held on Friday was a momentous occasion in the story of our college. The investment in our community is evident in the Stage 2 build project.  It is for our children and recognises the value that our future depends on our human capacity.

The Victorian Government have made this a priority and our school has benefitted from the investment for both in Stage 1 and now Stage 2 which takes our capacity from 650 to 1100 students.

Our thanks to School Council who led the advocacy for our growing school to have this next stage of build. I would like to specifically acknowledge our School Council President, Steve Pearce, School Council Treasurer, Shaun Mooney and former Vice President, Annelise Pearce, for their tireless lobbying to ensure our students received the very best facilities for their learning. 

2022 Parents' Association

I would like to introduce the office bearers for our 2022 Parents’ Association.

Now that we are able to reconnect and meet in person, we hope to have many events that bring our families together. 

Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews

We will be holding Parent-Student-Teacher interviews online on Thursday April 28th from 11am to 7pm.  Information on how to book will be made available and bookings will open this Wednesday at 6pm. 

Controlled Ecological Burn

Reminder that tomorrow (Tuesday April 5th), Bayside Council are running an ecological burn in Long Hollow Heathland (weather permitting). 

End of Term 1

It has been a positive start to the school year and the first full term in 2 years.  Students are looking forward to the break. The school day finishes at 2:10pm on Friday April 8th.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and restful break.

Debby Chaves

Principal