Principal's Post
From Mr Phillips
As 2019 at Ringwood Secondary College comes to a close, there is always much to celebrate.
It is useful for each of us to think about how we can craft new experiences and learning opportunities that will invite young people and adults to be more curious than certain about themselves, one another, and the wider world? In my view, this is the next challenge for secondary schooling and enabling young people to thrive. We can no longer arrive at a point of certainty about the world and one’s place in it.
2018 Results
Once again, we can be delighted with the successes of our students and these were heartily celebrated on Tuesday evening. The efforts and achievements of so many are reflected in these results and are reported in this edition of our newsletter. Judging by the significant and varied achievements of our students across curricular and co-curricular fields, we continue to build our school spirit through the House system and our College virtues of wisdom, courage, respect and creativity.
I would particularly like to congratulate our VCE Dux Kevin Hong (98.75) on his outstanding year. Kevin has participated fully in the life of the College. His leadership as a Prefect and his performances as a musician, have added enormously to his stunning list of achievements of which he, his family and our community can be very proud.
The Class of 2018 has tackled the considerable challenge of the VCE and VCAL with similar energy, passion and commitment as every other year 12 class during my twenty one years as principal. As I indicated last night, they have been rewarded for their hard work in a variety of ways. Whilst some students may be disappointed, many are delighted, with their achievements. We also know that with continuing support that the pathways for next year beyond school provide many options. Many students attained ATAR scores in the 90s (including 7 over 95)and 80s, but there are equally stories of those who overcame significant challenges including health issues and personal hardship to achieve at high levels. They are equally celebrated. Our median all study score of just over 30 was an improvement on the previous year and indicates that many students have performed well across the full range of studies that we are able to offer at Ringwood.
Current Student Numbers
We have 1625 students enrolled for 2019, including 293 students who will be commencing with us in Year 7. These students enjoyed a highly successful orientation day and we look forward to welcoming our newest group of students at the beginning of next year.
Staffing
At this time of year, we traditionally say farewell to a range of staff who are either moving on to opportunities in other schools, concluding replacement contracts, going on extended leave or retiring.
Those leaving us are Anne Craigie who is retiring, Bonnie Wu and Hernan Alonso Balwyn HS, David Clements promoted to Learning Specialist at Vermont SC, Suzy Doods Tintern, Nicole Perry whose contract is finishing and our Indonesian Language Assistant Vera Sumanta. We thank each person for their contribution to Ringwood and wish them well in their future positions. We will introduce our new staff at the commencement of term 1 2018.
Start up arrangements for 2019
Year 12 commences with a symposium day at Box Hill Institute’s Lilydale Campus on Thursday January 31. Year 7 also commence on the same day. Students in Years 8 to 11 commence on Friday February 1, 2019. The College office will be open for business on Wednesday January 30, 2019. All staff will participating in PD on Tuesday January 29, hosted by the Minister for Education and the Maaroondah Plus 10 schools initiative.
In 2019, the construction of the new senior school centre will be another significant undertaking for our College community.
I would like to extend best wishes for Christmas and New Year and a happy summer holiday season to all members of our College community and I look forward to another productive and positive year in 2019.
Michael Phillips
Principal