From the Principal Class

Dear Viewbank Community,

The last few weeks has seen some great curricular and co-curricular activities and events happening around the school. This has created a real buzz and an opportunity for students to really get involved and maybe try something new.

Firstly, our music students have been active participants in a number of events – the Symphonic Band went to the Victorian Schools Music Festival and competed in the Advanced Section - see Music News. 

They also performed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service on August 14.

On both occasions, they were incredible! 

Thanks to Anthony Citino for his work with this group and to Katrina Wellins for her ongoing support.

Two of our Yr 12 College Captains, Troy and Gowry lay a wreath on behalf of the College. 

Caitlin D (Yr 12) sang the National Anthem and Lachlan D performed a haunting rendition of ‘Only 19”.  Thanks to all involved.

Yr 12 Music Captain, Leo B has been running a Battle of the Bands competition with 2 heats held during this week and the last heat this coming Monday.

The Grand Final of Battle of the Bands will be next Friday. 

Thank you to Gabe M for taking some photos.

Our formal public speaking continued, this time our Year 12 students spoke on a current topic of importance to them. The quality of speeches was once again amazing, and it is wonderful to have our students provide an insight into the range of issues that are at the forefront of their thinking. 

For winners and speech topics, see article under Senior School News later in the newsletter.

The rivalry has continued in our staff v students sporting events, with basketball, netball and futsal featuring so far. 

The staff took an early 2-0 lead, but the students responded strongly in the futsal match on Thursday in what was a highly contested and physical match! 

The next round will be volleyball, hopefully one that sees a slightly lower injury count!

STEAM Week has been a huge success this week, with regular STEAM quiz questions on TEAMS earning our Houses lots of house points. 

There has been the Periodic Table Cupcake Challenge, paper plane making, spaghetti bridge building and a guest speaker for STEAM week, Chris Manzie from Melbourne Uni, speaking about robotics and autonomous systems.   See STEAM News for further information.

Look out for news about Book Week as well as Health and PE week coming up, where we will have guest speakers, a Zumba class, ride to school day and breakfast and lots of other opportunities to get involved.

Uniform

This past week, the Principal class visited classes to give students a timely reminder of our Uniform policy. 

Unfortunately, the presentation of some students has not fit the guidelines. 

Students are making the choice to wear items such as hoodies, long sleeve tops under shirts or PE tops, leggings, black tracksuit pants (should be blue) and incorrect footwear.

Please speak with your student about the importance of representing the College with pride and in correct uniform. 

The Dress Code is attached below as a reminder of our expectations. 

Students will be followed up next week.

Any parent requiring support with uniform should contact the General Office or your student’s House Leader.

Thank you for your support.

Facilities

We have just had a shade sail installed on our top oval.

Our eco-gardener, Hamish, is currently working with students on a butterfly garden and has undertaken a lot of work to tidy up our gardens. 

The College grounds are starting to look a lot neater.

Rubbish continues to be an issue – I appeal to all members of our community to use the bins that are located all around the College.

Our new parent group, Advocates for Sport and Physical Activity (ASPA) have been incredibly supportive and involved in planning for and writing some grant applications to the North East Link Community Fund. 

We are hopeful that we will be successful in getting some funding for our Walking Trail proposal or for our oval upgrade.

As a community, we are always looking to advocate for improved facilities, so with a State election coming up, time to get active and lobby for Viewbank College upgrades!

The Building Fund is partially funding the painting of our main buildings and during the next holidays we will be giving our A/C block a freshen up.

We will also be adding some signage to the front of the College to modernise the entrance to the school.

Any contributions to the Building Fund continue to be gratefully accepted.

The Victorian State Schools Spectacular:

A few weeks back, we reported on the upcoming Victorian State School Spectacular and our students who are involved:

• Jack C, Principal Vocalist
• Lachlan D, Victorian State School Choir Vocalist
• Callum G, Lighting Crew
• Aaron W, Alto Saxophonist

Rehearsals have been ramping up and Jack shared the below pictures of the cast at rehearsal meeting The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP - Minister for Education.

The Spectacular will be held on Saturday 10th September with two shows, 1pm and 6.30pm at John Cain Arena.

Tickets are now on sale and can be booked via www.ticketek.com.au/spectacular

Buy 10 tickets and get one adult ticket free (the 11th ticket is free) by calling Group Bookings on 1300 364 001.

Sharon Grimes, Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal

Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Anna Crosswhite, Acting Assistant Principal

Jackson Moloney, Acting Assistant Principal

Principals' Day 2022 - Friday 5th August

On Monday 8th August, we thanked and recognised our Principal Class team (Sharon Grimes, Rachael Smith, Emma Ford, Anna Crosswhite and Jackson Moloney) for Principals' Day 2022 for their exceptional contribution they make in their challenging and dynamic roles as school leaders in our school.  Their leadership and dedication to the College community is very much appreciated.

Our wonderful Year 12 College Captains Troy and Madison and Year 9 College Captain, Paris popped into our staff briefing to acknowledge and thank our Principal Class on behalf students and staff of the College.