From the Principal's desk

Principal Update

So just when we thought we were out, they pulled us back in.  And so it goes that this term we have already experienced two periods of Remote Learning. I must report that this return to RL and lockdown conditions has bought with it a sense of fatigue, irritation and forlorn amongst other myriad of emotions and as such am so appreciative of the outstanding work that has again been undertaken. 

The nature of the current COVID situation indicates that we may indeed experience further lockdowns and subsequent remote learning experiences. Positively, we continue to promote in each other a confidence that this work will continue to be successful. With this in mind we are working to solidify a consistent approach that will better enable us to move into further experiences in as seamless a manner as possible. We have promoted a goal to keep our students and families front-loaded through the effective use of our communication channels and online learning platforms as we feel this will certainly help in future transitions to RL. We also ask our families to provide feedback and encourage this to be directed to Campus leadership staff. 

Attendance and Engagement

We have worked hard as a college this year to promote the importance of regular attendance and it has been so great to see this expectation continue through remote learning programs. 

The high expectation for attendance and engagement that are shared with students through these periods are having a huge impact and it is just so great to see the positive effect of this work. The phone calls home, the positive affirmations on Compass, the simple reminders that being away is not ok are all playing a part in normalising high level attendance. Keeping the momentum on this aspect of schooling for our students is so important because we know that inch by inch, we will make the impact that will result in ensuring this vital precondition to successful outcomes is routine for all of our students.

Compass Goes Green

Staff across our college have always commented on what the positive, friendly and caring group of students we have the privilege of working with. Everyday so many of the students at our school make the lives of those around them better or inspire us with their dedication and desire to get the best out themselves in whatever aspect of their learning program they are involved in. 

Now we want to acknowledge these positive behaviours and ensure the families of students know too just how much we appreciate the efforts of our students.  With this in mind parents should be on the lookout for a ‘Green’ message from Compass. These Green messages are acknowledgements of positive student behaviour and will be directly sent to parents through the Compass system providing families with further reason to be proud of their children. Keep an eye open for  green compass acknowledgement coming your way soon!

2022 Year 7 Scholarships

We would like to announce our 2022 Year 7 Scholarship recipients:

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!

Each student will receive:

• Wireless Internet Device (Telstra 4 GX Hotspot) and Stylus Pen estimated cost: $800
• Exemption from paying school fees and Year 7 Camp estimated cost: $930
• A uniform voucher ($200) and College Spray Jacket ($80)
• A series of ‘Aspirational Student’ experiences throughout their Year 7 & 8 school years. These experiences will include Guest Speaker Incursions and guided tours of high-ranking Victorian universities. Students will also be supported to further their educational pursuits with excursions to Goldsworthy Campus to participate in high level learning opportunities. Estimated cost: $240
• Total Cost of Student Scholarship: Up to $2250

I’d like to thank the panel involved in the day long process of interviewing each of the students and hearing their individual stories: Ken Massari, Ken Harrison (Chair of The NBC Challenge) and Wexford Student Leader Zin Zin Tun Htay Thu.

Term 3 Pupil Free Professional Learning Day        

Thank you to everybody for their flexibility regarding our postponed PL day. We are hoping that the COVID Safe guidelines will enable us to go ahead with our planned Professional Learning on the new date of Friday August 27. We will keep all members of our school community updated with any further news regarding this event.

RSL Book Donation 

The RSL were instrumental in researching the History of Australia’s Victoria Cross medals and were funded to produce a magnificent book to every Secondary School.

Yo Tha accepted the NBC edition with great honour and this beautiful book will hopefully be well read by staff and students in the years to come and accessible at Goldsworthy Campus Library.

An Update – David Neilson

Many of our College Community would be very familiar with our College Liaison Officer David Neilson. He has been a tireless worker of the College for many years and usually collates this iNewsletter.

During the mid-semester break David was given the incredible gift of donor lungs and to date his recovery has gone very well. He has asked me if I would do him 2 favours. Firstly, could I share the news with you, and secondly, could David include an item in the bulletin to encourage our community to consider organ and blood donation if not already a donor. www.donatelife.gov.au 

Seeing him walking in a few months will be terrific for many of us but knowing that even one person was inspired to sign up or start giving blood would make him even happier. We continue to wish David a continued positive and speedy recovery.

Extended School Day 

Do you have a special talent or passion? The Term 4 Extended School Day Program is currently being organised, and we are looking for new programs to engage our students in. 

If you or someone you know are interested in running a program in Term 4 Amanda Baulch would love to hear from you to talk further about dates and other details. 

Regards,

Scott Diamond

College Principal