Principal's Report

Welcome to our last edition of Score for 2019.

On Tuesday Night we held Orion Night; our whole school presentation evening to celebrate the achievements of our students throughout the year. I congratulate all of the students who were presented awards on the evening and Mr Chris Knight, for his planning and hosting of the evening. While not all students can receive awards, there were many more students who deserved to be congratulated on their hard work and dedication to their studies this year. These students are part of the majority of our community who have been successful in demonstrating growth in their learning outcomes.

Orientation Day

This week we officially welcomed our new 2020 Year 7 students as they engaged in their first full day of activities at the College as part of their orientation day. I would like to congratulate Ms Emily Phibbs, Head of Junior School, Mr Donovan Lawrence, Year 7 Coordinator and the team of staff who led the day. Transition programs that are well planned and implemented can set up solid foundations for students to settle into their secondary environment. Based on the observations, our Year 7 cohort for 2020 are well placed for a great start.

Student Leadership

Recently I have had the pleasure of interviewing our prospective student captains for 2020. Working with students is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role and provides purpose and motivation for the work I carry out on a daily basis. What impressed me most about the interviews, was the genuine commitment each of the candidates had for representing their fellow students and the pride they have in their College. The process for selecting our College Captains has taken place over the past few weeks and included nominations, candidate speeches, interviews and voting by student and staff. The end results were very close as all of the candidates were worthy of taking on these important roles. I thank all candidates who were nominated and I am pleased to announce the following appointments.

College Captains

Zac Tarquinio

Shannen Toogood

College Vice-Captains

Alex Barnabas

Luke Seedsman

End of Year Activities

I would like to thank Ms Su-Nhi Kim who has coordinated this year’s end of year activities program. We have offered the students an array of activities that will conclude next Monday with report distribution at the end of the day.

2020 Uniform

The uniform policy has been published and students informed of minor changes, including the specifications for the dress and skirt length to knee length. It is also important to check the details regarding the requirements for shoes to be black leather lace up, mandatory use of the College school bag, jewellery and hair colours.

I recommend that you do not leave purchase of new uniforms or carry out any required adjustments to existing items prior to the start of the school year. If you are ordering items the sooner you order the more likely your items will be at the store and not the warehouse when you need them. Parents who are eligible for CSEF are able to seek assistance through State Schools Relief by contacting Ms Casey Lawson prior to 20 December 2019.

End of Year

As this is the last newsletter for 2019, I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of College Council, student, parents and carers, business and industry partners and other members of our community who have contributed to another successful year. In particular I would like to thank Mr Chris Knight, members of the leadership team and teaching and non-teaching staff for their dedication and efforts towards student learning and supporting student well being. Their courage to take risks and commitment to improving student outcomes is a crucial element in the on-going success of the College.

I would also like to publicly recognise the service a number of departing staff who have given to our College and wish them well in the next exciting chapter of their lives:

Ms Ellen Sawyer, who has taken family leave following the arrival of her son, Benjamin
Ms Beverley Tongue, who replaced Ms Sawyer for the second half of the year
Ms Isabelle Riley, who is returning home to teach in the Northern Territory
Ms Yi Li, who has taken up a Leading Teacher position in another school
Ms Susie Zhuo, Chinese Language Exchange Assistant who returns to China

We will be welcoming new and returning staff for 2020

Mr Tony Stirling, as Head of Senior School from Pascoe Vale
Mr Patrick Dempsey, English and Chinese Teacher
Ms Linda Duncan, Resource Centre
A new doctor and nurse from Eastlink Family Medical Centre.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday period and look forward to continuing our work together.

Mrs Gail Major

Principal

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