ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ REPORT
Paul Dawson, Bradley Headlam & Julie Andrews
Assistant Principals
REVIEW
In Term 4 the school will undertake the four yearly review against the 2016-2020 School Strategic Plan. During this term the staff have engaged in a number of data analysis opportunities. Students and parents also participated in focus group discussions. A thorough self-evaluation of the school’s data against the Strategic Plan goals and targets as well as the current position of curriculum, school operations and student engagement and wellbeing have been considered and documented in readiness for the reviewer to take over the process in Term 4. Thank you to everyone for your input.
CURRICULUM DAY
The Curriculum Day held this week allowed for staff to engage with the self-evaluation activity discussing a range of data. Teachers then spent valuable time together (remotely through google meet) to develop or refresh assessment tasks and continue with unit planning required for the remainder of the year.
SRC and Year Level ACTIVITIES
Thanks to the SRC for their efforts in maintaining a positive morale distantly. I call it Happy Hair day because it always leaves me smiling. It was great to see and, having children of my own participating in the same activity, it was a thrill for them to get organised. I believe there has also been a Masked Singer activity which has been fantastic fun, but also unveiled some amazing talent. Cannot wait to see Mr Hill at the next assembly, perhaps the national anthem?
The football colours day is a favourite of mine also as I dragged out a lot more than I thought I had in my team colours. Hopefully you see some BOMBERS, TIGERS, HAWKS and BULLDOGS colours too! I wonder if you can work out which Principal barracks for which team?
In the Junior Sub School they have had a ‘dad joke’ competition, a writing competition, a drawing competition, a Year 8 weekly quiz and morning exercise classes.
The regular Year level assemblies online have been a great addition to the week allowing the students to connect with other teachers and students in their Year levels.
The enthusiasm that the SRC has brought to these activities has certainly maintained a positive vibe for our College and has kept us connected. For that we thank the SRC and Mr Hill and the Year Level teams for providing such activities.
ATSS
The Attitudes to School Survey (ATSS) was conducted this week. This is a survey to gain feedback from the students on their learning and environment. Students were asked to complete this online and results this year should be readily available, whereas, in previous years, it took a long time to be presented to schools.
This data is observed by all staff and the wider community and areas of focus are addressed throughout the school by a range of key stakeholders. Some of this information is also used to consider at the Regional level to find approaches to improve as a larger community.
The utilisation of this information is exemplified by addressing the engagement of girls in the middle years. We have observed this data, analysed it with students and staff and identified some strategies to improve. Students in the SRC presented their explanations to the staff. Twenty Year 9 and 10 girls also participated in a forum to develop ideas and they will (now in term 4) liaise with other schools to put forward a regional proposal for schools in 2021. This is but one example of the value of the perceptions of the students highlighted in the ATSS. In addition to this it will shape our discussion in the review along with other information such as Parent Opinion Survey.
REMOTE LEARNING
The approach of staff and students to this round of Remote Learning has been fantastic. We have greatly appreciated the efforts of staff to support students to get online and get involved in activities that have been transformed from the classroom to the living room, kitchen or backyard. Participation continues to be positive and the students are engaging in a respectful way, making the most of the opportunities to learn from their educators, mentors, coaches or teachers. This was demonstrated in a rise in the average scores in the Progress Reports in each Year level. We appreciate the efforts of parents in supporting, recognising areas of need and communicating proactively with the school and staff.
This time around we have implemented some of your feedback from last time. We are also continuing to provide as much feedback as possible through Compass. Can parents please contact the school if you have not been able to access Compass?
Year 7 - Language Preferences for Year 8, 2021
In Year 8 students study the one language for the whole year - German or Japanese. The language choice might determine which Home Group a student is allocated to or the language class might have students from a few Home Groups. This will depend on the choices that are made and communicated to the school.
Please watch your gmail and Year 7 Google classroom for the opportunity to complete a google form indicating your language (German or Japanese) preferences for next year.