From the Assistant Principal

Years 10-12

Welcome to August

Where does the time go?  We are at the time of year where there is then, now, and what’s next. I would like to acknowledge some events and activities for each of these times.

Congratulations on all the effort that has already gone into this term.  In the last three weeks the school has been busy with staff and students participating in the whole school program.  Sporting teams like the Y7, Y9/10 and senior girls netball teams, cross country running squads, hockey and Y9/10 and senior soccer teams have all had success in our district division.  We have hosted our Senior School expo on-site for the first time in two years.  Students and parents engaged with staff and senior students about 2023 course selections.  A parent forum and annual general meeting was held two weeks ago.   Following a brief summary of the annual report, parents had the opportunity to contribute to the introduction of the ALQ’s, an innovation in assessment and building a stronger school community.  We are building the profile of our Auburn Learning Qualities:  creativity, collaboration, citizenship, communication, critical thinking and character; in Years 7-12 respectively.  Lastly, last week our intrepid Year 8 students and 14 Auburn High staff attended a three-day camp in Alexandra (Yarra Valley).  The students were very happy to be going on camp where they had a chance to find new friends, strengthen existing friendships, try new activities and connect with the natural elements.  School camps are memorable times and best wishes to all those who attended.  I thank Mr Brooks for his amazing organisational skills and leadership of the students and staff.  I am grateful to the families and partners of staff for making their attendance possible.

The now is full of teaching and learning. Semester 2 is well under way and this week assessment is starting to ramp up.  It is an exciting time for our International Baccalaureate staff team and IB coordinator, Mr Ryan, as the school is one step closer to formal authorisation.  The 2023 IB cohort have chosen their subjects and the process is feeling very real.  In fact, all the Year 9, 10 and 11 students have provided their subject preferences for 2023 and this allows some major planning to begin - timetable construction, staffing models and school programs.

Now to what’s next.  In the next two weeks our Year 12s are preparing for some of their final school-based assessments in many of their subjects.  They are also being briefed on the GAT that is being held on September 7th.  The House Athletics carnival is on August 19th and House meetings and House teams will be finalised.  On August 17th and 25th, Parent Teacher conferences will be held.  As you can see, the pace of on-campus schooling is fast and the program we offer is extensive.