Assistant Principals
From Mrs Stathatos
Safety
The wellbeing of students is of paramount importance and this is highlighted every day when students are in recreational mode at recess and lunchtime on school grounds. It is a joy to do yard duty and interact with Year 7s playing down ball or Year 10s discussing their day or observing the many numbers of students who fully utilise the college facilities like the oval, tennis courts, basketball courts to play friendly, competitive games and expel some energy. On hot days, it is wise to wear a hat, apply sunscreen and remain hydrated so that this free time really does provide the most effective break between classes. It is also of utmost importance that students stay within college grounds during recess and lunchtime and follow school processes if they need to leave school early.
Instructional Model
Our Instructional Model has been embraced by students and staff and the Learning Intentions are well and truly part of the agreed language of lessons. The Learning Intentions indicate what the students should be able to know, do and understand and I know that students look forward to seeing what is on their classes’ Lesson page on Compass before the lesson. Students who are absent from their classes can also tap in to see what has been taught – a good strategy to lessen the effect of their absence on their learning. Below is one example of the Learning Intentions set out for a Year 7 class today:
Period 1 Maths Learning Intention: To consolidate using algebra to solve problems involving angle sum of triangles and to investigate the sum of interior angles in other polygons.
Period 2 Music Learning Intention: To learn how to read, write and play short and long rhythmic patterns (including use of silence) using the pulse pattern technique. They will learn step by step, how to research and present on Keynote effectively.
Period 3 English Learning Intention: Students will continue to effectively plan, draft and edit a piece of writing. They will utilise their knowledge of descriptive writing to commence their third piece for their assessment folio.
Period 4 History Learning Intention: Students continue to utilise their research time for the task ‘Otzi the Iceman’ effectively and write up their case study.
Progress reports
The Progress reports will be available to parents on Compass on March 8th. The Parent Teacher Interview portal will also be opened that day for parents to book Parent Teacher Student Interviews. The interviews will take place on March 28th, 12pm-8pm, in the new Junior School building and the Library. The progress reports this year will reflect the college’s commitment to improve student learning through the reporting of Learning Behaviours. These behaviours were outlined in the last newsletter and will be a focus for discussion on the 28th.
PCTA
The first meeting of the Parents, Citizen, Teachers Association was held this week and we welcome new members and the interest shown by all members to the committee. Our first event is this weekend- the 2018 Year 11 Debutante Ball -which will be held at The Grand on Cathies, Wantirna. It is a highly anticipated event and everyone involved has worked hard so far to make the event successful. We look forward to seeing the community come together in a night of celebration.
Eleni Stathatos
From Mr Barut
Across the Sub Schools:
Students at RSC are very lucky to have committed staff to support them in their developmental growth throughout their secondary schooling, both academically, socially and in a welfare paradigm. We see the journey as everyone working as team – school leaders, teachers, students and of course, you, our parents/carers. Thus, as a school community we all need to work together as a team to ensure the best possible outcomes for all. To that end, House Co-ordinators are available to answer any query you might have that relates to the learning or welfare of your son/daughter. These conversations must always be respectful, timely and cover off on three aspects –decision, action and accountability. To expand on this idea, decision pertains to an outcome, action reflects putting structures and agreements into place and accountability points to all parties keeping up their end of any negotiated action. The importance of being solution focussed must be at the forefront of every interaction, in a positive environment.
On another note, in this busy, busy school, many events take place that capture the traditions and culture that is RSC. To name just a few, the Year 12 Prefect Investiture, the Year 7 Parent Coffee Morning, the Year 7 Information night, the upcoming Year 11 Deb Ball, Phillip Island Camp for the Year 9 cohort, Central for Year 10, Elevate sessions for Years 11 and 12 – all these programs ensure the continual intellectual and emotional development of all our students. We are so grateful to those staff who spend endless hours organising events that give all our students an authentic, memorable experience.
Interim Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews:
Please make an appointment to speak to your child’s teachers at the upcoming P/T afternoon/evening. This is a great opportunity to catch up and discuss the learning, transition and events that have occurred in this very busy term.
Staff look forward to your appointment with them.
Compass Photos:
Verification of Compass photos is almost complete – that means, the ordering that has taken place, will be processed in due course. Photos will be delivered to the College early next term – please be patient. If you have any questions about the photos, please contact Compass directly. Email: support@jdlf.com.au
James Barut
From Mrs Allison
Student Leadership
As mentioned in the last newsletter, student leaders from Years 7-12 attended their leadership training at Sage Hotel, Ringwood on Wednesday, February 14th. The morning training commenced with a ‘Plus 10 Schools’ collaborative event for Year 7 and 8 students, with Maroondah City Council, Heathmont College, Norwood Secondary College and Ringwood Secondary College participating. David Burt, from Sport and Life Training (SALT) led an inspiring training session for our Years 7-11 leaders. The highlight of the day was the team building activities well led by our College Prefects, who co facilitated these exercises. No doubt the focus on building our students leadership capacity will result in more effective, influential teams in years to come.
I extend my sincere thanks to all staff and students involved, especially to Ms Karly Horton (Director of House and Community Engagement) who coordinated the event.
Music Recruitment Evening
The Music Recruitment evening held last week was a very well-attended evening with over 100 students signing up for an instrument. The Music Association now has several new members, and always keen for extra parent helpers, so if you have time please contact the College. The year ahead looks busy but very exciting, so ensure you attend our Jazz Night and other performances.
Positive Education focus
Wellbeing Element: Exercise and Health
Character Strength: Hope
Wellbeing Fitness Challenge: Adventure Eat
Wellbeing Reflection Activity: Out and About
A balanced student lifestyle places an equal emphasis on all of their elements of wellbeing; they work together, like their signature and top supporting strengths as a family, to build the student’s wellbeing. To ignore any of these, adversely affects the others. If the skills and achievement element is pushed too hard and the exercise and health element is not also focused on.
Active and positive people are more likely to achieve what they set out to do and are healthier. Recommendation are that each students’ personal timetables should include:
- an hour of pulse lifting exercise every day
- quality outdoor leisure activities with friends and family which are light and bright
- frequent opportunities to have fun and laugh with others to experience positive emotions
- plenty of timeout from electronic pursuits; try brain leisure activities such as reading, chess, board games cards, or Sudoku.
Exercise and Leisure activities will enable you to:
• lift your heart rate to burn excess kilos
• enjoy uplifting spirals of positive emotions
• be in charge of your breathing
• provide relationship building time with others
• clear your mind with private me time.
Some quality ones include:
• a brisk walk, run, swim, bike ride, yoga, aerobics, pilates,
gym workout, tai chi, zumba, dancing, gymnastics, resistance training, surfing, skateboarding, bushwalking, playing sport, vibrating board, treadmill
Happy students enjoy and flourish on their school and life journey.
“The three words of success – Care, Share and Dare.”
Maria Allison