From the Principal

In the spirit of reconciliation I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We at Mornington Secondary College pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

It has been another busy term. Students have been engaged in their lessons and participated in many excursions and incursions. 

Yr 7 students ‘got up close and personal’ with wildlife for a Science incursion and enjoyed listening to double amputee, Mike Rolls. Yr 8 students enjoyed the Health and Wellbeing week, including the vaping incursion and the egg and bacon rolls. Yr 9 students completed their Morrisby interviews and some Yr 10 students participated in White Card training. Yr 11 students danced the night away at their Formal as did the Year 12 students with the theme being Hollywood. 

In August, 2 Aerobics teams competed in the National Championships on the Gold Coast and both teams won silver. Congratulations to the teams and Kate Atkinson as their coach. 

The new Yr 7 Parent Information Evening was a huge success, despite the cold weather. It was great to see so many families. 

This term more than 100 Mornington Primary School students joined us to participate in tabloid sports and a BBQ. Our very own Yr 7 Sports Leadership students facilitated the activities, and a great time was had by all. 

The last 3 days of this term students in Yr 12 subjects participated in trial exams and our Yr 7 students participated in activities related to their Learning by Design form group. 

This term has also been exceptionally busy for staff. Teachers have been working collaboratively learning and supporting each other, focussing on Literacy within subject areas. Attendance and positive culture working parties were also created to review processes and procedures. Student voice will form part of this.

College Captains and Year Level Captains joined staff at a staff meeting to introduce student agency and explained what students have been saying about ‘stimulated learning’ as this is a criteria they address as students when completing the Attitudes to School survey. Students spoke to staff in groups of 10 and told us, students wanted more group work and rewards. It was a fantastic experience for everyone. 

Every 4 years all government schools undertake a review. The review panel evaluate the last 4 years and set goals for the next 4 years. The Department of Education provide an independent educationalist to lead the review and Anita Forsyth, Senior Lecturer, Director of Monash University School Review Group, Faculty of Education has been appointed as our reviewer. 

Anita will lead a panel for 4 days in Term 4. During these 4 days, the panel will review all documentation, conduct student, parent and staff forums and observe classes, in particular looking at the curriculum and how the curriculum is taught. Goals will be set, based on the findings and will be included in the new strategic plan. I will ask parents, students and staff to be part of a forum once I receive dates and times from Anita Forsyth.

I wish everyone a wonderful term break and thank you for your ongoing support.

Linda Stanton

Principal