From the Principals' Desk 

We are almost at the end of another term.  Thank you to all the staff and students for your efforts this term. As always, it has been a very busy and productive term, and we hope everyone enjoys the upcoming break. 

NAIDOC Week is held in the first week of July. This year it will be held from Monday 2 July to Friday 9 July. This year's theme is For Our Elders. The theme is designed to recognise the vital role that the Indigenous elders have played and continue to play, both individually and as a community and, more broadly, as First Nations. Our Elders encourage members of the broader community to look to our Elders not only for inspiration but for guidance in the issues that confront communities today. Our students will reflect on this theme in a number of different subjects, and as a school, we will mark this occasion with a whole school assembly on the first day of Term 3.

Year 10 Wellbeing Day was held on Friday 16 June. These workshops were designed to enhance our students' social and emotional well-being and improve their connections with peers. During the day, several activities enabled students to develop an understanding of their mental health and how they might support their peers. Students were given the opportunity to build on the social and emotional tools needed to develop greater resilience and compassion for themselves and others. Both male and female-identifying students were provided with strategies for coping, regulation, and help-seeking.

The Year 10s were engaged, respectful, and active participants throughout the day, which offered an opportunity to continue developing their social and emotional skills beyond the classroom. A sincere thank you to all the staff who supported the sessions throughout the day.

State Schools’ Relief - Travel Passes Nossal High School often uses State Schools’ Relief to make a difference in the life of some students. SSR is a not-for-profit organisation that supports students with school uniforms and shoes, and now they have extended their support to include travel passes. The pre-paid travel pass lasts for 30 days and does not have to be used just for travelling to school; if families are interested in finding out more about this initiative, please email me, Fiona.DeZylva@nossalhs.vic.edu.au

Once the 30 days is done, if we need to apply for more we can.

Year 12 Formal - The Class of 2023 arrived in their finery at the Vogue Ballroom. It was an opportunity for the Year 12s to enjoy each other's company after a busy term; the Formal committee organised several activities to punctuate the dancing throughout the night. The official photographer and the photo booth were great successes.  We congratulate and thank Ms. Soltys, who worked closely with the Formal committee to stage another successful event.

General Achievement Test (GAT) - On Thursday 15 June, Victorian senior secondary students had their literacy and numeracy skills measured against standards in the GAT. The GAT will provide specific information on each student’s key skills. 

• Section A assessed literacy and numeracy skills
• Section B assessed skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts, and humanities with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills.

 We are grateful to Ms. Ball and her team for ensuring the smooth operation of this assessment. We appreciate the many volunteers who gave up their time to supervise.

Central Australia Tour - Forty students and four teachers left for Central Australia on Wednesday 14 June. This eight-day tour commenced in Coober Pedy; students will return to Melbourne from Uluru airport on Wednesday 21 June. The tour encompassed other unique destinations, such as the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs, and Uluru. The reports from travellers have been extremely positive. We are very grateful to Mr. Monaco, Ms. Bonham, Mr. Armistead, and Ms.Young for their efforts during this tour. The next newsletter will undoubtedly feature a “Red Centre” report.

Upcoming Events

2023 Careers & Pathways Expo 

This year's Careers and Pathways expo will be held on Thursday 20 July - add this date to your diary!

More information will become available at the beginning of Term 3, along with the program of alumni speakers, panel discussions and tertiary exhibitors.

Course Confirmation Day will be held on Wednesday 26 July. 

All Year 9 students received their Senior Subject Handbook during their 9Time session on Thursday 22 June with specific information related to selecting courses for 2024. 

Year 10 students received their Handbook during tutorial on Thursday 22 June. 

When discussing this with your student, please keep in mind two key factors: students will do better in subjects that they enjoy and are skilled in. If unsure, students can speak to the Nossal High School staff and Course Counselling Team listed at the front of their Handbook.

An email has been sent to parents this week as a reminder that Term 2 Progress Reports were released on Thursday 22 June at 4.00pm. Information relating to booking a Course Confirmation interview for Wednesday 26 July was also included. Years 9 and 10 students and their parents / guardians must book an interview time. Year 11 students and their parents / guardians may book an interview if required.

Note: Year 11 and 12 students do not receive a Senior Subject Handbook. An electronic copy is available on Teams for them to view.

Nossal Week

The School Captains and the SRC have been working diligently to plan a week focusing on all that is Nossal.  This inaugural event is designed to celebrate all that is great about Nossal. The many clubs and societies in our community have volunteered to run various activities, and there will be House competitions and raffles. This will be an opportunity for our student leaders to step up and lead an event during the week. They hope to collaborate with the PFA to run an evening event that parents, guardians, and the wider community can celebrate together with us. If you would like to contribute to this week, please do not hesitate to make contact with the school.

School Production

The cast has been rehearsing during the term and will continue to rehearse during the holiday for the Legally Blonde Jr The Musical. The backstage teams have been working hard on creating the props set and costumes. This production will be held in the Meath Theatre, Thursday 13 July to Saturday 15 July. Parents are encouraged to purchase their tickets early so they are not disappointed. Tickets are available now at https://www.trybooking.com/CJJLE 

We hope that staff, students, and their families enjoy a refreshing break over the next few weeks and remind students (and staff) of the holiday homework guidelines and the necessity to balance their workload appropriately.

The school will be closed from 3.30 pm on Friday 23 June, until 8.00 am on Monday 10 July.

Ms Fiona DeZylva

Assistant Principal