University High School Newsletter

Principals Message 

It's been a very positive start to the year, and absolutely wonderful to have all of our students back onsite, and in the one place! Term 1 has been a time of reconnection, and also of re-learning how to navigate large, shared and social spaces after such a long time of being in our cocoons of home. We've been enjoying have events, such as the swimming sports, excursions, music and camps, that connect us to each other and the world again. But we've also been conscious of reminding ourselves and each other to be patient as we find that balance again; and re-orient ourselves in school life.

Celebrating Excellence

We were delighted with the accomplishments of our 2021 cohort after a very tough two years. Their creativity, resilience, commitment to learning and support of each other was evident throughout their VCE. We're also celebrating a number of students being selected for the VCE Season of Excellence for their outstanding work in particular subjects. 

 

These events showcase the very best VCE student work from across the state. From the 2021 cohort we had the following students selected:

  • Top Talks (for Extended Investigation): Noah Eid and Jenny Zhu
    • Noah and Jenny were two of only four students showcased for their independent research projects last year. They both mightly impressed the audience with their findings, thoughtful investigative process and insights into their learning.
  • Top Arts (for visual art): Greta Kellet Jakob and Trinity Flett
    • Greta's painting 'Consolation' expertly referenced various art styles to create a powerful and original piece that was even featured on the event invitation (!). Trinity's 'Chrysalis' was an intricate, crocheted, sculptural piece of furniture that beautifully evoked the rich and warm life of a garden, and was over 500 hours in the making. 
  • Top Class (for music): Daniel Whelan
    • The sound of Daniel practicing the bagpipes often floated down the corridors of UHS: it was always a little unexpected and a genuine delight! Our Year 10,11 and 12 Music students will go to see Daniel perform at the Top Class event soon: I'm sure they will be treated to an excellent show. 

Focus: Building connection and support

This year we have implemented an enhanced Year 7 transition program. This has included homerooms for any Year 7 class that doesn’t require a specialist space; and a structured program of activities including device set-up, organisation support and assessment of literacy and numeracy levels. We have postponed the Year 7 Camps until Term 2, but are running alternative social and relationship-building activities during Term 1. 

 

For 2022 we have also aligned 7-10 sub-school coordinators with a single year level, so that they are able to engage more easily in the activities of that cohort, work together in cross-subschool teams and develop a clearer understanding of the year level experience and needs. A big thank you to our coordinators who have been running virtual 'meet the coordinator' events over the last few weeks. A reminder that your child's coordinator is your first point of contact if you have any questions or concerns about your child. 

 

Over the last year we have also begun learning and implementing the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM).  We have been drawing on this at the start of the year to support teachers to work with each of their classes in establishing class norms, getting to know their students and building positive teacher-student and peer relationships.

 

We are enjoying rebuilding our student clubs and co-curricular activities. A big thank you to our new Student Voice and Leadership Leading Teacher, Chris Bush, who organised a 'market day' for all our clubs to demonstrate their offerings. Students can see details of these via the 'Star' menu on Compass - see link to 'Extra Curricular @ UHS'. 

 

We have also employed an additional student wellbeing counsellor this year: welcome  to Karina Lee! Our Student Services team currently comprises:

  • 3 Student Counsellors - Caitlin, Tim and Karina
  • Mental Health Practitioner - Alicia
  • Community Liaison Officer - Eaman
  • Learning Support - Diane, Miriana, Ashan and Lay
  • 2 Careers Practitioners - Corinne (7-9 focus + VET); Maria (10-12 focus)
  • Student Services Leading Teacher - Melissa

Wellbeing support information and the UHS wellbeing website can be accessed from the main school website. 

MPs' visit to GTAC

On 16 February, we hosted Dr Tien Kieu (MLC for South Eastern Metropolitan) in his role as STEM Education Ambassador and Sheena Watt (MP for Northern Metropolitan) in a tour of the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) which is a statewide specialist STEM centre located in our school.  Dr Kieu toured GTAC as part of his program of visits to all STEM centres and Tech schools, and was very impressed with the quality and range of programs that we offer. The GTAC team demonstrated the facilities in the Discovery and Nossal Labs, outlined the outreach programs, online resources and STEM kits provided to rural and metro disadvantaged schools and hosted a video call with rural teachers and the head of the GTAC board, Suzanne Cory. 

Upcoming Parent-Student-Teacher interviews

Bookings will open soon for the Term 1 PST Interviews, which will be held via Zoom on Thursday March 31 (1.30 - 7.00pm) and Friday April 1 (9.30am - 3.00pm). Details of the interviews and how to book will be communicated via Compass Newsfeed. We are looking forward to discussing your child's learning and progress with you.

School Council elections

Thank you to all who participated in the recent School Council elections, and congratulations to the elected candidates:

  • Parent category: Ben Jensen; Ro Allen
  • Student category: Alessandro Papeleo
  • Employee category: Isabella Miller; Tom Varns

A callout for members of our sub-committees will happen soon through Compass Newsfeed. This is a great way to get involved in an area of the school and we encourage non-Council members to be part of these groups.

Reminder: take care in Story St

Please remember to exercise extreme care if you are dropping off or picking up your child in Story St. This is a high-traffic area at the start and end of the day, with lots of pedestrians and cyclists. I encourage you to consider arranging pick-up with your child at an area away from the very front of the school, where you are able to safely pull over or park with less surrounding foot traffic. 

 

If you are using Story St, please drive slowly and check in all directions before pulling in or out from the curb.

 

Ciar Foster - Principal