From the Leadership Team
Farewell to Semester One
In the blink of an eye Semester One 2017 has drawn to a close.
From my point of view, it has been an outstanding semester of teaching, learning and caring. Much has been achieved.
I congratulate one and all for their hard work and contributions over this time. For those taking some leave over the holiday break, I wish you a time of refreshment and safe travels.
Board Retreat
On the first June weekend, the Kilvington Board held its annual Board Retreat. The occasion provided the opportunity for Board members to hear from some students and staff.
On the Friday night we heard from the four Student Leaders who impressively articulated what they value about Kilvington, and the areas they would like to see improved.
On the Saturday, a number of Kilvington staff presented: Deputy Principal, Davina McClure, spoke about her vision for the Kilvington Learning Culture, the Academic Dean of Performing Arts, Nicole Bull, presented her philosophy and next steps for the Performing Arts program, Academic Dean of Science, Alice James, talked about the very exciting progress of Kilvington’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) program, and the Director of Marketing and Development, Camilla Fiorini, presented on the Kilvington Marketing and Development Strategy going forward. Each presentation inspired, and was delivered with much thought and passion.
The Board also heard a presentation from the School’s architect, Clarke Hopkins Clarke, and made some exciting decisions about the next phase in the Kilvington building program.
I thank the Executive, the staff and the students for their attendance over the weekend, and the Board for their ongoing dedication and commitment to the School.
To continue to grow and develop Kilvingon into a School of Excellence, we depend on all stakeholders playing their role for the team, and if the quality of the presentations on the weekend is anything to go by, we are in very good hands indeed.
Deakin University Collaboration
As a result of our evolving work on character development, Kilvington has been approached by the Deakin Centre of Social and Early Emotional Development (SEED) to work in collaboration with Geelong Grammar and the University in the research they are undertaking.
The research is exploring the hypothesis that wellbeing may be more a result of moral or caring actions than the pursuit of success and achievement. These moral character actions are thought to lead to character development, and in turn, emotional wellbeing.
Students in Years 8 and 10 will be asked to complete a Eudaimonic Wellbeing Scale questionnaire as a control measure for the SEED research.
Staffing
We welcome back VCE Coordinator and teacher, Ms Karen Bryce, next term from long service leave, and thank Mrs Jacqui Goldenberg, Ms Kristen Newton and Ms Jennie Car for their wonderful replacement contributions while Karen was away.
Jacqui will continue in her teaching role and Kristen will remain on staff as a part-time history teacher for the remainder of the year.
Jon Charlton - Principal