Principal's News

Welcome

I’d like to welcome everyone back from the summer break and extend a special greeting to all those who have recently joined the Ringwood Secondary College community. I hope you enjoyed a relaxing time and you're feeling refreshed and ready to take on the learning challenges of 2017. Classes commenced last week and it has been a busy and productive start of the year for all year levels. Our College assembly this week highlighted our student leaders and the major events and activities of the college for Term 1.

Our College Production for 2017, “Chicago” under the leadership of our new director for Performing Arts , Mr Karl McNamara has been announced and auditions will commence shortly. By the time that you have read this newsletter we will also have concluded The House Swimming Carnival too.

Staffing in 2017

As is always the case at the beginning of a new school year there are a number of new and returning staff and we particularly welcome them:

• Ms Lara King - English
• Mrs Monica Ho Hawker - English and EAL
• Mr Dane Sorensen Music and Instrumental Music
• Mr Haris Boyd-Gerni  - Music and Humanities
• Ms Beatrice Dauguet - French
• Mrs Kate Tanner - Drama and Dance
• Mr Karl McNamara  -  Director of Performing Arts, Media , Drama
• Miss Karly Horton - House and student Connections Leader, Psychology
• Mr Matthew Tucker -  Middle Sub School Leader, Physical Education
• Miss Sarah Farmer - Sports Trainee
• Ms Prue Bon – English
• Mrs Sjnelle Jordan- French, English
• Ms Virginia Watson - InterGreat Coordinator, Science
• Ms Kati Recinos - InterGreat, Bounce Coordinator, Art
• Mrs Gemma Bishop – Commerce, English
• Ms Marissa Lee, - Humanities, English, French

There are also changes in our structure for 2017 some of which are outlined in the newsletter. They reflect our increasing emphasis on the importance of Houses. Communication about house coordination teams have been notified to all families through Compass.

Building Works

Our building program is progressing well with the Junior school centre really taking shape and is on track for completion during term 3. All of the steel work is now complete and most of the roof has been secured. A significant amount of carpentry and framing is now taking place too.

The building will provide fit for purpose spaces to allow our students to have a 21st century learning environment. Our library upgrade is on track for completion towards the end of March and most of the plumbing data wiring and plastering is now complete. This term is very tight for classroom spaces as a consequence and I have been most impressed with how our students and staff have managed the situation. Whilst some spaces may be less than ideal in the short term, the changes will benefit everyone.

Student travel to and from Ringwood Secondary College

The college asks that all students ensure respectful and appropriate behaviour especially when travelling on public transport.

We are always concerned about student safety and ask students to cross busy roads at appropriate locations like pedestrian crossings or safety islands. In addition, travelling in small groups is often a good idea and areas like Ringwood Lake are best avoided when travelling alone. In addition, students riding to school should wear their safety helmets.

The signalisation works for Bedford Road / Great Ryrie Street intersection are nearing completion and the lights are expected to be commissioned soon. There will then be a second pedestrian crossing staffed by a crossing supervisor on Bedford road. Further updates will be provided through Compass.

Parents who drive students should be aware of the speed and parking restrictions near the school, as these are regularly enforced. Often it is easier to drop children nearby and allow them to walk a few hundred metres. The car park at the front of the library should not be used as a drop off point at any time immediately before or after school.

College Council Elections 2017

Nominations are now open for three parent vacancies on our school council. If you are an enthusiastic parent interested in getting more involved and having a say in what our college is doing, or know someone who is, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for people who are committed to improving the educational outcomes for all our students.

Effective councils have a broad range of experience, skills and expertise. Face-to-face and online training is also available to help councillors develop the skills and knowledge for the job. Parents find their involvement satisfying and may also find that their children feel a greater sense of belonging.

If you would like to find out more information, please give me a call at the college. Nominations close on Tuesday February 21 2017 and forms are available from school reception or via email from Karen Carden.  kcarden@ringwoodsc.vic.edu.au

Michael Phillips

Principal