Assistant Principals

From Mrs Stathatos

Welcome to 2017 and what a beginning it has been!

Full of action and activity, the college is operating admirably under testing conditions as the building program continues. We thank everyone for his and her patience as the commitment to improving our learning environment comes to fruition. Building progress so far looks promising and enticing.

As always we have new and returning staff in any new year and you will read the introductions of some of our beginning teachers to the college in this edition. We are certain that they will be wonderful contributors to the culture and service of our school.

The Compass calendar contains general information for parents including the term dates and public holidays, whole school events and assemblies, parent teacher interviews, pupil free days and parent information nights. Parents who are involved in school council and its sub committees can also refer to the calendar to see the meeting schedule.

The Curriculum Committee had its first meeting and established key priority areas that our Heads of Learning will drive in their Learning Area meetings. Staff are working to develop continuous feedback comments for Learning Tasks in all subjects. Parent teacher interviews will take place at the end of this term and you will be invited to book through Compass later this term for these interviews.

The Year 12 Debutante Ball rehearsals have commenced and despite the heat in the gym and the hall, the happy, smiley faces of our students outweighed the slight discomfort they experienced in this warm weather. There is a real sense of community and co-operation with parents, teachers and students in this event and it is a joy to see. Thank you to Year 12 parents who have volunteered their services at rehearsals so far. Kathy Donovan, our Debutante Ball parent co-ordinator, has been kept busy organising and managing the schedule along with another parent Vicky Pleydell. We look forward to the Year 12 Debutante Ball at The Grand in Wantirna on the 4th of  March.

The Parent, Citizens and Teachers Association, (PCTA) is holding its first meeting of the year next week. We have had a number of new parents express interest in joining us and we welcome everyone who would like to meet in the spirit of friendship and service to the college. We will formally say goodbye and thank you to one of our parents whose children have completed their schooling at a Ringwood Secondary College School Council meeting in March. Meredith Anderson has done a superb job as Secretary of the PCTA and we will miss her greatly.

Eleni Stathatos

From Mr Barut

It is with great pleasure, as the Assistant Principal that oversees all the sub schools, that I welcome back all students for the start of the 2017 school year. I also extend greetings to all our parents and all our partners that make up this magnificent Ringwood Secondary College community.

Certainly, I can only envisage the night before where there would have been great excitement and a few nerves about the start of the school year. We were delighted to welcome our newest cohort into the school, the Year Seven class of 2017, all the way to our Year 12 class of 2017.

I would like to congratulate all our students for the terrific start, where the main focus has been settling into classes with their teachers. It is imperative that to continue this excellent start, students must attend all their lessons and get to school every day. Of course, if there are extenuating circumstances, we ask that parents approve any absence on Compass.

Please read this newsletter carefully to familiarize yourself with the best contact that can help you with any issues that may arise with your son or daughter. In case you are not familiar with the new college structure, each student is aligned to a House, thus, they are also aligned to a  co-ordinator who is in the same House.

Parents and carers, we ask that you log onto Compass to connect with the work that your son/daughter is doing under Learning Tasks so that the learning journey becomes a shared responsibility. Also, at times, Compass notices that are relevant to a specific year level will be posted, that may require parental action.

We look forward to a sensational 2017.

Again, welcome.

James Barut

From Mrs Allison

Welcome back to school for 2017. It looks to be another year full of great opportunities, experiences, achievements and challenges supported with positive teaching and learning.

It is a privilege to be working alongside innovative and energetic Leading Teachers, Anna Benson (Positive Education and Pathways Leader), Roi Boutsikakis (Director of Sport), Karly Horton (Director of Houses and Community Engagement) and Karl McNamara (Director of Performing Arts). Their expertise and energy will no doubt provide improved access to co curricular programs for our students that will strengthen our College.

Ringwood Secondary College (RSC) has always provided an enriched learning environment with involvement in leadership, performing arts, sport or debating to name a few programs. Students and their families are encouraged to become actively involved, to meet new people and fully embrace what the RSC community has to offer. Throughout the year, the House system will be further embedded across student management, Positive Education through ‘Bounce’ will expand into learning areas and explicit positive education lessons will be taught weekly.

With hot weather forecast for most of February, it is advisable that hats are worn outside and students are hydrated. Hats are available for purchase from PSW in Croydon. Students and parents are encouraged to download the Australian UV Alert app onto their iPhone, iPad and Android devices. It provides the UV rating and weather forecast for the day. The app lets you know when you do and don't need sun protection, making it easier than ever to be smart about sun exposure all year.

http://www.sunsmart.com.au/tools/interactive-tools/free-sunsmart-app

Congratulations are extended to the successful students who applied for leadership positions. The positions are very diverse and include a large number of portfolios across all year levels. Within the next few weeks both the Prefects Induction and Junior School ambassador training will showcase these leaders.

I look forward to what will be a busy and exciting year.

Mrs Maria Allison