Principal's Report
Principal's Report
Dear families,
We are certainly heading into the depths of winter as the days become shorter and darkness descends earlier. The winter solstice is the day of the year that has the least daylight hours of any in the year and this usually occurs on the 22 or 23rd of June which also marks the end of term. I am certainly looking forward to the daylight hours increasing in term 3.
On Thursday morning we became aware of the vandalism and theft of 20 external speakers from our PA system around the external areas of our buildings. Cages were damaged when they were levered off along with damage to walls and roof space The cost to the school will be approximate $14,000. The incident has been reported to the police and we have the CCTV footage. The theft occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning. This footage shows three males unknown to us. This is the second time that the college has been targeted. If families hear of speakers being sold in the area we encourage you to advise the college and we will pass the information to the police.
We have our phone system internally but this will impact external notifications.
Next Monday, June 12th marks the long weekend, a day to acknowledge the King’s Birthday. This is the first acknowledgement for the new King Charles III. The college is closed on that date as it is a public holiday for most sectors.
The academic year is rapidly progressing for our Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) students. The General Achievement Test (GAT) for all students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3 – 4 sequences is on Thursday June 15th. The exam will be held onsite at the college. All VCE and VCE VET students will be required to sit Section A and B. Vocational Major students will sit Section A. The VCE Vocational Major is a 2-year vocational and applied learning program that will enable transitions into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training and university (via non-ATAR pathways).
Meanwhile our Year 4 to 6 students in our primary school are heading to Campaspe Downs near Kyneton for a two-night camp this coming week. School camp is always an absolute highlight of the year for the students. Parents are advised to pack additional warm clothing or thermals for under their clothes, beanies, and a waterproof jacket.
Our capital works program continues with new paving now accessible to staff and students. These new areas have decreased the amount of mud in classrooms, which is timely, given the inclement weather we have been experiencing. We will be moving into our new Arts precinct ready to commence term 3 and look forward to sharing our new spaces with our students, staff, and the community. The new facilities are looking amazing and will provide high quality learning spaces for our students which they deserve.
Parent Teacher Interviews for all primary students and Year 12’s will be held in the first week of term 3. The schedule of bookings will be available on compass for ease of access. Interviews for families of students in Years 7 – 11 will be held at the commencement of Term 4.
The highly anticipated annual senior snow camp is scheduled for term 3 with dates to be confirmed. Details will be given via compass for senior students with priority placement provided for students in Years 11 and 12.
Altona College is currently taking Prep Enrolments. If your enrolled child has a sibling that is entering Prep next year please complete and submit the enrolment application form found on the college website as soon as practicable. Alternatively drop into the administration office and collect one.
The secondary school examination period for semester 1 is from the 15th to the 17th of June. All students will be undertaking examinations in key learning areas. Parent communication regarding the exam timetable will be via compass.
BUS REMINDER
I have distributed information regarding the bus service over the past few weeks. Please be advised that commencing Monday 5th June, the bus will not be waiting for students until 3:20pm due to disruptions to future timetables. Students will, as previously advised, need to find an alternative solution via the PTV app. Please note: a bus to Altona Meadows departs the college via Civic Parade at 3:53pm and students are welcome to sit after school in the senior centre and commence their homework to utilise that service. No student will be dismissed early!
Advance Notice
A curriculum day is scheduled for Friday 4th August. This is a pupil free day and families will need to arrange alternative care for their child on that date.
End of term 2 – Early finish 2:30pm
Term 2 will finish at 2:30pm on Friday, June 23rd. Please note students will need to make alternative arrangements to return home via public transport. A crossing supervisor will be in place on both Civic and Grieve Parade as the 40km school zone is in place from 2:30pm.
Wishing all our families a warm and relaxing weekend.
Julie Krause