Principal's Notes
Notes
Remembrance Day
As all would be aware Sunday, November 11 marked the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914-1918). One hundred years ago, on November 11, 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of warfare. Over the four years of war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of those had died. Each year on November 11 we remember those who died or served in wars and armed conflict. I was privileged to attend the Healesville RSL and witness the Remembrance Day Service on Sunday November 11and I was proud of our two school captains as they took a prominent part in the service. We have been so fortunate to have Rory Ferguson and Tiani Heatherich as our two student leaders this year and on Remembrance Day, as on all occasions throughout the year, they represented our school with dignity, respect and confidence.
The jazz ensemble were also integral to the Service and they represented Healesville High School impeccably, performing the National Anthem. Congratulations to our musicians and school captains.
Examinations
Year 12 examinations are almost complete, with a Japanese examination on Wednesday November 21 the only one still to occur for our students. Years 10 and 11 students will participate in their end of year examinations between November 20-23 and Years 8 and 9 students will complete theirs on December 3 and 4. It is important for students to learn how to demonstrate their knowledge under exam conditions and we provide students with the opportunity each year, both at end of first semester and at end of year. Students will be aware that these examinations must be approached seriously and require adequate preparation including revision of work completed and further study of the content that will be examined. Some may find this time quite nerve-wracking but the continual practice will help students as they proceed throughout their years at school.
Presentation Evening
This year, as for many years past, our Presentation Evening will be held on the Tuesday of the last week of Term Four.
Please save that date – Tuesday December 18, with the junior presentations being held between 5.00pm and 6.30pm and the
senior presentations between 7.30pm and 9.00pm.
The evening will be held in the Ion Whykes Performing Arts Centre on the school grounds.
Reach for the Stars Concert
Those fortunate enough to have attended the Reach for the Stars concert held on October 23 will attest that the evening was a brilliant celebration of the year for the Instrumental Music program. Healesville High School students shared the stage with their younger music colleagues from Healesville Primary School and the night was a wonderful showcase of young musical talent and endeavour. Once again, thank you to Amanda Morrison for all she has done in coordinating the music program and a huge thank you also to her team of instrumental music teachers. If you were unable to attend this year I encourage you to put next year’s concert date in your diary as soon as it is released. You won’t be disappointed.
Parent Opinion Survey
Thank you to all families who completed the parent opinion survey this year. Schools have now received the results and we will carefully study the feedback given, commence actions to address areas of concern and further consolidate areas where feedback indicates strong satisfaction amongst parents. High levels of parent satisfaction were indicated in areas such as school support (I am able to get the information I need through the school’s regular communication channels), physical environment (the school has clean and well-maintained facilities and grounds), respect for diversity (the school treats my child with respect) and school connectedness (this school gives my child opportunities to participate in school activities).
Areas indicated as in need of additional focus were primarily in the realm of student voice and agency (the school provides opportunities for my child to make decisions and solve problems and; my child is taught organisational skills to help him/her with managing homework and school work load). Teacher feedback to students was also identified and this will be a prime focus in 2019. Thanks again to all families who completed the survey this year.
Allan Rennick