Learning from history

Having recently returned to school from being on Long Service Leave, I found myself reflecting on how privileged I was to have had the opportunity to experience two incredible cultures in Bali and the Northern Territory during this time.  Whilst both cultures are richly intricate, the distinctions between them highlight the diverse ways in which societies develop and evolve based on their unique histories and environments. Whilst both Bali and the Northern Territory First Nations hold a strong sense of community and share practices that honour their connection to the land, they differ significantly in terms of religious influences, historical backgrounds, and artistic expressions.

As a school we understand that as caretakers of the future generation, you play an integral role in shaping your children's education and values. One crucial aspect of their learning journey is the inclusion and recognition of First Nations history and teachings within our schools, alongside a comprehensive understanding of various historical perspectives. By incorporating these essential components into the curriculum, we provide our students with a well-rounded and holistic view of our nation's and the world's history. In particular, our Djeembana program in year 9 has an important component where Indigenous Cultures in the modern world are unpacked and discussed, then further researched by the students. 

Teaching Australia's First Nations history fosters empathy, respect, and a deeper connection to the land we share, while also shedding light on the cultural significance and resilience of Indigenous peoples. Additionally, a diverse range of historical narratives allows our children to appreciate different cultures, viewpoints, and events, nurturing critical thinking and open-mindedness. This knowledge equips them with the tools to become informed and responsible citizens, actively contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious society. Together, we can create a learning environment that embraces the past, acknowledges the present, and builds a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

AUDITIONS AND TRY-OUTS

Saturday August 5th was the Edutest for entry into the 2024 SEAL program for year 7. There were many excited grade six students and their parents with us for the morning to undertake this testing process. The auditions and try-outs for Dance Academy, Sport Academy and Art Academy will soon follow. For our current students who may like to try-out for a place in any of the year 8 or 9 Academies in 2024, we will be holding auditions (Dance), try-outs (Sport) and applications (Art) in term four. Acceptance in any of the academies (other than SEAL) is based on:

• Number of Spaces available, if any
• Students’ capacity to meet the standard.
• Reports from teachers
• Student behaviour

Keep an eye out for the dates for these try-outs later this term.

Students identified as having gained a place in SEAL are based in the strength of their data, aptitude, suitability and availability of spaces in the program. 

LIFE AND STUDY SKILLS

Life skills and study skills are indispensable pillars of a comprehensive school curriculum, equipping students with the essential tools they need to navigate both their academic journey and the challenges of real-world scenarios.

This term:

-Year 7 have been looking at Study Planners, Growth Mindset, resilience and goal setting. 

-Year 8 have focussed on Mental Health Toolbox, memory and mnemonics and plagiarism.

-Year 9 have looked at Road Safety, goal setting for semester two and are now looking at Internet and the Law.

Early next term, all year levels will commence exam strategies, in preparation for the examinations in term four.

PARKING

Just a reminder that the front car park, accessible from the Bluff Road entrance of the school cannot to be used to drop off and pickup students during the day. This is often creating a safety risk for students and creates congestion in this small space.  Parents who need to come in during the day to sign a student in or out or to attend an appointment are more than welcome to park in the front carpark, for their convenience. 

WWRY

It has been a pleasure to watch the development of our College Production We Will Rock You at rehearsals, which are now in full swing. This is such a fantastic opportunity for all of our students from year 7 to 12 to come together, whether it be as an actor, singer, dancer, tech crew, set constructor, costume assistant or working with our lighting designer. 

We are also very lucky to have the support and expertise of many Alumni and parent helpers, who give so much of their time to help make this the great show that it will be. As always, we must thank our amazing staff, Prue, Amy, Matt, Laura and Heather who give so much of their time to create this wonderful opportunity for our students. Please check  the Performing Arts tab of this newsletter for information regarding tickets to this amazing show. 

Expectations placed on our teachers

1. No mobile phones – this is a ministerial order and teachers are to confiscate phones and to take them to the YLL office and hand them to admin staff.
2. No earbuds/earphones – teachers are not to allow students to use earbuds unless it is clearly written into the lesson plan. Students must take them out, please ensure that you are aware of students who have noise cancelling headphones as a part of an IEP.
3. No bags in class – laptop bags permitted only - OHS risk
4. Lateness – ALL students who are late to class are to be sent to late room P1 unless they have a signed late pass from the YLL office. All other lateness is to be recorded on COMPASS. 
5. Uniform – Year 7- 11 students out of uniform are to be given a yellow post on Compass. 
6. Standing behind chairs calmly at the start of class (or in another arrangement for Dance, HPE and Theatre) – all Year 7- 11 students are expected to do this at the start of the lesson to settle and so that you can give instructions.
7. Cleaning up and packing up rooms at the conclusion of a lesson – All students are expected to tidy up the classroom prior to exiting the classroom and teachers are expected to ensure that this happens.
8. Use of technology – students are not to be permitted to play games or to access social media during class. 
9. Movement around the classroom – teachers are asked to not sit at the front of the room but to move around the classroom to actively supervise students 
10. Swearing/racism/homophobia and misogyny – teachers are to call this out immediately and clearly. Teachers must report racism and discrimination of any sort to the YLL
11. Out of class - students are not permitted out of class unless there is a significant need or if it is part of the learning and lesson plan. This is to minimise risks to students. Any student exiting the classroom must be logged on COMPASS. The student will also receive an "out of class" pass. 
12. Respectful classrooms process and SWPB – all teachers are required to understand and refer to SWPB and to follow the respectful classrooms process. It is the teachers responsibility to do this prior to escalating to the YLL. The only exception is in a dangerous situation where the teacher or other students are placed at risk by the behaviour of a student. 

Vivienne McElwee

Campus Principal