Associate Principal, Operations Report

Staffing

Further to previous advice provided through the Newsletter, it has been very good to see how well Mrs Erin Parker has settled in to the Extra Studies role at Chaucer street.  Mrs Parker is covering Ms Valetta Bolton’s classes on this site whilst Ms Bolton enjoys her Long Service Leave in Spain.  I understand Mrs Dee-Anne Gerring is also well established at the Junior School as she covers Ms Bolton’s classes there.

Parents of students in 6N have received direct communication from Dr Hirst regarding arrangements to cover Mrs Elisha Nettleton’s absence as the birth of her child approaches.  Mrs Louise Patterson has agreed to increase the days scheduled to be here to allow Mrs Nettleton a smoother transition to her Leave and they have met to discuss the programme for the class for the time affected. 

As parents will be aware, Mrs Ursula Murphy concludes her time with us this week.  She assumes a new position at South West TAFE next week and we wish her well in that role.  Mrs Sylvia McMullen, an experienced teacher who has taught Senior Science at Ballarat Clarendon College and Girton Grammar in Bendigo, as well as at Baimbridge since her return to the district, will replace Mrs Murphy from 14 May.  Mrs McMullen has filled in here from time to time, is well-regarded in our staff room and is delighted to be “returning home” (she is an Old Collegian).  Next week, members of the Science Faculty will cover Mrs Murphy’s Science classes prior to Mrs McMullen’s commencement. 

Mrs Murphy’s Year 7 Chinese class will be taken by Mrs Anli Zuo for the remainder of the year.  Mrs Zuo will commence with the 7s next week and it will be good to welcome her back to the Senior School after a few months’ absence.  Her experience at this level will enable her to take over  very effectively.

Mr Ben Hiscock has been appointed Head of Laidlaw to replace Mrs Murphy, whose tenure ended with more success, this time in the Cross Country last week.  Questions will be asked if Laidlaw enjoys similar success at House Music!  As a result of this appointment, Mr Hiscock will relinquish 8EMusic and Mr Ben Singh will take this class.  The “two Bens” work very well together in the music Faculty so this change should be very smooth.  Mr Hiscock’s Learmonth group will acquire a new Mentor in Mrs McMullen.

Finally, I advise parents that Mrs Bonita Silva will take a period of parental leave from late August this year.  She will return next March and we wish her well for the birth of her child.  In her place, Mrs Helen Henry, who has taught English and Drama locally and who completed teaching rounds here several years ago, has been appointed and we look forward to welcoming Mrs Henry back to the College.

Buses

Several Year 12 students have acted as Bus Captains on buses run by the College and we are grateful for their efforts.  As we move into the second half of the Year 12 year, we have appointed some Year 11s to take over these roles for the next twelve months.  These students have agreed to be links between drivers and Miss Waldon and me and to seek to keep our buses orderly and comfortable places for all students.  The new Bus Captains are:

Mortlake – Hamish Branson

Portland – Lachlan Armstrong and Jorjia Farrugia

Warrnambool – Shaun Roache and Niamh Sutherland

Uniform

All students are now required to be in winter uniform.  This means that every student should wear their blazer to and from school each day.  Jumpers and shirts may not be worn as the outer garment with winter trousers or skirts.  In addition, students are expected to wear their ties well, with the top button of the shirt done up under the knot of the tie.  Shirts should be tucked in.  Boys should wear dark socks with their trousers and girls should ensure their navy socks do not fall down.  Jewellery and hair expectations remain unchanged.

We ask for parents’ support in ensuring our uniform is worn well and with pride.  Please do not allow your son or daughter to leave or return home incorrectly dressed in school uniform.

Communion Service

Next week we hold our annual Communion Service in the Senior School.  All students in Years 6-12 will attend and I spoke to the School about this in Assembly this week, noting that the Service reflects the Last Supper of Christ with his Disciples.

In the Uniting Church tradition, the invitation to receive the bread and wine (in our case grape juice!) is open to all; however, some traditions require participants to be Confirmed before they can take part fully in Communion.  Similarly, those who are not Christians may wish to consider their response to the invitation.

As all students will be offered the bread and wine, I suggested students who are at all uncertain about how to respond should discuss this at home ahead of the Service.  It is perfectly acceptable to decline the offer of the elements: we simply ask students to do so respectfully of those who choose to accept them.  Equally, those who choose not to accept the bread and wine ought to be respected also.

Rev Geoff Barker from the Warrnambool Uniting Church will return to lead our Service.  I am certain his message will be one to which  all students will be able to relate.

Neil MacLean