College Principal's Report
Principal's Report
Welcome to this edition of our newsletter
Recent events have highlighted to us all the importance of belonging to communities. Communities are often brought together when faced with adversity and this has been seen across Australia during the floods in Queensland, in many regions where farmers have been struggling with the drought and the past week with the bushfires. As our firefighters across Victoria have fought tirelessly to save their communities, people from across Victoria once again came together to support the many families, animals and other community members impacted.
Scoresby Secondary College can be described as a learning community, a community in which teachers, parents and other members share a common goal to provide every student every opportunity to grow. True to the meaning of community, we also work together to support families through times of adversity, raise funds for charities and organisations through our student leadership and VCAL programs and next term we will have our students working on a significant project with multiple organisations to bring anticipated benefits for the entire Knox community.
There are many benefits in building a culture whereby our students appreciate what it means to give something back to the community and to make a difference to the people around them. For some it will be the satisfaction in making a difference, for others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. If students see members of the family volunteering or giving back, they accept it as a norm.
We are currently still seeking parent nominations for school council. This could be one way you can give back to the College. Over the years I have had many parents who have taken on the role and thanked us for the opportunity. Being a parent on school council not only helps parents to develop a greater understanding of education but also gained skills which have assisted them in their personal and professional lives. In one letter I received several years ago a parent wrote “I never felt I could contribute much to school council however I was welcomed and my contributions valued. I believe the confidence I gained helped me to develop personally and professionally.”
Information Evenings
Since our last newsletter, we have held two information evenings. The first was the Year 7 parent information night. It was excellent to see so many parents in attendance committed to their children’s education. Last Thursday parents from all year levels were invited to hear our guest presenter Michael Griffin who had conducted a whole day of training for staff and sessions for students on the Friday. The presentation titled ‘Motivation and Mindset’ provided parents with significant insight and tips to support student learning confidence. We were fortunate to have Michael work with us for two days prior to leaving for travelling to the UK and other countries where is he a sought after presenter.
Student Focus
We are now well into Term 1, and I am pleased with the quality of the teaching and learning taking place. Students at this stage of the term will have commenced or completed assessments in each of their subjects. At Scoresby Secondary College we want to ensure all students extend their skills and knowledge, therefore it is an expectation that each day all students will review what they have learned and complete all homework set.
Regular and timely communication between parents, guardians and teachers is a critical factor in supporting student learning growth. Parents/guardians can log onto Compass to obtain immediate and frequent communication between school and the home. Compass School Management System Compass is used to:
Inform students, parents and guardians of the intended learning for each lesson and due dates for set tasks.
- Notify parents and guardians of overdue work and/or academic concerns.
- Provide online attendance.
- Updates
Notification of newsletter, "The Score" publication
If you require any guidance in relation to using Compass please collect another Compass booklet from the General Office or contact Mr Chris Knight to seek assistance to be shown how to access the program.
Activities and Events
The College athletics sports were held at Knox Athletics Centre this week with the weather being kind by not being too hot and rain holding off. It was especially pleasing to see the majority of students putting hands up to participate. Student behaviour was excellent and the sportsmanship and support for each other throughout the day was exceptional. Well done to Mr Ben Phillips our sports coordinator for his organisation, Tracey Carpenter who was the race starter, ex-student Bec Carpenter, and staff for making the day a success.
Congratulations to all winners.
Other events, which have taken place the last few weeks, are, Year 11 Elevate Study Skills Session, Year 8 and 9 excursions to KIOSC at Swinburne University for science and the Years 7-10 performances by Brainstorm Productions.
Student Uniform
I would like to remind parents and guardians to refer to the College Uniform Policy. Most students represent the College proudly with less than ten student’s parents having to be contacted for breaches with hair colour or piercings so far this year. The policy was developed with significant community input and is compulsory.
From March 12 students who continue to bring the incorrect school bag will have their bags removed for parents to collect at the end of the day.
Mrs. Gail Major
Principal