Principal's Report
Dear Collingwood College,
We are now coming to the end of a school term that none of us could have anticipated. As you can imagine, this term has been like no other term in schooling history. ‘Social distancing’ and ‘remote flexible learning’ are terms that we rarely had mentioned ten weeks back. Now we discuss, plan and act daily. How fast the world can change!
I’m pleased to announce that Collingwood College is in a terrific position to start Term 3. Staffing arrangements in the primary school are confirmed, and we have a timetable complete for Secondary in semester 2. Due to growth in year 10 level, extra classes have been added.
Staffing / Workforce
Bill Theodoropoulos (shared science lab technician with FHS) has made a career change and taken a new position at Melbourne High School. We wish Bill the best for the future and appreciate the achievements he has made in the short space of time he has been with us. This position is advertised and will be filled very shortly.
We say hello and welcome to Jonjie Beltran as our newly appointed academic facilitator. You will see Jonjie in administration in the mornings before working with Margaret, Judith and other members of leadership in the afternoons. Jonje will be coordinating attendance updates and ensure that all our records are accurate.
We also welcome back Euan Morton who has been on leave for 6 months.
Black Lives Matter #BLM
Special mention needs to go to our Wellbeing Team and students involved with the SRC. They have worked together over the past few weeks to create a statement in relation to the #BLM movement. This is student voice at its best.
We at Collingwood College acknowledge the injustice, inequality and distress that has led to the recent worldwide response in support of people of colour. The BLM campaign highlights for all of us the impact of all forms of racism. Students, staff and community at Collingwood College are consistently working towards a range of approaches to increase our understanding to inform future action and education. Should any students wish to discuss any issues or feelings that may arise, please feel free to visit our Wellbeing team for support.
Additionally, Hibo Khalif, YR12, who is well known to us as a long time SRC rep and now SRC Captain, has recently had poetry published in response to #BLM on the Womens Agenda website. Please take 5 minutes to have a look
https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/in-this-country-we-are-shamed-why-is-it-a-poem-by-hibo-khalif/
It is a wonderful and proud feeling when our students receive airtime in the media.
Spring Fair
A reminder that due to COVID-19 and the uncertainties in relation to social gatherings, School Council has cancelled the 2020 Spring Fair. Even though our main annual school celebration and community relations event cannot go ahead, we are enthusiastic to invite school community members to help plan the best way to celebrate as a whole community at a reimagined event later in the year. All suggestions welcome. Feel free to contact us at collingwood.co@education.vic.gov.au
Feedback – Remote Flexible Learning
I have put out an earlier Compass post on behalf of the Department of Education and Training seeking feedback on the operations of remote/flexible learning during the pandemic.
All parents, students and staff can provide feedback at https://engage.vic.gov.au/lessons-remote-and-flexible-learning before the a deadline of 30th June.
I’d like to thank all of you who have responded so far. I’d also like to thank those of you who have sent us private messages containing feedback. This has also been forwarded to Department of Education and Training.
Both EdPol committee and Learning Communities will be looking at this feedback next term to discuss and learn from. Stay tuned for more information.
Holiday
I wish you all a fabulous and well deserved break, particularly to our school staff who have been nothing short of amazing over the last term.
VICTORIAN CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER'S MESSAGE TO PARENTS
Please click on the link to read advice sent today (26-06-20) from the Chief Health Officer as we head into School Holidays with our active pandemic:
Stay safe everyone!
Sam Luck
Collingwood College Principal