From the Principal

Welcome to 2022!

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the 2022 school year!

Our first edition of the Chatter was always going to be a big one, but this one has been further 'enhanced' by the inclusion of our COVID-19 update which will be a regular segment in the Chatter.

Our Year 11 Induction Day was a resounding success despite the impromptu mask-wearing mandate coming in the night before. 73 eager and nervous Year 11's spent the day getting to know each other, our staff and our processes. The weekend was full of getting to know you activities lead brilliantly by our dedicated Student Council with trips to the Kellerberrin Pool, in-house basketball matches, movies in the Rec Centre and more. Thank you also to the 23 parents who provided us with fantastic feedback via the survey emailed out as this will assist us with planning for next year.

Our Year 12's returned on Sunday rested, happy to catch up with each other and commenced the year on a positive note. I spoke to them at our Day 1 assembly about how quickly this year will go by and to make the most of the time and opportunities on offer. Getting back into solid routines and following the College Guidelines and processes will ensure they are not distracted from their goal to finish off their final year of schooling strong and on a positive note. I am excited to see what this impressive cohort of young people will produce this year!

We are planned and ready to navigate whatever this year throws our way, with staff and student health and wellbeing at the core of our decision making. The COVID-19 Update section of the Chatter will feature important information and updates and I encourage you to access this each fortnight. We will also require information from you along the way via surveys and I thank you in advance for completing these to assist with our planning. 

A separate 'Important COVID Update' letter went out today regarding mass gatherings and procedures for weekend pickup which I ask you also read.

College Board and P&C EOI's

We have had a fantastic response to the College Board and P&C with 11 nominations for the P&C and 9 nominations for the College Board! A big thank you to those who have offered to contribute to our continuous improvement.

As there are 3 vacant positions on the College Board and 9 nominees, I am required to facilitate an 'election' where parents will vote in the representatives. I have asked all nominees to provide a short statement to facilitate this process. This will occur in coming weeks.

It's safe to say that P&C President, Terri Tholstrup is ecstatic about the EOI's for the P&C and she will be making contact with those who have volunteered to be on the committee in coming weeks.

Vaccination Requirements

It is important all students who are 16+ (and their families) are aware of the mandated 'Proof of Vaccination' requirements for particular venues. Unvaccinated students without an exemption will not be permitted to access these venues during school excursions or activities (e.g. McDonalds, the cinema, various shows and competitions, the College Ball etc).  

Please note this is a State Government mandate, not a school mandate, and relies on individual students maintaining their legal obligations. I encourage all eligible students to be vaccinated and have their evidence easily accessible on the Safe WA app.

Learning From Home Survey

We kindly ask that all families complete the 2 minute survey ASAP to indicate your child's ability to access the internet and adequately learn from home.

https://www.schoolsurvey.edu.au/s/DistanceEdSurvey

In closing, our staff and students have all returned refreshed and ready for the term. There is an overwhelmingly positive tone across the college and we could not have asked for a smoother, more enjoyable commencement.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss any matters. I am here to support all stakeholders to ensure the ongoing success of all students.