Principal's Report
Northcote High School Languages Program
Northcote High School Council recently met to discuss the school’s Languages Program in the context of the school’s broader teaching and learning program. As you may be aware, Northcote High will begin review and planning for the next phase of school strategic planning in 2017. Consequently, it has been determined that engagement with the school community regarding the Languages Program will be undertaken as part of the school’s broader review and strategic planning process, which will culminate in the development of a new strategic plan for the school beginning in 2019. importantly, engagement with the school community regarding strategic planning will be aligned with the NHS Community Engagement Policy.
As previously advised, the Languages Program will continue in its current format in 2017, offering students beginning Year 7 a choice of four languages.
The schools commitment to Realising the Vision (Project Curriculum Refresh) is on track to begin phase 1 of implementation in 2018. In relation to this core work, there will be regular updates in the school’s newsletter regarding community engagement opportunities.
This is an exciting time for Northcote High School. Thank you for your interest in ensuring our school reflects the community of which it is a part and in so doing is a leader of contemporary learning for young Australians into the 2020s and 2030s.
Exciting times – Facilities Snap Shot!
The next 18 months will see a number of facility upgrades including improvements to the schools learning and social spaces. The following link provides key information as to what will be happening, where, why and when. Key projects include:
- Art and Design Hub (refurbishment of Buildings B and C) October 2016 – March 2017
- Performance Hub (new build) April 2017 – April 2018
The Art and & Design Hub
Planning for the Art and Design Hub was collectively achieved through the efforts of teachers, students and school community experts. This resulted in a project brief that focused on the development of contemporary specialist learning spaces and shared planning areas, opening classrooms and providing greater opportunities for collaboration and celebration of student work.
Community members are encouraged to connect with the project plans and we welcome comments.
Plans are on display in the school foyer until mid October, with a drop box for comments.
Bike Parking REVAMP!
An enthusiastic team of Captains Council members are leading a Revamp of Bike Parking @ NHS. Students participated in a workshop led by Vanessa Walker (parent) and Nelly Montague (Transport Officer Darebin Council). During the workshop students:
- Identified current parking locations
- Considered who parks where
- Recorded the number of riders per day
- Analysed direction on arrival
- Considered key features of bike parking areas at NHS and beyond
- Discussed the pros and cons of the possible improvement options
Next steps
The group will be surveying students, meeting with interested staff and developing an upgrade plan – stay posted for more information and if you have expertise in bike parking please connect with Kate Morris or Matthew Thomas (9488 2332)
Realising The Vision: Project Refresh – 2018
As highlighted in the last newsletter – work continues on Project Refresh for Stage 1 implementation in 2018. Last week curriculum committee further evolved understanding and action around the project with in-principle agreement regarding a recommendation to begin the planning and implementation phase.
Next step for the Project Team is to begin organisational and curriculum planning to ensure a contemporary learning paradigm is a feature of our school for all students and staff.
The Project Team will present to School Council this week.
See full report in this edition.
Resignation of Assistant Principal Nick Murphy
Nick Murphy (shown above) has written to me to advise me of his intention to resign as Assistant Principal at the start of the 2017 school year.
Nick has served as an Assistant Principal here at Northcote High School for over 18 years - coming here after a stint at Museum Victoria as a Senior Education Officer. He previously taught at Northcote, Princes Hill SC and Montmorency SC.
I know I speak for all of us when I say how sorry we are to see him go, and how much we will miss his contribution to school life. In his time here he has taught History at every level, English, Media Studies, Politics, Social Studies, coached Soccer and Table Tennis, as well as led the Senior and Junior Schools. His passion for Northcote has been his trademark. We wish him well.
Titration Competition Award
Congratulations to Finn Nott, Patrick Butler and Jack Puccinni, who were runner's up in the Victorian Titration Competition. See enclosed for details.
Opportunity for input - tonight
The Darebin Council in partnership with the Victorian Government are proposing increasing the provision of netball courts (see attached) in the cities of Yarra, Darebin, Melbourne and Moreland (see the attached letter for details).
Our school community are delighted that Northcote High School is one of the proposed sites.
Community consultation around this terrific initiative will take place on (6 - 7 pm), on 13th Sept. Details are attached (also of two other consultation evenings at other venues on 12 and 15 Sept).
I urge you to support the courts at Northcote High School by writing and / or attending one of the consultation evenings.
When: Tuesday 13 September 2016
Where: Northcote High
Time: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Kate Morris, Principal