Principal Report

A message from the Principal

Ms Nerina Pretlove

As we come to the conclusion of the school year, we are reflecting on the year that was and look forward to the exciting start of the next.  We know that our students experience success in many ways and across many domains. Our presentation night will recognise the many students who have demonstrated this success. Congratulations to each and every one of them.

We constantly pursue the latest in educational thinking and practice to provide our students with the opportunity to excel and strive to achieve their goals. This year, we have looked to the work of Dr John Hattie and Professor Yong Zhou to underpin the developing middle school program. Year 7 students have reflected that they have found their work engaging and have enjoyed the challenges of project-based learning.

In recognition of those students who are focussed on an academic pathway, we have established the Evans Gold Program. A group of Year 11 2020 students who have demonstrated a consistent academic application, high levels of attendance and adherence to our school values have been nominated to participate in a program aimed at supporting their transition to university.  They will be provided with access to university programs, student study days, mentors and workshops.  Students will have to maintain the qualities which allowed their entrance into the program to remain in it over Years 11 and 12. From time to time, we will invite other students to apply to join the group.

Likewise, we have a group of students who are interested in seeking employment in the trades and we will be able to provide them with a mathematics program in Year 11 and 12 to target the numeracy skill sets required for employment. We have also introduced the Work Studies course  and a wide range of VET subjects to support their transition from school to work.

One of the areas that students, their parents and teachers alike have indicated is of great concern is sleep deficit. As part of our student well being program, we have introduced sleep workshops led by a specialist in the area of sleep management.  Initially undertaken by Year 11 this year, the courses will be extended to other students including those Year 5 and 6 from Walters Road Public School. After conversations with parents, we are also going to offer a range of Parental Master Classes which will include these workshops and ones that focus on cyber safety. These will run in the early evening. Please keep an eye out for them next year.

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding teaching staff whom we have here at Evans High School and Intensive English Centre who work tirelessly to provide students with a challenging curriculum, outstanding extra-curricula opportunities and supportive learning environments.  Our staff in the Front Office,  the learning support officers in classrooms, our cleaners,  Business Manager and our awesome General Assistant are the core of our school.  Thank you for an amazing year’s work.

Before I sign off, a huge congratulations must go to our dancers who performed in the 2019 Schools Spectacular and to the VET Entertainment students who had the opportunity to work behind the scenes to support the production.  Thank you to the teachers who supported them and to our Solid Ground partners who have continued to provide mentoring and build our students’ skills and confidence. Well done!

To our families and school community, we wish you a safe and happy break and look forward to working with you next year.