Principal Report
Student Survey
Recently the Student Attitudes to School Survey data came back to the college and there has been a huge improvement in how students are feeling at school. In every single area, students felt more engaged, safer and connected to our learning environment. It has been the best return of data from the survey I’ve experienced in my time at the college. Part of the reason may be the fact as a whole staff we are trying to give students voice a bigger platform and talking to them about previous survey results to find out why they felt certain areas were low. The survey was completed in early August.
We’ve had 90% of staff complete the staff survey and double the amount of parents complete theirs as well. We haven’t received the results of those yet.
Equestrian Opportunities at Edenhope College
In the 2022 school year, Edenhope College is looking to introduce Equestrian training as part of its curriculum. We currently have Edwina Price working on our staff who is qualified to run the equine program. Eddie is a passionate pony/horse enthusiast, and her achievements can be seen at the bottom of the article.
Speaking with Eddie, she would look to teach current Edenhope College students who have their own horses or students that have access to horses. The ideal class size would be built around 3 to 4 students, which is the optimum size and classes would be on a weekly basis. The class would be built into a two or three lesson block towards the end of a school day to allow maximum face to face time and for ease of horse/pony transportation. Eddie would like students to be involved in a hands-on approach with helping to run the local Edenhope Show Equestrian Event. This would help them learn what goes on behind the scenes of running a competition. Eddie would lead students toward competing at local and interschool competitions. All going well Edenhope College would initially look at attending 3 weekend competitions over the first year.
Words from Edwina:
"We could link students into the local Pony Club where they could work towards acquiring a Pony Club certificate, which includes theory and practical work. It’s about how to look after a horse properly and developing riding skills. There are local assessors who could help with this, so it would be easy enough to do. Students would just have to purchase the certificate workbook. The benefits of linking in with the local Pony Club and becoming a member ($150), is that you get 24/7 insurance, and you support a local club. Most of the riders at school are already Pony Club members.
Competitions:
Local - Edenhope winter series & Edenhope show, both are show jumping.
Interschool competitions:
Hamilton, Elmore and Werribee.
The Werribee competition would be an amazing experience for our country students to go to. They hold international level events there, they have amazing facilities and cross-country courses. The interschool event itself caters to all levels of riding and different events."
Edwina’s Qualifications:
NCAS Level 1 coach
Current Show Jumping Sub-Junior Coach for Victoria Pony Club National Championships
2018 Pony Club Coach for Junior Australian team that went to China.
5th in TV series Jump Off
Winner of individual and team Show jumping Title at Pony Club Nationals
NSW State Amateur Show Jumping Title
We really are excited at Edenhope College about the opportunity that Eddie’s passion will provide for students in 2022 and beyond.
Semester 2 Reports
Just a heads up for all parents and students that English and Mathematics will be reported normally with progression points in all reports from Foundation to Year 10. Due to the extent of remote learning in the second semester, all other subjects in these year levels will have comments regarding what students have achieved and where to next, but judgements for progression points will not be included. A comment regarding how your child engaged in remote learning will also be added. Please feel free to contact the school and talk to your child’s teacher/s at any stage.
2022 Staffing
Most staffing has been finalised with just an English/Humanities teacher position left to fill. Mr Bucknell has enrolled to go back to university in Melbourne, studying for his Masters of International Education (International Baccalaureate), and has indicated he’ll then move towards teaching internationally. He has been a very passionate teacher and will be missed in our learning community. All the best Mr Bucknell with wherever your career takes you!
Trevor McClure
Principal