Principal's Message

Well There Goes Semester 1

It's hard to believe that in eight days time we will be going into the winter holiday break. There is no doubt that as school terms go it has been one of many highs and equally many lows.   The ongoing impacts of COVID have tested us all but thankfully we have made it to the other side without the 'lockdowns' of previous years.   I want to thank the students and staff for showing great resilience, perseverance and strength, for soldiering on, assisting each other to make it through the term.   We are extremely lucky to have had so many staff willing to be flexible and teach across the school covering classes as required, meaning that we were able to avoid rolling out class shut downs.    

School Reports

We have made great learning progress within the classrooms and I'm sure this will be evident when parents receive Student Reports on the last day.  Reports will be printed in hard copy for the first time in a few years as well as being made available online.  Student Reports will be posted to families not here on the last day.   The Reports have also had some upgrades so hopefully they are easier to read for parents. 

Great Events

A huge thanks to everyone for seeing that we have had some unique experiences for students this term including the opening of the College Cafe, OHSC - Before and After School Care, the announcement of $12.9 million in building works, Bird Day, Year 7/8 Melbourne Camp, Jacka winning the Cross-Country, Calder Sports, ANZAC Services, School Photos and the Deb Ball. These events have enhanced school pride and spirit, and have helped us make it through the term enjoying a more normal experience as we remember in past years.   We look forward to more fun and adventure in Term 3. 

Final Assembly

It was a great way to finish the term with a Whole School Assembly last week.  We were able to celebrate the wonderful achievements of all students especially the Primary MVP winners.  We also heard reports from the NCD Cross Country, SRC and the Indonesian Excursion.  We congratulated students who have had an amazing attendance record for the term. These students were awarded extra Burn Bucks.  It was also great to sing a massive 'Happy Birthday' to a number of students and staff, in-particular to slightly embarrassed twins who turned 18 on the day!

It is great to see teachers putting vouchers up in the 'Burn Bank' for students to purchase. I am looking forward to hosting Marcus & Haize tomorrow for morning and afternoon snack as well as for lunch as they bought my voucher.   

Employment Opportunities 

We currently have a new job advertised for a History/English teacher.  There is a generous incentive package attached to this position.  Please let any suitably qualified teachers know about it.   

Have you ever considered being a casual/relief  ES - Education Support worker? If interested please send your CV to Wedderburn College, marked 'Attention: Principal'.  

Last Day of Term Change

The Department of Education and all school staff have recently voted in a new wage and conditions agreement.  Part of these new conditions is that teaching staff are entitled to three professional practice days in 2022.  Unfortunately, due to the ongoing impacts of Covid and the lack of replacement teachers available for Term 2, 2022, the Education Department has recommended schools hold their first Professional Practice Day on the same day for all staff therefore supporting effective and efficient use of the day, alleviating any workforce pressures. 

We will be taking the final day of the term as a Professional Practice Day for all staff on Friday 24th of June.  This means the last day for students will be on Thursday 23 June at 3:25 p.m. This is the best option for Wedderburn College to comply with the new DET agreement and causes least disruption for students and staff.  Year 10 students are still encouraged as planned to finish the term with a full week of work experience. 

Rat Device Testing 

The use of RATs will only be required where staff and children are close contacts (household contacts) or they have symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or a runny nose).

Children and staff will therefore no longer be recommended to conduct RATs twice a week if they have no symptoms. Close contacts will need 5 negative tests over a 7-day period to attend a service. RAT Devices are available from the Front Office. 

Face masks can continue to be used by any staff or children who wish to do so, including those who are medically at-risk. 

Thank you for your ongoing support for, and implementation of, these COVID Safe measures.  Please contact the school office if you require further information. 

Victorian Youth Fest Recipients Announced

The Andrews Labor Government is celebrating and reconnecting young people through the new Victorian Youth Fest 2022. Minister for Youth Ros Spence today announced the recipients for the month-long celebration in September, with 110 Youth Fest events led by young people to receive a share of $220,000. Grants of up to $2,000 are offered to councils, community organisations and schools to host face-to-face, digital or hybrid events that encourage participation, amplify youth voices and showcase young people’s talents. Minister for Youth Ros Spence “We’re ensuring young people are supported to reconnect with each other and their communities through the Victorian Youth Fest 2022.”

Ours SRC has worked together to produce a successful grant application to run a Youth Fest week filled with activities for all students from Prep – Year 12.   Well done to the student team, we all look forward to participating in Youth Fest in September.