Principal's Message

Welcome to Semester 2

Welcome back to Term 3 everybody. I trust everyone was able to recharge their batteries and have some down time over the Winter break.   I am really looking forward to this Term with so many exciting activities planned for students, parents and staff to enjoy.  The big question is, will Jacka for the first time in a long time take the sweep over Ansett in school sports later in the term. 

 The word from the Year 9 Bogong Snow Camp is that all students are having an awesome time and are happy to see the snow falling. The  Year 11 Campers set off this morning to Torquay and we hope they have a great time despite the cool weather.  On a sad note the COVID rules have conspired against us and the Grade 5/6 Somers Camp has been cancelled.  

I am particularly looking forward to the  Primary School Mini Olympics to be held on Friday 6th August. Keep an eye out as to which country your children will be representing.   Also, we will be hosting a special Bird Day fundraiser 31st of August, there will be more details to follow about this unique show.

As you are aware Year 7 Information Night was postponed last term, a date is yet to be confirmed. The VCE/VCAL Information Night will be in two weeks on Monday 26th July for all 2022 VCE/VCAL, this will be an important one as we will be explaining the changes to Year 11 & 12 taking place in Victoria by 2023.    

Attached to this week's newsletter is a one page 'FRIDGE CALENDER'  reflecting major events for the term which includes event dates that have been changed.  Keep reading compass and the school newsletter to keep informed.   

VCAL interviews for all interested students will be in two weeks on Tuesday 27th July.  A compass post with all details has been sent to families/guardians explaining a new process for VCAL students.  This is a request for all parents/guardians of VCAL students to please make an appointment to meet with VCAL Teachers along with a Principal Class officer on Tuesday 27th July, this being the third Tuesday of Term 3. 

VCAL students are expected to attend the meeting with a parent/guardian.  Please note, there will be no VCAL classes at school on this day as the teachers will be involved in the interviews.

It is imperative that all students and parents/guardians attend as you will be informed of important information about how your child is meeting or not meeting learning outcomes for their VCAL Certificate. Please call 5494 3011 to book an appointment from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm.  Thank you for your future understanding and assistance. 

Should you need to make contact or arrange an appointment with any staff members please call the school on 5494 3011.  

Major Technology Upgrades

Over the past Semester we have been replacing old interactive whiteboard technology with new interactive TV's.   Imagine a giant iPad on a portable stand that students and staff can use to enhance student learning.   Every Primary classroom and the new Mathematics Centre now has an interactive TV.   The quality of the picture and capabilities are second to none.  Five  staff members have also had the opportunity to participate in some  Professional Development activities on site as well as other schools who have invested in this technology.

Surveys - Coming Soon

Next week we will be sending out a couple of surveys to  parents/guardians early in the week. 

We are looking at two major changes to our school as we move forward. These are:

Survey 1:  The first survey is involved with students and technology devices.  Wedderburn College is looking at ending its current BYOD - Bring Your Own Device  system and replacing it with a computer device (Netbook/Chromebook/Laptop) lease arrangement between students and the school.    This means that every student from Year 3 - Year 10 will have the opportunity to access a device at school and at home.   Senior students will be able to use larger machines that have already been purchased or they can also participate in the new leasing program.  Students in Year 7-10 who currently have BYOD device will need to talk to the School Principal to see if they are suitable.    Ipads and Tablets will be phased out and not used at school from 2022.  More information will be shared shortly after we have collated our survey results.   My advice at the moment is not to purchase a new machine especially a tablet.

Survey 2:  This survey asks whether you would use a 'Before or After School Childcare Facility' at Wedderburn College if one existed.   We are currently exploring whether or not to apply for a start up grant for after school care.  I urge you to complete and return the survey indicating if you would be interested in using this service, either as a fulltime or casual participant.    Other school childcare operates from approximately 7:15 am until 9 am, then from 3:30 pm until 6 pm.   If this is something you are interested in, please let us know.

Continuing Facilities Improvements

During the school holidays the tradies have been very busy.  A huge pat on the back to our own Maintenance co-ordinator, Allan Noordennen who has been working very hard to finish some new learning spaces for us. A special mention to some VCAL students and Mr Zubov who have also been able to assist. 

New storage and shelving has been purchased and installed in the Library and is now 92% complete.  The new Junior Art room at the front of the school has been finished and looks amazing.  Well done to the team and especially Sue Prevos for organising the move to start the new term. 

We have recently been very lucky to gain some extra funding from the Department of Education. This will enable our college to continue the development and refurbish our learning spaces. The following projects that are currently in progress or for future planning:

• New Mathematics Room and move VCAL to a central hub. 

• College Café to replace the current canteen.

• BER tidy up and new storage.

• New Maintenance Shed and removal of old shed.

• Health & Wellbeing meeting room & chill out space.

•Administration offices and new equipment.

• A Careers Office space. 

• Room 25 English Storage.

Primary Children Must Read to make it happen!

Mr Lockhart & Mr Forrest will be re-issuing a challenge to the children in the Primary area of Wedderburn College to read a total of ****nights combined before book week. At our assembly next Monday we will issue the reading challenge.  Reading sessions have to be signed by a parent and extra bonus reading sessions will be awarded over weekends.     Remember, if the students are successful, Mr Forrest has to dress up as a princess and Mr Lockhart as a fairy - (I'd like to see that).  Stay tuned and continue reading.  

Please Support the Wedderburn Communities  Push for Childcare, Before & After School Care 

For many of you childcare is not a major issue as you have your children enrolled at school.  What we really need is for you to support the concept of having a Childcare Centre in our community for future generations to benefit from  - 'big picture thinking.'   I encourage you all to please sign the petition and fill in the survey, as all forms of childcare would make a huge difference to families in Wedderburn and surrounding districts.   

Special Petition  Date  Extended until late July 26th

Attached to this newsletter was a petition which needs to be completed in hard copy. We cannot submit the petition online.   Please print off a copy of the petition and have friends, family members and neighbours sign it.  Thanks to those families who have already completed it.  The deadline for petitions has been extended so please take your time over the next month to have family, friends and neighbours sign.  

Forms can be returned to School or to Steel's Butchers.