From the Principals' Desk 

Time is marching on as we work our way through Term 4. Today, as I write about the life of Nossal and the various events we have to celebrate, I reflect on the rich and diverse opportunities our students have at school and beyond. These are opportunities that allow them to demonstrate and develop their gifts, talents and interests in a broad cross section of domains – both curricular and co-curricular.

State Debating Finals

Mr and Mrs Page, Mrs Loel and various members of the English team were delighted to attend the DAV State Debating Finals held at Caulfield Grammar on Wednesday October 26.

We were all very proud of our Year 9, D Grade team including: Stephanie Barito, Rakith Wickramaratne and Elita Pinto who competed in the grand final. There were 526 debating teams eliminated in the previous rounds, so it is a truly wonderful achievement by our students. They spoke with clarity and purpose, and were awarded Runner Up on the evening. Their topic was: Media outlets should not report the details of crimes that risk fuelling racist or extremist retaliation. 

A big thank you must go to other members of the D Grade team: Ikya Thearam, Sankalpa Rao and Michelle Pham who helped the finalists prepare, and to Ms Anna Banaag, Dr Briony Schroor and Cree Oliveria-Blackett for their support and training of all debating teams throughout the year, helping them to achieve great success. 

VCAA Exams

Once again we have been most impressed by the approach of our Unit 3 and 4 students towards their VCAA final exams. They have arrived, on time, in a calm and orderly fashion and acquitted themselves in the best possible way. Our external supervisors have complemented them on their conduct. This is in large part due to the preparation their teachers have provided them with, and the support and guidance of Ms Katherine Warriner, our Director of VCE.

We have been disappointed by a few Year 11 students, who have been absent from their Unit 1 and 2 classes in the lead up to exams. Year 11s are given a day of study leave on the day prior to their Unit 3 and 4 exam. Those who take multiple days are putting their valuable Unit 1 and 2 studies in jeopardy and they are negatively affecting the teaching and learning program for others. We seek the support of parents to ensure our Year 11 students are in class every day, except for their designated study leave time.

Internal Nossal Exams for Years 9-11

All students should now be furnished with individual exam timetables for the internal Nossal Exams in mid-November. Year 10 and 11 students begin their exam period with an English exam on Friday November 11 and then continue the exam period in the week of November 14 – 18.  Students in Year 10 and 11 are only expected at school for their exams, although they are welcome to come and study at school in the times between exams. 

Year 9s begin their exams on Wednesday November 16 and continue through until the end of Friday November 18. They will have two exams per day, so will be expected here for most of each day, although there may be a few earlier than normal finishes for them. They will have relatively normal classes on Friday 11 through to Tuesday November 15, (although there are a few minor changes to ensure they see all of their teachers on Tuesday, just prior to exams).

Students and parents are reminded that only students on school approved activities will be given the opportunity to sit exams at alternative times.

On Wednesday last week I welcomed the wonderful volunteers who have offered to assist with supervision of exams. We went through a training session and tour of the school. We are most grateful for the time and generosity of our school community.

Year 10 Food Techology Luncheons

I (and a about 15 other staff) had the pleasure of being invited to the Year 10 Food Technology luncheon last week. The students had prepared menus, set tables, and served us a range of foods in a ‘fine dining’ experience. The quality of food and the care and attention given to each of the teachers was outstanding. I was particularly impressed with my ‘chefs’ Jordan van Rhyn and Kayla Ly who had the difficult challenge of catering to my gluten and dairy-free disposition and did a magnificent job. 

State Athletics Finals

Not only do our students enjoy academic success, but also sporting success.  I had the pleasure of accompanying Teagan Peterson of Year 12 to the State Athletics finals at MSAC on Monday October 17.

Teagan competed in the senior girls’ hurdles and came third in a very competitive field. This is a wonderful achievement.

Digital Delivery Day 3

We had a very successful third Digital Delivery Day on Monday October 31. Staff were impressed with the students’ engagement with the learning materials. Thank you to staff and students for your active participation and continued refinement to our digital practice. 

Year 9/10 Leadership Camp to 15 Mile Creek

The feedback from the students and staff who recently returned from this camp was extremely positive. Students commented on how much they enjoyed the opportunity to develop relationships with students in different year levels and classes. They coped well with a range of challenges and new experiences, and the staff at 15 Mile Creek were most complementary about the attitude and conduct of our students. Well done to everyone involved and thank you to Miss Shelley Veale, Ms Brianna Chapple, Mr Tien Ng and Mr Bryan Rule for running such a successful camp.

Biology Fair

This week the Unit 1 and 2 Biology students showed off their scientific posters on an ecological system at their Poster Fair. Having been a biology teacher before becoming Assistant Principal I was keenly interested in the research and findings presented by the students. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the things they found most interesting about their research, and to offer points of suggestion about where they might take their learning to the next level. 

During the week before I was invited to present certificates to the students who participated in the International Biology Olympiad competition. Twenty-six of our students participated in this high-level competition and we had a range of success including: two High Distinctions by Emma Poon and Maria Vassileva, an amazing 11 Distinctions, 11 Credits and 2 Participations. Well done to all those who undertook the exam.

Congratulations to Jennifer Nguyen

Jennifer has had not one, but two pieces, titled Lesson of Love and Act 3, Scene 1 shortlisted in the finals of the Casey Fresh Words Young Writers Competition due to take place on 30 November. 

Read Jennifer's pieces on the English Page in this newsletter.

Sue Harrap

Assistant Principal