From the Principal Class

Congratulations and thank you

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the College community for your ongoing support over the last 12 months. 2022 has certainly not been an easy year for anyone as we have returned to onsite learning again.

There have been so many highlights this year across the college both in and out of the classroom. We have also seen the implementation of the VHAP Program across Years 7 and 8 as well as the further development of the Football (AFL) Academy at Year 9. These programs have seen some amazing curriculum development with great results for the students in the programs in 2022. We have also seen a number of students also incorporate enhancement studies whilst undertaking Year 12.  

VCE students received their results this week and there have been some outstanding results once again. I congratulate all on these results. A more detailed analysis of our VCE achievements will be published early next year. I am delighted at the number of students obtaining a study score of 40 or above across a broad range of subjects in the college. A study score of 40 places a student in the top 8% of all students studying the subject across the state.  Our scores of 40 or over have continued to grow in a range of subject areas. Year 12 students will have their actual VCE Certificate mailed to them from the college by the end of next week.

I particularly wish to congratulate our College Dux for 2022, Hana Ueda for her great achievement.  Our top 10 achievers will be presented with awards at the College Presentation Night on Monday December 19th 2022 at 7pm.  All VCE and VCAL students are reminded of course counselling this week for change of preferences. Details have also been provided to students about availability of support at time of distribution of VTAC placements as students require this as well.

I would like to thank all staff for their work this year as well as some specific thank you's to people involved in special events over the last week or so. I congratulate Anthy Violari and Rapinder Kaur on their organisation of the End of Year Program. I also want to acknowledge the team of helpers from the Parents, Family and Friends Group who ran 'The Hungry Voter' BBQ on Election Day. The funds raised will go towards improving the learning environment across the college. 

Our school magazine, which is a wonderful celebration of school events this year has already been distributed to all students who have purchased it. Congratulations to Alyshia Monaco for her work in putting the magazine together again this year. Student reports are also available on Compass by the end of this week.

Each year several of our Year 10 students are invited to apply for the Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship program based at the University of Melbourne. These scholarships provide the students with a range of benefits, especially in situations where the student ultimately goes on to study at the university. This year we have been fortunate to have another student appointed. Congratulations to Lachie Keane.

Thank you to the parents/carers who have already paid their curriculum, extra curricular and other contributions for 2023. These contributions can be seen in the billing component of Compass and should be sorted by Course Confirmation December 13th 2022. 

The college has also planned for the implementation of the college uniform and  BYOD computing from the start of 2023 for all new students in Year 7 and for other new student enrolments entering at other year levels. Any parents with any query in relation to the implementation or the expectations on students from the start of next year in regards to uniform requirements and to the provision of a device are recommended to call the college. Once again, all students in 2023 will be involved in the BYOD program and all students will be expected to be in full school uniform and ready to learn by the start of 2023.

The Victorian Government has established the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) to provide payments for eligible students to attend camps, sports days and excursions. To find out more about CESF go to www.education.vic.gov.au/csef.

CSEF forms for 2023 are available at the General Office for completion. Please note that you must have a valid parent/carers Concession Card (as at 27th January 2023) to be eligible to apply. A Centrepay option is also available for 2023 for all eligible parents and further information can be obtained from the general office. 

Our School Council is committed to ensuring that students and staff have access to the highest quality facilities in classrooms, offices, and in external spaces. To this end, we continue to develop and fund redevelopment and renovation works across the school.  Over the holiday break, we aim to complete the new surface of the hardcourts as well as the refurbishment of the school library. Both of these spaces will be an asset to the college and for students to enjoy. 

Work will also commence with the painting and re-carpeting of rooms and offices, resurfacing of floors in student toilets and the installations of blinds, both internal and external, to a number of our classrooms. 

Please remember that different schools will have different start dates next year.  Our start date for all students will be Monday January 30th 2023. The school office will be open from  Friday, January 27th 2023. I plan to send out a letter electronically to all parents in the week before school commences reminding everyone of arrangements for 2023.

Finally, I wish all families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.  To those of you able to take a holiday break at this time of the year, I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.  

Danny Dedes

On behalf of the Principal Class

Theresa Burlak, Rick Hudson, Sasha Mildenhall and Louisa Norwood.