Assistant Principal's Report

More on Mobile Phones 

Our implementation of the DET new mobile phone policy has gone pretty smoothly in the first two weeks (although week two was a short week).  Although we were prepared for the onslaught less than 4% of phones in the school were collected on the first day.  This number has been in steady decline over the week which is great.  As I am sure most parents can imagine there was lots of whinging and lots of students making a case for their own special circumstances but all in all we are very pleased.

 

A small number of students have been repeat offenders, and... we get it, they are breaking a pretty ingrained habit. To support them in this, when a student has had their phone removed 3 times we will be contacting their parent to discuss what we can do to deter the phone related behaviour.  We have had some interesting suggestions from parents such as:

  • The parent will keep the phone for a time
  • The student will sign the phone in at the office in the morning
  • The parent will collect the phone at the end of the day.

The difference around the school has been stark. We have students in the Orchard, Library and Student Wellbeing playing board games and connecting with each other. The sports fields are being used more and students are being far more active.  Teachers are reporting that students are more attentive in class and more learning is being undertaken.

 

We would like to thank the parents who have sent through supportive comments and suggestions about the process, especially the parent (you know who you are) who sent through the bag of chocolate to get staff through these early stages.

More on School Uniform 

Uniform is looking much better and students are being much more accountable in how they present themselves and how they represent the community.  Students are sent to the Assistant Principal's office in the morning to get a uniform pass.  If they have a note from home they are given a pass and sent off to class.  When they don't have a note they are given a 30 minute lunchtime detention on the same day.  During the detention students undertake a reflective learning activity where they consider the importance of wearing school uniform.

As of this week students who miss their lunchtime detention will be on the detention list for Friday afternoon.  These detentions will be 45 minutes in length starting at 3:20pm and finishing at 3:55pm.  We appreciate parent support in this matter.

Exams, Valedictory Dinner and Alumni Assembly

We have just completed the second week of VCE Unit 3 and 4 exams with many students now finished and others facing the last one next week.  The process has gone really smoothly and students are saying they feel confident with the work they have done.  

On Wednesday November 20, we will celebrate the graduation of our Year 12 students at the Valedictory Dinner held at The Grand on Cathies Lane.  Although we won't have student's final results yet, we will be acknowledging and recognising student achievements.  All students will receive their graduation certificates on stage and the most outstanding student for each VCE and VCAL subject will be awarded.   I should be a fabulous night of celebration.

VCAA releases the VCE results on December 12.  On this day we will hold an alumni assembly for all VCE students. This is a great opportunity for students to share their results with teachers and peers.  Mr Newnham will be available on this day to assist any student who wants to reassess their options on the basis of their results in a change of preference.  We strongly encourage all VCE students to attend.

Once the Year 12 exams are over, our Year 10 and 11 students move into exam mode.  All exams will take place in the senior exam centre and a seperate exam timetable will be in operation.

Students in Year 10 and 11 should be in the process of getting their notes together for the revision process and exam preparation.  As well as good training for year 12 it is a great opportunity for students to consolidate their knowledge and skills.

Step Up Programs

Further in this newsletter you will see details about the Step Up program that occurs later this term. This program is designed to give the 2020 Year 11 and Year 12 students a head start in their VCAL or VCE.  This program is compulsory for all students.  It will focus on the skills and base knowledge that students will be expected to have at the start of VCE.

Each subject will have some homework tasks for students to undertake over the holiday break.  As we believe students should have a balance between preparation for the following year and having a break teachers we encourage students to undertake this work prior to Christmas.

Year 10 Formal

December 9th, the date of the Year 10 formal is fast approaching.  This is an exclusive event for Wantirna College Year 10 students only.  Students have the opportunity to dress to impress for a night of dining and dancing at The Grand on Princes, 2251 Princes Hwy (Service Road), Springvale.

To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening, this is a fully supervised event with strict entry and exit procedures.  No student will be allowed to exit the venue unless their parent or guardian is there to collect them

The event will appear on Compass next week, tickets are $85 which includes a three course meal, DJ and photo booth.

 

Catherine Ford

Assistant Principal