Principal's Message

G’day and welcome back. 

Do you remember one of these?

My brother in law has restored it to 'mint' condition, it is now living in the main foyer of our College, show casing a little bit of history. I remember sitting in one of these at primary school and yes, we would dunk the hair of people in the ink wells! 😊

I hope that you have all enjoyed a break and have returned to our College fresh and ready to go. I must say that my walks around have been truly enjoyable and the predictability of structure and routine have been evident in all classes. Thanks!

This week we have had Dan Petro back working with us. As always, a busy week. Dan has worked with 14 teachers on supporting their individual craft of teaching, meet with the main office and hub staff around managing difficult people and situations, run a full event for all teachers and support staff in the Bairnsdale Tambo Network, worked with our leadership team and spent time in the yard ……….… observing behaviours! (yes, indeed that will keep you busy!) The weeks work has been very beneficial and we look forward to Dan re-joining us again in Term 3.

How fantastic is the building program looking? (Keep your eye on our Facebook page for pictures).

The Year 7 rooms are starting to take shape and fingers crossed, we will have frames up in the coming weeks. The Science centre is also moving along nicely , it seems that one gets focus for a few weeks, then the other. The new decking area outside the Malgobila building should see the shade sails finished by the end of next week. Then the chairs can go back and this will create a fabulous area for the students to eat, socialise and enjoy! 

Last Thursday night (Week 1) our College hosted a 'Fire Side Conversations' event.  This event invited the Koorie community to come and discuss different topics and offer their thoughts around how we could work together toward an excellent education for all of our 141 Koorie students and their families. Many topics were covered, with suggestions made for improvement, ideas that have worked well and steps toward future improvements. Many thanks to Rachel Short and her team who put the night together. Once the feedback has been collated, two things will occur.

1. The BSC feedback will go to Melbourne to contribute to the 'Whole of Victoria’ information.
2. BSC will develop an action plan for our next steps 

If you have any thoughts that you would like to pass onto Rachel, please feel free to do so.

rachel.short@education.vic.gov.au

Term 2 will be busy – as is every term, but if you are a Year 9 student, Term 2 is especially busy. Year 9 students will be involved in NAPLAN, AToSS (Attitude to school survey) and also the Morrisby Careers program.  (All in the next 8 weeks!)

Speaking of NAPLAN ……… yes, its back for all students in Years 7 and 9. It starts on Tuesday 10th May and will run as an on-line assessment for 2 weeks. I love NAPLAN, although I know not everyone does. It is part of the whole school life assessment of students and also the education programs being provided. Students are assessed every 2 years (Year 3, 5, 7, 9) and then again in Year 12. The data shows a really clear correlation between what is achieved in the primary years, to predicting what is achieved in Year 12. Please make sure that you support your children in every way possible during this time. Food, sleep, being on time – all the usual stuff. If any of you want to talk NAPLAN – I’m very happy to!

Thanks for reading and 'chat soon'.  😊

Trudie Nagle

Principal