Principal's Report

Student Progress

At our college we expect that every student will complete their work to a high standard, not only so they will learn the skills needed for further study and work, but because having high standards will serve them well in every part of their lives. 

Our Study Hall program has been introduced to prevent students from falling behind and make sure they achieve pass results in every class. Study Hall requires students who have not completed assessment tasks to work with teachers to complete this work after school.

The best way to keep ahead of school work and avoid Study Hall is to use class time effectively, seek help as soon as you need it from your teacher and maintain a routine of regular home work.

Our Home Work Club is a voluntary program for students who would like to use the College Library after school to keep ahead of their studies. Both of these programs are staffed by teachers and aides who can assist students if needed. 

Parents play a vital part in making their children succeed at school by staying informed about their child's school work, when major assignments or tests are due and by taking an interest in what their child is learning.

Clean Up Australia at MSC

Students in Years 7 and 10 showed great responsibility and team work by banding together to clean up the college on Friday 2 March. Year 10 peer mentors have been working with Year 7 students since the start of the school year to help them learn our STARR Values and to settle into good routines for learning.

Bully No Way

Expecting young people to treat each other with kindness and respect are cornerstones in our College STARR Values, yet we know that the issue of bullying presents a challenge that is felt in every school and across our society. International evidence tells us that one in four young people experience bullying at some point during their school years.  This week the Allanah and Madeliene Foundation released a report that indicated that bullying behaviour costs our community many millions of dollars in lost revenue. 

The college has adopted the Department of Education definition of bullying:

Bullying behaviour occurs when someone, or a group of people, deliberately and repeatedly upset, harass, intimidate, threaten or hurt another person, or damage their property, reputation or social acceptance. There is an imbalance of power in incidents of bullying, where the bully or bullies have more power than the victim due to their age, size status or other reasons.

(The college Bullying Prevention Policy can be viewed on our website).

We know that this behaviour can be extremely damaging, but in the majority of cases it can be quickly stopped and resolved. In recent weeks, our Prime Minister Mr Turnbull shared his experience of being bullied as a school student and called on schools to join the national Bully No Way Day.  It was terrific to see students making a strong and very visual statement as they worked with local artist and parent Kate Barta to create some colorful t-shirts.

Our college has a range of strategies in place for promoting positive behaviours and preventing bullying. We are constantly reviewing our approaches and strengthening the programs we provide for students. This year we have introduced curriculum into the new STARR Connect and the Tutorial programs as well as regular student-led activities. 

2018 College Council 

Nominations for College Council closed on 28 February. As there were the same or fewer nominations as there were vacancies there is no need for an election. Andrea Justice and Kate Barta will re-join council in the parent category. A vacancy remains in the Parent category.  If you are a parent or carer of a student at the college and would like to join School Council, please let me know. Having a full membership is extremely important for council to fulfill its responsibilities.

I would also like to welcome two new DET members, Rebecca Koroneos and Emmanuel Kubwange and our two School Captains, Jacob Azzopardi and Winona Duka.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 27 March.  The Annual General Meeting will run from 6.00 - 6. 30 pm. The March meeting of council will follow on immediately after this.

Bicylces and skateboards

Students and parents are advised that the college cannot take responsibility for unauthorized use of bicycles or skateboards on the college grounds. Parents must be aware that the Department of Education and Training or School Council does not carry insurance that covers students injuries that may occur through use of bicycles or skateboards. During school time, all skateboards are to be locked in student lockers and bicycles in the Bike Cage. They must not be ridden on college grounds. 

Supervision and toilets

The college fulfills its legal duty of care to provide supervision of students from 8.40 am and 3.30 pm each day ( Wednesdays 2.50 pm). Student toilets are open from 8.15 am, during recess and lunch and until 4.30 pm each day. Students are encouraged to use the toilet during breaks and not during class time. Students who have to use the toilet during class time must first gain permission from their teacher to go to the General Office where a toilet is available at all times.