As we head towards the end of Term one I would like to acknowledge the hard work of staff and students for their engagement in the many great things that make Reservoir High School the great learning community that it is.

There is no doubt that it has been a busy term, and I would like to focus on just some of this work as I reflect on Term 1.

Whole School events

Events such as the Whole School assembly and the Fair Go Sports are a great way to get the school community together. For our Year 7 students it was their first time participating and the opportunity for them to both hear from the School Captains and also present about their experiences as new members of the school community which reflects greatly on the student leadership structure of the school. Additionally, the Fair Go Sports was a great day out, with high levels of participation and engagement from students.

Year 6 to Year 7 Transition

It is at this time of year that families with children in grade six are finalising their decisions about secondary pathways for their children. We have welcomed many prospective families into the school this term, including at the Open Morning this week. A feature of these tours is the student involvement, and I would like to thank all of the students that have been willing to join tours. Their perspective on the school and their willingness to share their experiences allows families to get a great understanding of the opportunities available to students at the school.

Student Opportunities

There is no doubt that staff work hard to provide a broad range of activities and opportunities for students at Reservoir High School. The range of lunchtime clubs, the excursion and camp opportunities and the extra-curricular opportunities only add to the breadth of the curriculum choices available to students.

Congratulations to all students that have both applied and been successful in gaining a place on the Student Leadership team. There was a great deal of interest in the roles which was fantastic to see, including much interest from our Year 7 students. We have appointed Year Level Captains, Respect Ambassadors, SRC Captains, Sports Captains, a Music Captain and Performing Arts Captains.

It has been a busy term in the Sports area with a range of teams competing at Inter-School Sports in the areas of Cricket, Volleyball, Tennis, Swimming and Baseball. Congratulations to all students that have put their hand up to be involved. Additionally there have been hikes, indoor rock-climbing and surfing for students involved in Advance and Outdoor Education in Years 9-12.

Things have been busy in the Creative Arts area with work well underway for the school’s production later this year. Additionally, many students are engaging in the Instrumental Music program and after a late start, the school’s Dance Academy is up and running.

Feedback on learning

Students and families have had a range of opportunities to gain feedback on learning this term. The Parent Teacher Conferences were well attended and all involved spoke positively of the chance for students, parents and teachers to discuss achievements to date. Additionally the first cycle of Progress Reports are being finalised which will provide a further snapshot on progress as we move towards the end of Term 1.

NAPLAN testing has been completed. After NAPLAN being a feature of Term 2 for many years, the scheduling changed to Term 1 from this year. The schedule change will allow schools and families to have access to this important information in a more timely manner.

Engagement and wellbeing

As you read through this newsletter you will have the chance to learn more about the what is happening in Sub-schools and the Wellbeing area. As a new member of the school community I have been impressed by the structures set up within each of the sub-schools to know and support each of their students, and also to link students and families into the Wellbeing team as needed.

The Impact program across the school takes a pro-active approach to supporting all students through its approach to Social and Emotional Learning. The schedule for the year allows for a combination of school led events and guest presenters including Elevate Education, the local Police Youth Resource Officers and La Trobe University.

The school additionally acknowledges and celebrates key dates on the calendar and most recently celebrated Harmony Day. Harmony Day is a celebration of our cultural diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home, and is fitting for the day to be celebrated in a school as culturally diverse as Reservoir High.

Building program

The current works are very close to completion, and rather than provide photos at this point I will save that update for the next newsletter when the building is open.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their efforts this term. My report only touches on some of the great work that has been happening however I hope it provides a snapshot of the school program for you. I wish you all the best for a safe and relaxing break.

Fran Mullins

Acting Principal

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