Principal's Report

Community Response to Incidents

Melton has been significantly impacted by recent tragic events, and it is with sadness that I write about them. Exford Primary School and its community has united in supporting each other to deal with the dreadful accident that injured so many young children.

I am humbled by the efforts of our community to support each other. I know that schools reached out and offered support in any capacity they could. Our wonderful Multi-cultural Education Aide, Ms. Nesa Tuaoi, and Chaplain, Ms. Aloiafi Tuariki, spent days working at Exford Primary School to provide direct support and counsel to families.

In addition, our college’s Student Representative Council, with the guidance of Assistant Principal, Ms. Robyn Bewley, organised a fundraiser event at the college. Students and staff came together by wearing flannelette and donating money as well as purchasing sweet treats during the day to raise funds to support Exford Primary School. I am extremely proud of our college’s efforts in raising over two thousand dollars to support the families impacted by the heartbreaking accident.

Furthermore, the distressing news about a young student from Staughton College rocked the community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the young person, and our colleagues at Staughton College. We want to acknowledge the brave leadership of Mr. David Lord, the principal of Staughton College during this time.

Student Voice in Wellbeing and Learning

Our students have just completed the annual Attitudes to School Survey. This survey gauges the thoughts and feelings of students on a range of areas relating to their learning and sense of connectedness to the college.

The survey is paramount for us to collate data to inform our practices at the college and celebrate the things that are working well and just as importantly, make the changes needed to improve our students experience of secondary schooling.

We want our students to be happy, resilient, and tenacious learners who persevere to be the absolute best that they can be. Education is the key that unlocks a multitude of opportunities in young peoples’ lives. The knowledge and skills developed through secondary schooling and more importantly tertiary education provides choices. Choices of where and how young people work, where they live, and how they experience the world.

The Importance of Full Time Attendance

I have said this previously, but I want to stress to our families again, that full time attendance is vital for students to achieve success.

Schooling is compulsory for children and young people aged from 6 to 17 years unless an exemption from attendance or enrolment has been granted.

Daily school attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they do not fall behind both socially and developmentally. Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that children develop habits of regular attendance at an early age.

School participation is important as it maximises life opportunities for children and young people by providing them with education and support networks. School helps people to develop important skills, knowledge and values which set them up for further learning and participation in their community.

A student who is absent for one day a fortnight will miss four full weeks of learning by the end of the year. If that were to continue, by Year 10, they will have missed more than a year of education. Each day a student is absent, is a day that puts them behind academically, and socially. They miss the soft skills students learn daily and the interactions that are vital for wellbeing and success.

If there is any reason your child must miss school, please ensure that you follow the college’s Attendance Policy and provide the relevant documentation to support their absence.

Music Concert 15 June 2023

Congratulations to all our students who participated in the college Music Concert on Thursday the 15th of June. It was an absolute delight to have so many vibrant and talented performers. I also want to thank Mr. Michael Downes, Mr. Robert Graham, and Mr. Earl Leonard for facilitating this wonderful event. Also, commendations to Mr. Rylie Maple who did a wonderful job in sound mixing for the evening.

There were so many families, students, and staff in attendance for the concert. I want to acknowledge all those who supported the success of the concert.

End of Term Two

The end of Term 2 marks the halfway point in the academic year. This is a time for assessment of skills and knowledge and reporting to families. Students in senior school levels have undertaken exams that will inform the standards achieved by students.

It is also a time for reflection. Students are expected to consider their achievements and focus on areas for improvement. There is scope for further improvement at every level. Continuous learning and improvement are a journey and not just an end point.

I encourage all our students to be the best that they can and place effort in all that they do.

I wish all students and families a pleasant Term break.

Aylin Gökmen

Acting College Principal