From the Principal's Desk

COVID 19 has certainly impacted on the 2020 school year to date and unfortunately looks like it will continue to do so. Events like graduations, overnight excursions, assemblies and our Kindergarten transition programs will look very different this year and I am currently in discussions to determine what we can do to ensure our students do not miss out on key milestones in their schooling whilst still complying with Department of Education guidelines. Whilst we hope that Term 4 will bring an easing of restrictions, as a community it is important to follow the recommendations, and being able to come to school is a privilege teachers and students are well aware of when we compare ourselves to many schools in Victoria in what we are still able to do.

The Year 12 Trial Examinations begin next week and I know that some of our students may need some additional support at this time, both from home and school. As a parent, ensuring your child has a quiet space to study, providing healthy snacks and encouraging exercise and breaks away from technology is a good start. Knowing you are supporting them is important, so some encouragement can go a long way. 

Our Year 12 students continue to impress us with their dedication to their studies. I been privileged to read Mr Eccleston’s Year 12 Extension 2 submissions this week and I congratulate the students on their dedication and commitment to what is a sustained and gruelling process to create an engaging and unique piece of writing for their Higher School Certificate. 

Year 10 have selected their subjects and I was most impressed at the thought and preparation students had put into their decision-making processes. During our interviews it was great to see the large numbers of students wishing to attain a Higher School Certificate and go to university but I was equally impressed with the number of students who had a planned pathway to their chosen apprenticeship or future employment. Molong Central Students are known for their work ethic in the wider community and I am grateful that this is a community value that transcends into our school.

I have been fortunate to enjoy many books in recent weeks that Primary students have read to me in the 100 Club Morning Tea program which Mrs Honeyman coordinates. We have learnt new words, punctuation and expression and watched the joy that reading brings to our students, as well as seeing first hand the benefits of reading. I thank all parents in our community for supporting our home reading program. Encouraging your children to read widely beyond the home reading program will ensure students gain more exposure to new words which will inevitably make their way into everyday vocabulary.