College Principal's Report
Welcome to this edition of Score
We are now well into Term 1, and I am pleased with the quality of the teaching and learning occurring. Students at this stage of the term will have commenced or completed assessments in each of their subjects. At Scoresby Secondary College we want to ensure all students extend their skills and knowledge, therefore it is an expectation that each day all students will review what they have learned and complete all homework set. Regular and timely communication between parents, guardians and teachers is a critical factor in supporting student learning growth. Parents/guardians can log onto Compass to obtain immediate and frequent communication between school and the home.
If you require any guidance in relation to using Compass please collect another Compass booklet from the General Office or seek assistance to be shown how to access the program.
Whole School Assembly
Our 2017 Dux Luke Dodson spoke at our last whole college assembly. Luke, who is now studying at the University of Melbourne, was invited back along with four other students from our Class of 2017 to talk about their Year 12 experience and chosen pathways for 2018. The assembly also provided an opportunity for our Local Federal Member Alan Tudge to present Bryce Prissmann the 2017 Aston Shield Award which he was unable to do at the end of last year because of parliament.
Student Success
Congratulations to Tiarna Abbott in Year 12, who last night was presented the Apprentice of the Year (School Based) at the Apprentice & Industry Awards Night. To win the award, students have to have demonstrated a number of key attributes – willingness to learn, progress, attitude, behaviour and application to their studies. Tiarna is studying automotive studies as part of her Scoresby Secondary College VCAL program and completes one day a week work placement at RPM Motorcycle Services in Ferntree Gully.
Scoresby Secondary College Partnership with Rotary Knox
We are proud to announce that our last year’s VCAL students work on sustainability and the environment is to be presented at the Rotary International Conference in Toronto Canada. This is great recognition of the work of our students and their teaching staff and another example of the value of our partnership with Rotary Knox.
School Council Elections 2017
At the close of nominations for School Council we did not get sufficient parent nominations for the number of vacancies. We would encourage parents to consider filling one of these vacancies. If you are interested or would like further information, could you please contact me via the general office.
Special visitors
We continue to be valued as a school to visit by local, interstate and international education experts. This week welcomed Dr. Carolyn Shields Professor of Educational Leadership
from Wayne State University in Michigan and Dr. Lawrie Drysdale from the University of Melbourne. Doctor Shields has presented in many parts of the world on transformative leadership.
They were here to look at our work and see our classes in action. Dr. Shields in her thank you email stated, “I was impressed by the willingness of the students to share with us what they were learning and how they were learning”. Well done to our students for their continued exemplary behaviour and showing our guests what we do at Scoresby.
Information Evenings
Information evenings are being conducted to foster positive relationships between school and home. The Year 7 evening was well attended with nearly all parents present enjoying a barbeque prior to the presentation. However the attendance at the Year 8 and 9 evening and Senior School evening was not as high. Guest speakers Chris Daicos from University of Melbourne and Kate Wilde who is an experienced youth worker were both extremely well received. The information parents gained from the sessions was invaluable. Parents who attended who have not yet received the resources on the evening, please contact the office.
Parent Voice
Parents are invited to participate in in our School Review parent/guardian online survey and /or attend our focus group to be held on Tuesday 13 March at 6.00pm. We are currently reviewing the goals and priorities established for the period of 2015-2018 to determine how have progressed as a College. Your feedback is very important for our continuous improvement. Your participation will also be an opportunity to provide input into what key priorities we will focus on for the next four years. Parents and guardians from all year levels will be welcome.
Mobile Phone/mp3 Music Player Policy
The College’s policy on mobile phones and electrical devices recognises its responsibility in providing a safe and secure environment for all students. It also aims to build a learning community where students are not disengaged from their learning or their social responsibilities at school by using devices such as mobile phones, mp3 players and others. Given these aims, students are not permitted to use mobile phones, mp3 players and the like while at school. If a student elects to bring such a device, it is the responsibility of the student and it must be left in the student’s locker for the duration of the school day. The VCAA assessment rules further reinforce the College’s policy as it states that no electronic devices are permitted to be taken into assessment sessions. To ensure that all students develop good habits in preparing for assessment tasks, this VCAA rule applies to all year levels at Scoresby Secondary College. Students may use the relevant year level office’s telephone to make a call should an emergency arise and likewise important messages may be left for students at the level office. If a student uses a mobile phone anytime/anywhere at school, it will be confiscated and the consequences will follow our staged response which is directly related to our College Code of Conduct. Our policies related to this are available via the College Website.
Gail Major
Principal