Principal
It is hard to believe that Term 4 is now over the half way mark and before we know it the end of year looms large. Please ensure that you keep up to date with important information and deadlines that will assist in ensuring that planning for 2021 proceeds smoothly.
I am pleased to advise the school community that we have successfully applied for a grant from the Cancer Council Victoria for the installation of shade sails on the terraces adjacent to the college oval. The sails will provide shade covering of approximately 130 square metres This will be a welcome addition and improvement to our physical environment. The grant is for $25,000 and the college will be contributing a further amount of up to $10,000.
The recently announced State Government Tutor program for 2021 will enable Ringwood Secondary College to provide additional support to nearly 350 students. The college will be able to employ an additional six tutors to enable this program to provide targeted small group teaching throughout the year. The details of the program including selection processes are currently being developed. It is a significant additional resource that will assist in promoting student learning growth over the next 12 months.
As you would be aware our Art and Technology exhibition has now been launched online. We hope you enjoy the creative work our students have been producing during remote and face to face teaching. Here is the link to the Online Exhibition. Please remember to vote for the People's choice award.
https://newsletters.naavi.com/i/mMP4kWM/issue-1/page/cover
Michael Phillips, OAM
Principal
From The Acting Principal, Maria Allison
It has been another busy week at school with students and staff returning what is our ‘new normal’ routine. It has been pleasing to witness members of the college community doing the best they can, and I am so impressed and humbled by the displays of strength and collegiality in the yard and in the classroom.
Year 12 commenced their written exams this week culminating all of their hard work. I would like to extend my gratitude to the 2020 cohort for their bravery, perseverance and determination with their studies, the college staff for their compassion, kindness, leadership and perspective and the parents for providing ongoing support, love, kindness and hope, in creating opportunities and their help in developing young resilient and positive individuals. The upcoming Valedictory evening in December will be wonderful celebration of their achievements and an opportune time to catch up with their teachers and friends.
Year 10 and 11 students will launch into exam preparation and exams in the few weeks that will be followed with a transition week for preparation into their next year level. These students have also displayed persistence and compassion and should be congratulated for their willingness to ‘have a go’, trial new approaches and be innovative. The learning they have gained will provide them with new skills and a broader lens to prepare them for life outside of school walls. Their broaden and build skills have been extended and their GRIT scale has also increased!
The last fourteen days of zero COVID-19 cases is very encouraging and will be reflected in DET school operational changes that will become available to you via Compass. Important recent changes included information on the resumption of excursions and camps. Students are reminded to ensure they correctly use and wear masks, to social distance and ensure they stay hydrated with the use of personal water bottles.
The Visual Arts and Technology students and staff created a wonderful online collaborative display for our annual Art and Technology Exhibition, that showcased student’s skills and talents from a wide range of the Arts and Technology subjects such as: Art, Studio Arts, Visual Communication, Media, Photography, Textiles, Wood, Food Technology, Materials, CAD and Digitech. Congratulations, and thank you to the students and staff for their expertise and talent in coordinating their artwork and designs.
It is inspiring to have so many students applying for leadership positions, expressing their willingness to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of people in their wider community. Upcoming leadership events include the 2021 Prefects Camp, and early in 2021, the Years 7-11 collaborative Maroondah Schools Network (MPEN) leadership training event. These events are a means for connecting like-minded leaders who may dream about what the future can be.
I look forward to the next few weeks and leave you with a few contemplative thoughts.
Bring your whole self to school, to work, to home.
Be present.
Be vulnerable and open to change.
Maria Allison
Acting Principal