From the Principal Class
During this term we have been thrilled to welcome back our young people and the whole community for the first full term without a lockdown in over 2 years. We thank all students for doing their part, testing themselves twice weekly and for the commitment shown by isolating students to attempt to engage in their learning while at home. At times, it has been challenging but we have focused on building happy and resilient students. Re-training minds and bodies to concentrate and build mental stamina will be ongoing work for many years to come. Thank you for your patience during this time. We are aware that many classes have had multiple interruptions to the learning program due to staff and student illness. We will continue to work together to support all young people in their wellbeing and engagement.
The last month has seen the return of Camps to Viewbank College. A huge thank you to all staff who have attended the Year 7, Duke of Edinburgh, Outdoor Education, Year 10/11 Central Camp, and the Music Camp. Without the commitment of these staff the activities offered to students would not be possible. With that in mind it is also important to acknowledge the work that has continued in the classrooms on campus and thank our staff and CRTs for stepping up to take classes when needed. It has been incredible to see the pure joy and excitement about Camp experiences that have been recounted over the last few weeks.
We were delighted to be able to run the STEAM Futures conference this year. The Art and Technology Domain together with senior student leaders and volunteers managed a full and engaging program from the day. Feedback from attendees was very positive and complimentary of the impeccable organisation and support from all involved. Thank you to Veena Nair for her leadership and to the Friends of STEAM for their ongoing support. The guest presenters were relevant, engaging and inspiring. Well done to all involved!
The College Review occurred throughout this term. These reviews occur every 4 years and are an opportunity for staff, students, parents, and the leadership team to reflect upon what has been and plan for next steps to drive positive change within the school. The review process challenges the leadership team to critically reflect upon practice and seek improvement. It was also a wonderful opportunity for many to feel validated and positive that our strategic directions are focused on the student as a whole and how we can best support the learner at all levels of achievement with success.
College Council
The College AGM was held last Wednesday 30th March.
We would like to thank and acknowledge the retiring Council President Mr David Green for his time and commitment in this role of the past 5 years.
Thank you also to outgoing members; Helen Do, Maddy Luvaul, Rachel Kennedy, Manjula Shaw and Sarah WIlliams.
We would like to welcome two new student members - Piper Couldrey and Isabella Pearson. Thank you for volunteering to represent the views of the student community and your commitment to Viewbank College.
Congratulations is also to be extended to Sam Ricardo who will serve as the College Council President for 2022.
We as a leadership team look forward to working with the new team this year and beyond.
Staff Changes
There will be some staffing changes in the transition from term 1 to term 2 this year. We wish the following staff all the best in their future endeavors!
Liana Spencer – is taking family leave. We thank Liana for her leadership of the Humanities Domain and meticulous planning and preparation for all her students over the years. We look forward to meeting her little one very soon.
Brittany Richardson – is taking family leave. Brittany has been a reliable member of the Wellbeing team for the last 12 months. We look forward to meeting her little one very soon too!
Sarah Dashwood – has been a positive member of the Humanities team for 7 years. We wish her all the best in her new position for 2022.
Aileen Little – after 5 years as the Science Domain’s lab technician is finishing with the team. Aileen has supported staff and students to participate safely in science experiments at all times. She has been the OHS Staff Representative for several years and has been incredibly thorough in her approach. All the best, Aileen!
Zoe Bai – has again stepped into a short contract role this term and supported her students in Humanities. Thanks again Zoe.
Cheryl Clark – has been a dynamic member of the Instrumental Music team for the past 12 years. Cheryl has been teaching woodwind and nurturing our youngest musicians to be successful participants in the Junior Concert band. We wish you well.
Michael Walton – has officially retired after an incredible 40 years in public education. Michael came to Viewbank College as a Humanities (History) teacher before moving to a different role as a Wellbeing Counsellor. It is in this role he has supported some of our most vulnerable young people in a kind, supportive and approachable manner. Michael worked closely with students from ADF families and worked to set up regular meetings and workshops to support this community. We thank Michael for his caring and sensitive nature when working with our young people and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
Staff v Student Cricket
Covered in pink in unity to support the Mcgrath Foundation, the determined student leaders were the opening batters against the bowlers from the enthusiastic teachers. After a magnificent innings with a 6 from the Steam Captain Poorvansh, the student leaders were optimistic in their campaign against the teachers (finishing the day with 8/42), poised to field and bowl the following day.
Unfortunately, come day two, the teachers overwhelmed the students, hitting 2/72 Congratulations to everybody who participated, and shoutout to all those who donated! $1131 was raised for the McGrath Foundation.
To our Viewbank College community. Thank you for your support this term. We wish you all happy holidays and look forward to continuing our learning program and journey in Term 2.
Principal Class Team
Sharon Grimes, Principal
Emma Ford, Assistant Principal
Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal
Anna Crosswhite, Acting Assistant Principal