Dear parents and carers,

This is the last newsletter for the year. I would like to say that it has been a privilege to be the principal of Footscray City College this year. People are at the heart of a good school and the people at FCC are the best. The students are wonderful young people. I have been impressed with their ability to discuss issues, exchange views and participate in our school community and the broader community. There are so many events, learning programs and activities that happen at FCC but the success of the school is demonstrated by the actions and values of students and staff. Our success as a school is the contribution we make to ensure that all our students can be successful and participatory members of our community. To highlight this I have listed below some of the things I have seen this year that illustrate this point:

• Plays, music, and productions of the highest calibre

• Students receiving awards in all areas of the curriculum and being recognised for their achievements

• A school culture firmly embedded with the values of inclusiveness, acceptance, respect and community spirit

• Student participation in a variety of school activities

• Students engaging with teachers and staff to get the most of their school experience

• Students who attended school council or presented for the STEAM LABs expertly engaging and interacting with unfamiliar adults in mature and responsive ways.

I have been delighted to work with the staff this year. Firstly, to the Assistant Principals who have supported me this year. Thank you for all your work. The unique skills and expertise each of you brings to the role makes everything work and supports staff in their roles. Your commitment to the success of each student is demonstrated in the work you do on a daily basis. It has been my great pleasure to work with you and importantly for me I have learnt a lot from you that I will take with me. The teaching staff are a great eclectic group of people who bring their own skills to FCC. I have had many informative educational conversations with staff that have made me think about other views and perspectives. Unfortunately, as I have been here only a year I have not had the time to get to know all staff with the same familiarity. However, the staff that I have had the fortune to get to know, have impressed me with their commitment to the students and the school.

I have singled out the Education Support staff to mention as the group here at FCC do an extraordinary job supporting the learning programs and school. Office staff, integration aides, IT staff, Lab staff, Food assistants, maintenance support and the international student support team provide the backbone for many programs. Thank you for all your support and contribution to the school this year.

I would like to thank the school council, Karen Ingram President and the school community for making this a wonderful year. It has been an interesting time as we move towards Footscray High School in 2020. I am appreciative of my time in 2019 at FCC and will leave with many good memories and continuing relationships. For 2020 I will continue to be involved in the Footscray Learning Precinct as the Precinct Lead. I hope that our paths will cross as this exciting community project comes to fruition.

Happy Christmas and have a wonderful 2020.

Angelique den Brinker - Acting Principal

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