Principals' Report
Principal Team Report
We have now welcomed back our students and staff and how wonderful it has been to see them all. The heart of the school has returned and it is great to see and hear conversations, excitement and watch relationships rekindle. Prior to students and staff returning to on-site learning, we developed a set of guidelines for everyone to follow based on Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and Department of Education and Training advice which fits the physical context of our school. In the first few days of these guidelines taking effect, we have seen students and staff demonstrating individual and collective responsibility by practicing proper hygiene practices and keeping their distance where possible. Students are adapting to carrying their bags and accessing classrooms from external doors rather than staying in corridors, although this is still in transition. Good hand hygiene is essential and each staff member has been issued with hand sanitiser, disinfectant, tissues and wipes to take to all learning spaces. Students and staff are reminded to practice good hygiene and coughing etiquette. Most importantly if anyone is ill, even slightly, they should not attend school. Helen Lamers is well prepared to support staff and students who present as unwell. In addition to following these guidelines, the focus for students and staff as they have transitioned back to on-site learning has been around reconnecting with each other, reflection on our experiences during Remote Learning and re-engaging with on-site learning. This started with assemblies and reflective activities led by Sub-school coordinators, giving students the opportunity to consider the skills they developed during this period which included self-regulation, resilience and organisation as well as familiarisation with a range of technical platforms. Collectively we have been extremely proud of the way all members of the College – staff, students and families have adapted to and made the best of an unusual scenario. We hope that all of us continue to utilise the skills we have developed and see the positives in the unique learning opportunities that 2020 has provided us. I imagine our student leaders will elaborate on the strategies they used during Remote Learning to support each other and reach out to the student body. Their video clip was wonderful and I loved seeing the iso cooking, music, athletics, writing and other events that occurred. The Leadership Instagram pages are fantastic too.
VCE exam schedule
The Minister for Education has recently made an announcement about the VCAA end of year exam period. This will begin on Monday 9 November until Wednesday 2 December. This gives everyone clarity as it means the ATAR results will be calculated just before the year ends. All of us recognise the impact this health crisis has had on our Year 12 students but I am very confident that they have been well supported to achieve success. Teachers will continue to work hard to ensure best learning outcomes are achieved.
Reports
Semester reports for parents will be published by the end of Week 1 in Term 3. This extended period will give students and staff extra time to complete assessment and submit tasks after the Remote Learning period.
Improved facilities at Koonung
During the six weeks of remote learning, our maintenance team took the opportunity to complete work around the College, both within classrooms and in the grounds. Our maintenance team of Mat Douglas and Peter Martin worked throughout the six weeks completing many tasks. The Middle school science rooms look fantastic and many other upgrades were completed.
Koonung SC mentioned in The Age, Monday 22 June
It is rewarding to see Koonung listed among the top performing state secondary schools following our outstanding 2019 VCE results:
"The inner and middle eastern suburbs are also home to a large number of top-performing state secondary schools. Balwyn High School, Box Hill High School, Glen Waverley Secondary College and Koonung Secondary College were among last year's top state schools, VCE results show."
International Students Program
The ISP has faced some challenges since the beginning of this academic year, with two Year 11 students not being able to return to Australia for their study due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Tracey Song, Joyce Bao and Sen Li and the Sub-school teams for their work supporting these students.
Marianne Lee
Principal
Capital Works Program Update
We are currently in the design development phase of our Capital Works project. This phase considers the design of the learning and teaching spaces and amenities areas. Materials and finishes are also being discussed. The next stage in the process is finalising tender documentation to proceed to tender - we are getting closer to turning the first sod!
Stace Kerr
Business Manager