Assistant Principal (Years 10-12) Report 

Firstly, I am thrilled to take over the role of Assistant Principal (Senior School) this year at Westall SC. Previously, working as Director of Learning of Senior School I am excited and optimistic to work collaboratively with our other school leaders to drive improved student outcomes within the classroom. From the start of the year all teachers of years 10-12 have been working hard to get to know their students and create the optimal conditions for effective and meaningful learning to occur within the classroom.

From my perspective, our senior students have made a very impressive start to the academic year. The success of our Year 11 Study Program and Year 12 Study Camp has contributed to students working with teachers in a productive and positive manner. A massive thank you to Ms. Anna Papagiannopoulos (Director of Learning – Senior School), Ms. Ellen Rankin (Year 12 Coordinator) and Ms. Helen Ifandis (Year 11 Coordinator) for planning these events, and for the dedicated staff that attended and supervised our students in these key events in the academic calendar. These experiences provided students with an opportunity to reflect upon how they learn best and what strategies and behaviours provide the greatest potential for academic success.

Our new VCE Vocational Major program has kicked off strongly as our applied learning pathways and programs continue to grow. The teaching staff within these programs have worked hard to both this year and last year to design curriculum that both engages and sets students on a pathway of success in employment or TAFE study. Currently, we have over 75 students enrolled in either our Vocation Pathways Program (Yr10) and the VCE Vocational Major (Yr11&12). As part of their applied learning programs, we have 35 students who are active engaged in School-based Apprenticeships or completing VET study in an industry of their choice. The strength of these programs allows students to gain valuable experience within the world of work and industry.

Looking ahead our VCE students will be engaged in an internal and external mentor program throughout this year. Once again, partnering with Monash University our Access Monash Mentor Program will run this year as students from both Year 11 & 12 engage with a student mentor from Monash University. Running parallel to this our Internal Mentoring Program pairs Year 12 students with an experienced Westall staff member. The aim of both programs is to provide our students with an opportunity to discuss challenges faced throughout the year in their studies, and collaboratively generate strategies for improvement in how they learn best. In past years these programs have been popular and hugely successful and hopefully this year our senior students who take within these programs will make the most of this great opportunity.

Throughout the year our senior students will engage in programs delivered by Elevate Education. The ‘Ace Your Exam’ and ‘The Finishing Line’ programs allow students to build their knowledge and skills to prepare for VCE exams. In small groups our students work directly with Elevate presenters who specialise providing students with a tool kit to achieve success in learning, specifically targeting the VCE exam period. We are once again thrilled to be partnering with Elevate Education in 2023.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

A reminder to all students and families that school photos will take place on Tuesday the 7th of March. This year we have secured the services of Hikari Photograph https://www.hikari.com.au/ Order forms have already been distributed to students throughout all year levels. A reminder to all families that photos can be paid for by setting up an account online or by paying cash on the day of the photos. Specific information regarding payments and the range of photos that can be purchased can be found within the order forms provided to students. Please read this information carefully. A reminder that summer uniform should be worn by all students. Students arriving to school in the incorrect uniform may miss out on an opportunity to have their photo taken on this day. If students or families have any questions relating to school photos, please direct these enquiries to junior, middle or senior sub-school office for more information.

BEING PREPARED FOR CLASS

For effective learning to occur within the classroom it is critical that all students are prepared for class. By now all students should know what materials and equipment they need for each of their classes. Unfortunately, we still have some students who are arriving to class without the right textbook, stationery and/or a device. This greatly hinders their ability to engage productively with their learning hindering progress. As we are a BYOD school, we have limited devices that students can borrow on a day-to-day basis. Please assist our teachers by checking that your son/ daughter is coming to school equipped and ready to learn. If your child does not have textbooks due to financial reasons, please get in touch with their year level coordinator so that measures can be put in place to ensure that your child has access to material. 

USE OF STUDENT DIARY

Like last year Westall SC has provided all students with a school diary in recognition of the importance of using a diary daily. The school diaries provide both students and parents with access to important school information and policies. Included within the diary are prompts relating how students should plan, reflect, connect, and think about their learning. There is a section for parent/teacher communication, creating study goals setting a study timetable. Additionally, at the back of the diary there is a small whiteboard subject teachers use to check their understanding within the class. It is a useful and required tool to be bought to class daily for all Westall students. Students should be noting down homework and due dates of assessments, which provides them with an enhanced ability to manage their time. The evidence is clear that when students use a diary in this way, they are more motivated to complete work within set timelines. When this is achieved improved progress is made in their learning.

 IMMUNISATIONS

This year our Year 7 and Year 10 School Immunisation Program for 2023 will be conducted on Monday 27th March. All students including International students can access vaccines through the school immunisation program. All Year 7 & Year 10 students have been given a consent card which must be completed in full and returned to school prior to the date of receiving the vaccinations. Your Junior and middle sub-schools have been keeping track of those students who don’t return the consent card. Westall SC supports the City of Kingston and more broadly the ‘Immunise Australia Program’ to encourage all students to be vaccinated. This vaccination program is free health service for all students. Please read through the information on the consent card when your child brings it home. Here is a link to provide more information about the City of Kingston vaccination program. https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/services/families-and-children/immunisation

Mr Jason Tickner

Assistant Principal (Year 10-12)