Dear families,

What a lovely celebration we had last evening to acknowledge our Year 6 graduates completing their primary education. Their speeches, performance and participation signaled a chapter in all their lives closing and demonstrated that they are ready and prepared to begin the next, stepping into secondary school. On the night I reminded the families of their child’s first day at primary school where they arrived wearing uniforms that were far too big, that they needed to grow into and there were teary farewells from students and families! Students’ bags were almost as big as them! They have certainly grown in confidence and stature since that time and Mr. Kelly, and I have been privileged to share their entire primary years with them and to witness their journey. It was certainly a proud moment as we congratulated each of them on their milestone.

Last night’s primary years soiree signifies the end of our first full year of face-to-face classes since 2019, and what a journey it has been over the past three years! Whilst we look forward to the future it is important to acknowledge that we survived the bumpy ride and the incredible resilience that shone through in both students and staff as we endured those uncertain times. The students' joy at performing last evening was evident as they danced and sang for their families. The short joke sessions between acts were certainly well received and I couldn’t help but smile at the giggles as our early year’s students shared them with the audience. Our school assemblies encourage students to share with their peers and their confidence at public speaking that on display certainly made my heart sing. I can’t begin to imagine how much they will continue to grow and shine over the next few years. I pass on my sincere appreciation to Mr. Michael Sperling and the primary teaching, leadership, and specialist teams for their work in preparing the students for the performance. It was a wonderful community celebration.

Acknowledgement Mr. Con Alexopoulos – Past College Council President

Last night we acknowledged our past College Council President Mr. Con Alexopoulos for his outstanding contribution to the school. Con contributed to the council for six years and participated in at least two school reviews, sitting on the panel in 2020. The certificate presented was signed by the Minister for Education, acknowledging his service.

Middle Years Exams and Step Up Program

It has been an another extremely busy fortnight here at Altona College and I commend our Year 7, 8 and 9 students who have undertaken exams this week. The systems that we have in place have ensured our students understand the high expectations of behaviour and participation with the majority giving their best. Study periods each day and some breaks outdoors have enabled students to reflect on their learning this semester. This coming week all Year 7, 8 and 9 students will take part in a step-up program for 2023. They have been asked to clear their lockers today and will only require a pencil case, laptop, and notebook during the coming week.

Capital Works Program

We are looking forward to the handover of the primary learning space in mid-January. I toured the building works with the architects and construction team on Wednesday viewing a modern, flexible teaching and learning environment. The new STEAM room will be utilised for a range of activities, and we are looking forward to the opportunities the new facility will provide in 2023 and beyond! We have new furniture on order to ensure a clean and orderly learning environment. The new paths will provide for safe movement across the college, and I am sure they will soon become new spaces for down ball games during breaks.

The next stage of the Capital Works Program is the underpinning of the library building as the slab has dropped resulting in cracking of walls, windows, and paths. Our Education Support Staff have assisted with packing books to clear the space for the slab stabilisation works. These will commence on the 12th of December with the area being fenced for the safety of students and staff. The lockers surrounding the building will need to be moved as part of the project and they were to be cleared by students today. During January works will begin to completely renovate the current Year 5 and 6 area, staff offices and student bathrooms. The current classrooms will become purpose-built art and technology spaces, like the new science area. The final stage is the redevelopment of the current art and woodwork rooms into one technology space. All works should be complete by mid-2023!

New Relocatable Classrooms

Additional relocatable classrooms will be installed over the January period and the long-awaited shade sail installation should be completed by the end of term 1. Our school environment is completely changing with the growing nature of our community. Our students have been nothing but amazing during breaks, staying away from the areas where works are currently being undertaken.

State-wide Orientation Day

Next Tuesday is the State-wide Orientation Day for Year 7 2023. We have 100 year 7 enrolments for next year and look forward to welcoming and inducting them into Altona College. The students will meet home room teachers, where possible, and learn about a day in the life of a secondary student. All students, including those currently in Year 6 are to meet at the flagpole area at the front of the school.

Primary Step Up Program

All primary students will participate in a step-up session on Tuesday to meet their classmates and teachers for 2023. We are currently finalising recruitment for next year due to a state-wide teacher shortage. Where new teachers are not available students will be well supported. Once teachers are confirmed we will arrange for them to meet their 2023 students.

Canteen closes Friday 16th December

The canteen will close on Friday 16th December. The canteen will be closed in the last week of term when students are on the Adventure Park and Sun Theatre excursions. Last day for lunches is Friday.

Early Dismissal - Tues 20th December

Students will be dismissed at 1.30pm on Tues 20th Dec. Please ensure your child/ren has a snack as the canteen is closed. School bus service will be available on this day.

I will provide a short newsletter next week once staffing is confirmed for 2023.

Julie Krause

Principal

Key Dates