Principal's Page
Teaching and Learning
The future of our Education System has certainly been thrust into the limelight in recent times with the David Gonski's work receiving plenty of attention. David Gonski, a leading public figure in business and philanthropy, was commissioned by the Federal Government 12 months ago to develop a report outlining his thoughts on the future direction of Education.
The report discusses "transforming the school system to assess and reward personal progress, not just standard academic benchmarks. It challenges the Commonwealth, States and Territories to ditch their 'industrial model of schooling' in favour of a more modern and individual approach (Kozoil, M., The Age, 29/4/18).
The report goes on to discuss the need for students to focus on continuous improvement including more advanced students being 'pushed or stretched' to achieve learning levels beyond their years. Other features of the report include greater professional development and collaboration opportunities for teachers, a more flexible senior curriculum to meet the future career aspirations of students, and developing further ways of assessing and monitoring individual student progress.
We are already measuring and reporting on student growth in the classroom. To measure, monitor and report on student progress using a Cyclical Assessment and Reporting Model makes sense. Importantly, we want our students to be well equipped with the necessary skills and content knowledge in order to access the quickly evolving employment and study options of the future. 21st Century Skill Development (Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication and Creativity) for example is vital and if the changes suggested by the Gonski Report are more widely adopted, then it can be argued that greater opportunities can be created for these sorts of skills to be developed.
Pleasingly, the Gonski Report says that 'teachers deserve greater recognition and higher esteem' - these comments are welcomed by all those who teach. The report has certainly got people talking about the future of our Education System and we will continue to watch with interest the public's reaction to Gonski's report.
Open Night - 3rd May, 2018
What a night! The 2018 Open Night was incredibly successful with hundreds of families in attendance. Despite the change in format on the night due to our renovations with the Gymnasium - Performing Arts Complex, we were still able to provide a positive and informative experience for our guests. Each of our Learning Domains were represented while information relating to other important aspects of the College was also shared.
We thank our hard working staff for giving up so much of their time in helping to organise and implement this important event. We also thank our student leaders and helpers on the night who all did such a terrific job in showcasing our College. Special mention to Elisa Pauer and Gemma McMahon (Transition Co-ordinators) - their outstanding leadership allowed for such a successful event.
Strategic Planning, 2019 - 2022
All schools are required to develop a Strategic Plan to further develop student outcomes. Our next Strategic Plan period will be 2019 – 2022. The process of developing a Strategic Plan is significant. We need participation from all stakeholder groups in the development of our Plan. This is an exciting time for the College as we develop important plans for the future.
As part of the process, our College Community needs to complete the Pre Review Self Evaluation (PRSE) process. Our PRSE needs to be completed by the end of Term Two. To assist in the development of our PRSE, we will establish a Panel to get through this important work. Together with staff, we also plan to have representation from leadership, parents from College Council and students on the Panel.
The Panel will have a significant role to play concerning this process. For example, the Panel will seek to view data, consider survey results and review the work from focus groups as part of its work to develop the Pre Review Self Evaluation Report. Staff, students and families will be consulted as part of the process and the work of the Panel. Our Panel will meet on a regular basis through Term Two to help complete the PRSE process and subsequent report.
Please note that the PRSE Report will be used by the DET assigned Reviewer in their work with our school in Term Three. It is during this time that Draft Strategic Plan Goals for 2019 - 2022 will be established, together with the development of Strategies and Targets to help our College meet these Goals. If families have any queries, please contact me at the College via the General Office.
Education Week - Celebrating the Arts, 20 - 26 May
Education Week is coming up soon (20 to 26/5) and the theme this year is 'Celebrating the Arts':
"Now in its 74th year, Education Week aims to positively profile and celebrate the strengths and achievements of Victoria’s government education sector. Education Week 2018 is all about celebrating the arts and is an opportunity for all primary and secondary schools, and early childhood services to showcase the work they are doing for students in arts subjects including dance, drama, music, visual arts and media arts. " (from the DET website 10/5/18)."
The Arts are a very important part of our College, and we aim to recognise the Arts in some way in and around Education Week.
Value of the Week - Creativity
Our College was well represented at a recent Dance Competition at Fairhills Secondary College in Wantirna (27/4). The students competing were:
1 st Place:
Year 10 Solo: Jack Thomson
Year 10 Duo: Jack Thomson and Skye Gommers
Year 10 Group: Jack Thomson, Skye Gommers & Hayley Salt
Year 9 Solo: Hayley Tidd
Year 9 Duo: Lani Himbury & Nicola Himbury
3rd place -
Year 8 Solo: Mia Matheas
Year 7 Duo: Tarliya Cust & Simone Roos
2nd Place-
Overall School Aggregate: Wheelers Hill Secondary College
Our students were able to do the College proud with their outstanding performances on the night. Well done to all involved, including Abbey Novak (Dance Teacher) for organising this opportunity for our students.
Aaron Smith
Principal