Campus Principal Report

Banksia Campus is abuzz with activity. The programs being run across all year levels are fantastic. Students are re-engaging with all aspects of their learning and have many new opportunities to get involved at both their year level and across age levels. The year 7’s and 9’s have returned from their respective camps, another sign that school life is returning to normal. We have had a number of clubs, excursions and activities planned, organised and participated in during term 1.  The opportunities for all students to find their niche at school is fantastic, whatever your hobby, sport, lifestyle choice or background we are keen to have clubs and activities to cater for your interests. Stay tuned to Compass posts and take every opportunity that comes your way. 

The homework club has started again under the care of Mr Roelofse who will be organising the program this year. This year it will run on Mondays from 3:30 to 5:00pm. Go along and take advantage of the tutoring available.

Year 8 has had guests in to talk to all the year 8s on a variety of topics based around the Respectful Relationships program initiated by the department. A lot of work is being done across all year levels to develop activities that will identify and raise things that reinforce the College values and the 5P’s learning framework to assist the re-engagement process. These are designed to address deficits created during the last two years. Anecdotally, students are finding returning to school a time that, in some cases, has promoted anxiety  and stresses mainly in interacting with each other and the return to full length classes.

On Monday 28th March we had our first ‘in person’ RED assembly for quite a while. We introduced all the students with leadership positions to the rest of the student body. We also acknowledged the RED award winners, 6 from each year level, who demonstrated and upheld the school values of Respect, Excellence and Diversity

We have a number of staff leaving us from the Banksia Campus. Anna Proy, the year 11 Team Leader (and formerly Year 8 Team Leader) is going on a Bastow course placement. This is for the remainder of the term and will be taking further leave during the remainder of 2022. Replacing Ms Proy as Year 11 leader is Ms Parkes, who brings vast experience to the role. A special thanks to Mr McGinley for taking the brunt of the co-ordination duties during the transition period.

Michael Enderby, our Student Wellbeing Coordinator has requested and been granted leave for 12 months. Michael came to us firstly as a Chaplain through Scriptures Union Victoria 2 days per week. We quickly saw characteristics that suited other roles within the Wellbeing Team. He became a youth worker, counsellor and finally the SWC at Acacia, followed by his appointment to the position at Banksia. The work done in these roles, whilst not public knowledge, is both life changing and saving for some of our students. The intensity of the role and the complexity of the cases makes the work both challenging and rewarding. I admire those who are willing to take up difficult roles and Michael has certainly been at the forefront. On a personal note, I have worked closely at both Campuses and have enjoyed his professional and committed approach as well as the good humour and collegiality he brought to the role. He served during his time with us as a staff representative on School Council which demonstrated his interest and care for the entirety of the school program and community. We wish Michael well during his leave. 

Richard Hastings

Banksia Campus Principal

What a ride Term 1 has been! Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and support for me in the Campus Principal.

This term has come with its challenges. We’ve had to deal with quite a number of student absences due to students isolating or having COVID. Same too, with staff shortages- it’s been really difficult to cover all of our staff absences and make sure all classes have supervision and are provided with continuity in their learning. However, despite some challenges, some fantastic things have happened this term; Year 7 camp and Year 10 outdoor ed camp, interschool sports, excursions, incursions, Wakakirri auditions and rehearsals, netball and basketball afterschool programs, Harmony day organised by the VCALs, Valentine’s Day by Student Voice, Live music from our school bands, Open Night, Year 7 Meet and Greet, Parent Teacher Student Interviews, our whole campus RED assembly- our first whole campus assembly in two years, and a whole term of face to face teaching and learning!! It’s easy to get bogged down in the ‘stuff’ that hasn’t been easy, but it’s a true testament to our school community that when we keep persisting and striving for excellence, we can do great things. 

I want to thank our students who have shown such strength and resilience not only this term, but over the past two years. Also, I would like to acknowledge our amazing staff. It’s been a pretty long term for teachers, especially having to pick up extra classes/duties when colleagues have had to isolate. We are so lucky to have such wonderful community of teachers at the College.

We have some exciting times ahead with building works about to commence in our Music Area. Our Music Faculty have temporality relocated to the C Block. This has been a mammoth effort from our Music and Maintenance Staff. Looking forward to what’s to come in the coming months with a brand-new Music Wing being constructed next to our canteen. 

Next term is going to be big; we have the NAPLAN (in May) for our Year 7 and 9 students and exams in Week 6 and/or 7 for our Year 7-11 students. Then we move into our 2nd semester of work in Week 8! Term 2 is short and sharp, only 9 weeks, and we are going to pack it full of learning and exciting programs. 

I wish you a wonderful upcoming break. Looking forward to more amazing things to come in Term 2. 

Natalie Fode

Acacia Campus Principal