message from the principal

Karen Harris

Principal

Building Project

I am pleased to report that the building works are progressing well.   We should have access to B block again before the end of Term 2, the floor in the future Performing Arts space has been lifted for reinforcement to make it ready to bear the weight of the planned retractable seating and the foundations are laid for the new Canteen and Food Studies classrooms.   Weather permitting, we should be on track for the Performing Arts and Canteen precincts to be completed by the end of this year.

Elective/Specialist Subjects

We are currently undertaking a review of our elective/specialist subject program across Years 7 to 10.  Changes to elective choices will be made at the Years 9 and 10 level to ensure that the subjects on offer have curriculum which aligns with the Victorian Curriculum as well as providing the development of skills required for VCE and VCAL.   Consideration is being given to  core programs at Years 7 and 8 to  ensure that a breadth of performing arts, visual arts and design subjects is undertaken by all students at these levels before making choices at Year 9. 

Learning Tasks

I encourage all parents to access the Learning Tasks tab through Compass (parent portal) for an overview of assessments and due dates for each subject.  A snapshot of a typical Year 7 page appears below as a sample. 

Learning Tasks are uploaded on Compass for students of all year levels, including Year 12.  As graded assessments are marked the level of performance/grade is uploaded by teachers.  It is our intention to use this feature of regular reporting of performance in 2018, along with teacher comments, rather than providing extensive written comments at the end of each semester.   More information on this reporting transition will be provided throughout the year.  In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding Learning Tasks please do not hesitate to contact the subject teacher.

Year 7 Innovation Expo

Thank you to Year 7 parents and extended family who supported the Year 7 Innovation Expo. It was a wonderful celebration of student work.  Congratulations to all Year 7 students on their creative ideas and their well-rehearsed pitches.  Not only was it a well-constructed task, indicative of quality teacher collaboration and quality student outcomes,  the whole event acted as a great community event for the school.

Examinations

Students in Year 10 and 11 are now preparing for their Semester 1 examinations.  Study advice has been provided in COGS sessions and students are consolidating their learning in classes this week with revision before the examinations commence next week.  All students enrolled in a Unit 3 and 4 subjects will sit the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Wednesday 14 June.  An outline of the GAT will be provided in COGS sessions for students required to sit the test.

Please note the following student free days:  Monday 12 June – Queen’s Birthday public holiday and Friday 16 June – Report Writing day.