Campus Principal Report

11th August 2023 

Acacia Campus Principal Newsletter Item

Pathways and course preparation are a core focus for students in Term 3. All Year 9, 10 and 11 students have a personalised course counselling meeting with trained staff members and students choose their courses and develop pathway programs for 2024 and beyond by the end of this term.

The College provides a diverse range of senior subjects and programs, with VCE, VCE-VM, VPC and Headstart Apprenticeships. In addition to offering over 38 different VCE subjects, we have expanded the number of Vocational Education & Training (VET) programs for 2024 by adding Certificate II in Health Services, Visual Arts and Music Performance. Staff spend significant time with the students preparing them for their transition beyond school and supporting them to make informed decisions.

Even though the term requires students to engage in some serious reflection and decision making, there are always opportunities to recognise student talent and to celebrate and strengthen peer and school  connections. It was great to see the Acacia theatre come alive again with the production of Aladdin Junior. Students from both campuses in Years 7-12 were involved in performing on stage or as part of the stage crew. These events showcase some of the incredibly talented students we have.

Year 7-9 students will participate at their Campus in the annual ‘History Day’ in Week 7. Students and staff are encouraged to dress up in the historical era they are studying and they participate in a day of activities, competitions, quizzes and skill tests related to key historical events and people. The day is always a great deal of fun as students engage in applied learning tasks that reinforce the concepts and issues they have been learning in class.

The Year 9 students will be attending the ‘City Experience’ each day in Weeks 8 (Banksia) and 9 (Acacia). The students complete a range of projects and develop links to community agencies related to issues they have been learning in class. Year 10 students from both campuses are looking forward to their Camp to Philip Island scheduled for Week 9. The students will enjoy a program of outdoor team activities and the weather is sure to improve as we head to September.

The Year 12 students will attend their Formal next Friday at The Grand Receptions in Cathies 

Lane, Wantirna. The student formal committee have been planning this event for months; they design the theme, organise decorations, the menu and students awards. This year’s theme is ‘A Night in Paris’ and we look forward to  attending this special prestigious event with our Year 12 students.

We are hosting Parent/Student/Teacher Evening at the end of the term on Thursday 14th September and we want to encourage as many parents as possible to attend with their children so we can continue to work together to improve student learning outcomes – please put the date in your diaries.

Warm Regards,

Robyn Hughes & Richard Hastings

Acacia and Banksia Campus Principals