Acting Principal
Mr Chris Grimmer

Written Permission Required

At this busy time of the year there are a large number of activities/excursions taking place across the college. It is a legal obligation that we have written permission from parents/carers for students to take part in any of these activities that take place away from the school site. A signed permission note is the only documentation that is acceptable. We are unable to accept verbal permission, texts or emails, so I would ask that parents and students avoid putting our office staff and teaching staff in the difficult position of having to refuse permission over the phone and ensure they return the signed permission notes prior to the excursion/activity. Thank you for your understanding and support with this as it is a Department of Education directive, not an individual school decision.

Year 10 Students

Tomorrow, Friday 6th December we say goodbye to our Year 10 students. Their final day at Merbein P-10 College will start with a breakfast at school with staff, followed by a special assembly and conclude with a Graduation Dinner in the evening.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each Year 10 student the best for the future and I hope that they achieve success in whatever pathway they choose to follow.

Transition

Our Prep Practice sessions are well underway with the 2020 Preps completing their fourth session yesterday. They have their final session next Tuesday when students across all schools are involved in orientation.
The Year 6-7 Orientation Days are next week (10th & 11th Dec). Mr Morgan and Mrs Carmes have been working on the orientation program with staff and have organised an excellent couple of days for our 2020 Year 7 students.
Year 10-11 Senior College Orientation Days (10th – 12th December)
Year 10 Graduation – Friday 6th December
Year 10 dismissal – Friday 6th December (with parent permission and organised employment)

Principal Position 2020

Mr Cupper has notified the region that he will remain on leave for Term 1 2020, so as a result I will continue in the Acting Principal position for that time. I would like to thank the entire Merbein P-10 learning community for your support during the three terms I have been at the College. I have really enjoyed working with students, staff and families across the P-10 and look forward to another successful year in 2020.

2020 Staffing Update

We have recently appointed Miss Jess Crawford to the new graduate teacher position of English/Humanities for 2020. The new position was required because of our increasing numbers in the secondary area and the fact that Mrs Lina Palamara has elected not to renew her current contract. I want to sincerely thank Lina for the exceptional work she has done at Merbein P-10 College in her role as English/Hums teacher. She has loved her time at Merbein P-10 and we have loved having her here. Her professionalism and friendship is highly valued and she will be greatly missed next year.
Mr Greg Rhodes has been on Long Service leave throughout 2019 and has informed us that he will be retiring at the beginning of term 1 2020. Greg is a highly valued colleague at Merbein P-10 College and has had a huge impact on the lives of many, many students across Sunraysia. Whilst he will be a huge loss to our college, it is a great opportunity for Greg to fully relax, spend time with family and of course fine tune that golf swing!! (As if it needs more fine tuning!!)
Mr Darin Lord has been successful in gaining a position in Bendigo for 2020. This was great news for Darin as he has been keen to relocate due to family reasons. We are currently advertising for a replacement teacher for Darin who has done a terrific job as a maths learning specialist over recent years and has made a significant contribution as a teacher, assistant principal and principal at a number of schools across Sunraysia.
Mrs Donna Lay from our wellbeing team has applied for leave for 2020, returning at the beginning of the 2021 school year. Donna’s leave has been approved so we wish her all the best for a relaxing 2020!!

Awards Presentation Evening 2019

This year our Annual Awards Presentation Evening will be held at Mildura Arts Centre on Monday 16th December commencing at 7.30pm. Students receiving awards will be notified prior to the evening. Students receiving awards on the night are required to attend in school uniform. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Our awards evening acknowledges the contribution to our school and academic excellence of around ninety Primary and Secondary students each year.

Through the generous support of community based organisations and businesses, we distribute over $5000 in cash and prizes to our award winners each year.