ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT 

Smooth start

It has been so good to be able to see the smiles of the students. All students have started with enthusiasm and approached the school year with positivity even with going back to wearing a mask. The challenges of getting around to all students to communicate processes, organise lockers, rooms, timetables, classrooms, etc has gone without too much difficulty and is due to the flexibility of the students. Thanks to all students and parents for such a fantastic start to the school year. Thank you to the Learning Community Teams for their encouragement and patience as students settle into the school year. 

The Geelong Project Survey 

Western Heights College is participating in The Geelong Project (TGP) in 2021.  TGP’s focus is to minimise youth homelessness and prevent young people from leaving school early, encouraging them to improve their engagement with school. TGP is unique to Geelong and is now being used interstate and internationally. It is being recognised as the best way to tackle the problem of youth homelessness long term.

TGP believes that working early (early intervention) with young people and their families is the best way to solve problems before they become too large.

 Early Intervention Response Worker’s from Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF) will be placed at Western Heights College. They will provide support to assist students to stay at home and remain connected to school.

Students are asked to complete the Australian Index of Adolescent Development (AIAD) survey on  . The survey asks questions about students’ current circumstances at school, their health and wellbeing, family, friends and the community. Through the survey, students with high risk factors will be identified so that TGP can offer support.

Western Heights College and TGP hope that parents and the community will get behind this effort to provide improved support to students in Geelong schools.

Year 7 and 10 immunisations 

The immunising team from Barwon Health will visit WHC to administer the Year 10 Meningococcal vaccine on the 3 March and to the current Year 7 students for the HPV and Boostrix Immunisation on the 10 March. Families have been provided with the relevant consent cards last year and again this year. If you believe that you have missed out on returning the consent card please contact the relevant Learning Community Leader. 

Students who are to be vaccinated may wear their PE uniform on that day as it makes accessing the upper arm easier for the nurses. 

Expectations - Student Planner

All students received the 2021 Student Planner at ready to learn interviews. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the school content in the first section of the planner. This section for students includes the school map, expected behaviour and code of conduct, extra electronic devices and mobile phones at school, the student agreement for safely and respectfully using a learning device, uniform, library use, etc

School Photo Day 

School Photo Day is 23rd February.

The details of the upcoming school photo day will also be sent through compass. MSP Photography do not use envelopes for ordering photographs anymore; photos are to be ordered online after they are available to view. 

Warwick Lamb and Tami O’Hare

Assistant Principals

Assistant Principal - Warwick Lamb

I’m really excited to join the Western Heights College community in 2021 as Assistant Principal of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum. I’ve really enjoyed meeting and getting to know our students, families and staff throughout the first three weeks. I’ve spent time in classrooms and it has been really pleasing to see our students focused on their learning and having really positive discussions about their work. I look forward to getting to know everyone over the coming weeks. What has really stood out for me so far, is the engagement of students in our programs, ranging from our elite sport options, senior secondary pathways and our year 7-10  learning programs. I welcome the new year 7 students  to our community and feel a real connection with them also being new to the College in 2021. 

I join the College from the Department of Education, where for the past 3 years I have worked with schools across the Barwon Region as an Education Improvement Leader, supporting the learning of students and supporting schools to deliver high quality teaching and learning programs. Prior to this, I have spent 10 years teaching and in leadership positions in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.  I am passionate about ensuring every student achieves to their potential and providing career and learning pathways to allow students to achieve their dreams. My values align with those of the college and I am looking forward to working to support all our learners to work towards their goals and aspirations over the coming weeks, months and years.  

Thankyou again for being so kind in welcoming me and I look forward to continuing to meet everyone in person.

Regards

Warwick