Western Heights College Newsletter

AROUND THE COLLEGE

Term 1

YEAR 7 CAMP

 

Ms McCarthy 

Year 7 LCL

YEAR 8

The WHC year 8’s are off to a flying start. This week they have adapted well to being back in the classroom and are enjoying their new community building.

 

Here is our 8A class getting stuck into their English work with Mrs Harrington.

Miss Marriage

Year 8 LCL

YEAR 8 SCIENCE

Year 8 students have started the year investigating the elements in Science. Students conducted the hydrogen pop test and filled balloons with helium to obtain a balloon that would sit suspended in the air in a state of equilibrium.

YEAR 9

Welcome and congratulations to all new and returning Year 9 students who have settled into their new building and 2021 learning program in a positive manner. The teachers are impressed by the way students are embracing the challenges of meeting new friends, subjects and teachers. I encourage all Year 9 community members to become involved in school and community activities and to “Give things a try” as it doesn’t matter if you make a mistake. That is life and how you will best learn. So the first challenge is to become involved in the Western Heights College swimming carnival on Monday 22nd Feb, followed by the Athletics Carnival and Inter-sports Competitions later in the term. Parents and guardians are encouraged to make contact with Mentors regarding questions, clarifications and support for their students or to make contact with myself as the Year 9 Learning Community Leader.  I look forward to getting to know not only the students in Year 9 but the supporting families as well. Together we can all make a difference. 

 

Just a reminder that Physical Education is timetabled for Tuesday P3-4 for all Year 9 students. Students may wear their correct P.E. uniform to and from school on this day but all other days correct academic school uniform must be worn with pride.

 

 A final reminder lockers must have a lock and laptops need to be charged ready for learning. I look forward to all Year 9 students having a fantastic term learning and growing together.

 

Mr Beasley.

Year 9 LCL

Year 10

Congratulations to all year 10s who have made an excellent start to the school year with their first full five days of week 2.

 

It was very pleasing to see students learning and socialising in the new Year 10 space maturely and respectfully. A highlight of the week was the commencement of the VET Taster program at Geelong Trade Trading Centre. Students also had their first sessions of VCE and VET internal Vet programs. 

 

This week will see volunteers sought for the SWPB program and students will start to prepare for the Athletics carnival in their P.E. classes. Students and families are encourages to contact their mentor teachers or myself for any additional questions and support. 

 

Mr Conron

Year 10 LCL

YEAR 11

Hello Parents, Guardians and students of year 11, 2021 and welcome!

 

For students and parent/guardians of those who are yet to have a someone go through these next two years – it can seem daunting, confusing and stressful to say the least – but please be ensured – the teachers are here to help!

 

Firstly, I should introduce myself and the year 11 mentors for this year. 

  • Mr David Foster – 11A mentor and teacher of VCAL and Design and Technology.
  • Ms Anna Hurley – 11B mentor and teacher of VCE Studio Arts, and also Art program through the college
  • Ms Sandra Ritonja – 11B mentor and VCE English Teacher
  • Ms Sarah Pitman – 11C mentor and VCAL teacher/Coordinator
  • Ms Fran Smith – VET coordinator
  • Mr Brett Bullock – year 11 LCL, VCE Chemistry and Year 11 General Maths teacher.

Almost two full weeks into the first term and I must congratulate the year 11 students on the way they have taken to their studies and how they have settled into the Yellow Building (DAT).  I am especially pleased about how they have taken in the new students who have joined us over the break and past few weeks.

Year 11 is a big year, with students taking on VCE subjects or VCAL and having the opportunity to undertake a VET course. Over the next few bulletins, I hope to explain a little more about the differences in these pathways – just to clear up any questions you might have.

I will finish of by asking you – if you have any questions or need clarification – please don’t hesitate and contact any of the year 11 team and we will be more than happy to help you out!

 

Brett Bullock

Year 11 LCL

 

SPORT HOUSES

Barton House are looking forward to continuing their sporting success from 2020 under the guidance and expert support of the 2021 House Leaders: Sam Hough, Jackson Drew, Alannah Northam, Mikayla Versace.

 

Quamby House Leaders.

 

Alice Irving

Jasmine Whatley

Emmy Nekrep

Tiana Prodanov

Nic Prodanov

Drew Stocks

 

 

 

2020 wasn’t the easiest of years, for the obvious reason.  Students, small business and large business all had periods of uncertainty and still do. All aspects of life as we knew it changed.  Students in particular saw a significant change in their day to day life and to their credit they stepped up, learnt knew methods quickly and built skills that will help them in future study and employment.

 

Despite the pandemic, the Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships program, offered by the Department of Education, placed and continues to support 55 students across the Barwon region in an apprenticeship/traineeship. 

 

So what is Head Start? 

Head Start provides students a pathway to a career while gaining their high school qualification. Students spend more time doing relevant, paid, on the job training with a flexible approach to school studies. The program helps students to develop skills and experience that employer’s value. 

 

How is Head Start different to other School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships?

A dedicated coordinator will work with the student till they complete their apprenticeship/traineeship, not just till the end of year 12.

 

What is a Head Start coordinator?

We build employer and industry connections to source and support the delivery of Head Start in the local area.  Head Start Coordinators are integral to the success of the program providing a point of coordination for students and employers.

 

Head Start coordinators:

  • match the right student with the right employer – we see this as critical to the success of the program
  • mentor the student to ensure they are job ready
  • support students and employers through to the completion of their apprenticeship or traineeship (not just until they finish school)
  • develop tailored Head Start pathway agreements for each apprentice or trainee
  • work with employers and Head Start schools to identify suitable opportunities
  • provide a point of coordination for students, employers, schools and training providers
  • ensure workplaces offer quality learning experiences for students.

The success of the program relies on strong, trusting relationships with students and employers in the local area.

Qualifications are available in a range of industries, so if you’re a student looking for a pathway into employment, a parent looking for a secure future for your child, or an employer looking for your next apprentice, contact the Careers & Pathways Team at your Victorian State Government School about the Head Start Program!

 

Online Art Exhibition-Competition 

We have some amazing student artwork online. Click on this link to see paintings, films and photography done by your classmates in 2020

 

https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/3617634/western-heights-college-arts

 

Students will be voting on the artwork next week.