College Principal Message
Sadly, I have to say, ‘another month, another lockdown’. All credit to staff who are rallying to engage students in their learning online. Reports of students showing signs of flagging enthusiasm, is a concern but understandable. Unfortunately, it looks like we really have to adjust to switching between face to face and online learning, even though we may not like it. No one can afford to ‘wait’ until we return to the classroom. Teachers and most of the class will have been working on and there will not be time to repeat what has already been done in remote.
GAT
The GAT date will be changed but as yet we do not know what that is. DET and VCAA are assuring us that even if some students are in quarantine when it runs they will not be disadvantaged. Whenever it does run, we will run a ‘normal’ day for Year 11s unless they are doing the GAT of course.
Year 10 Experience Day Cancelled
We will not run the Year 10 Experience Day on that day, rather we are planning to modify it with the aim of providing students adequate time at Delahey prior to their transition. As you will see in our new School strategic Plan, the transition to Delahey will be a focus and is something we intend to enhance.
GALA
Sadly the Gala has had to be pushed out until November to work around possible restrictions and then the senior students’ exam period. The constant juggling of dates and the consequent planning around all that is very demanding and we should not underestimate the effort all staff is putting in to keep things as normal as possible.
eLearning
I reported last time on the parent forum and am pleased to advise that our eLearning team is in the process of developing the Compass ‘how to’ videos which will then also be translated into our community languages. In addition, our Community Liaison officers are organising family meetings when we can do it face to face to continue the dialogue about how to engage with their child’s education.
Premier Visit
The big news prior to the lockdown was the visit by the Premier who proved himself to be very adept at engaging with people at all levels while at the same time, hitting his political points. All in all, it was a very successful visit; our student representatives were exemplary and made us very proud, they were authentic and very clear in their communication.
Western Chances and ABCN Scholarships
We have received notification about a number of scholarship opportunities from Western Chances and ABCN. Generally, these scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate strong commitment to their learning as evidenced by academic progress through effort and high rates of attendance However, the main qualifier is the demonstration of financial hardship which is generally denoted by a Health Care Card and or receipt of CSEF, although there may be other circumstances. If your child(ren) fulfills these categories, please approach their Team Leader who will collaborate with your child to create the application. Your child will need to write a substantial piece to demonstrate their worthiness.
Repair Soccer Pitches
Thanks to Julie Rogers and Lance Petherick for organising two grant applications to get the soccer pitches at Kings Park and Sydenham repaired.
Senior Secondary Reform Working Group
I am involved in a Senior Secondary Reform Working Group which had its first meeting last month. While there are many cautions and challenges in the proposals, I am confident that this group and schools will find a way to make it work for our students. By 2023 the vast majority of students will be enrolled in VCE; either VCE or VCE [Vocational Major] (interim name). Some students will be enrolled in a Foundation Pathways Certificate (interim name). All students will be required to complete 16 units across the two years. The VCAL subjects of Literacy, Numeracy, PDS and Work Related Skills will become part of the VCE with associated Empowering Every Student to Aspire and Achieve Study Designs and assessment criteria. If you are keen to find out more and or have your say please follow the link here.
https://engage.vic.gov.au/consultation-senior-secondary-reform
Until next time
Pip Griffiths
College Principal