From the Principal 

Sadly, we find ourselves in this position of a short, sharp lockdown which is disappointing for everyone. It is particularly disappointing for our students to once again find themselves learning from home. We had desperately hoped that this year would have some consistency and normalcy. 

I am sure we are all committed to ensuring this lockdown effectively arrests the latest community outbreak as quickly as possible. Our staff have responded remarkably quickly and transitioned to working and learning from home. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact the relevant team members to assist if support is required. We will continue to communicate with the school community through Compass, so keep up to date with any Newsfeeds.

Whole School Assembly

We were delighted when, on Friday 12 February, we were able to deliver our Whole School Assembly. The weather was kind to us and the event was a raging success. The main theme explored during the ceremony was the tremendous reward students can experience by participating in co-curricular activities including: sport, debating, House events, performing arts, the production, and all of our various clubs. This helped to reinforce our focus for the year of reconnecting us as a community. A particular highlight was when the Unit 3 & 4 Music students performed Lanterns by Birds of Tokyo. 

We had the opportunity to welcome our new students, there was the symbolic changing of the guard for our School Captains, with the new captains receiving their blazers and badges. Congratulations to Lucy Rachman Vascotto, Stella Russo, Zac Johnstone and Kitty Robinson, and thank you for your work preparing for the assembly. We introduced other captains and spoke of our students' outstanding 2020 results.  

We also took the opportunity to alert everyone to our attempts to reduce our environmental footprint through better waste management. We recently introduced new recycling bins and our canteen is using recyclable packaging. We now need everyone to use the bins correctly, red bins are for general waste and yellow bins can be used for recycling. Mila and Ivy from Green Team spoke to the school about their vision for greater activity to promote sustainability.  

I also announced that (weather permitting) we will hold two whole school assemblies per year. One to welcome everyone back, and one to farewell and wish our Year 12s all the best in late October.  

Thank you to everyone for making it happen. 

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

We celebrated in style on Thursday 11 February with an exciting Robotics Competition in the library. Congratulations to Ellija Stevens, Dahsha Hanley and Cherry Leadbeater from 7A who were crowned the winners and received their very own robots as prizes. A lot of fun was had by all. 

The winners are pictured here with many of the other enthusiastic participants and Lorena Pellone-Gismondi (Head of Science ) and Sophie Sun (Robotics and IT teacher). Also pictured are some of the robots in action. 

Did you know that Science subjects rate as the third most popular courses selected by students at Northcote High, with only English and Mathematics ahead of them.

You may also be interested to know that tertiary studies in Science, Mathematics, Health Sciences and Engineering account for nearly half of all pathways beyond secondary school? 

We already do so well in this field of study. Imagine the inspiration and success we would have if the STEM centre in Stage 1 of the school’s Masterplan was built!    

Masterplan

Speaking of improving things for students, we are working hard to gain funding for Stage 1 & 2 of the school’s Masterplan redevelopment. 

We are seeking $20.5 million for Stage 1 & 2 to be built. This includes a new STEM Centre, new Food studies rooms, a new Resource Centre – library, careers, and student services, new all-purpose, collaborative classrooms which transform into an assembly space, and a new canteen. 

Upgrade of Facilities – Making our School a better place to learn & work

Extensive holiday works were completed to improve facilities for students and staff.  

Upgrade to Upstairs B-Block 

The Maths rooms upstairs in B-Block were recarpeted, repainted, and fitted with additional whiteboards, and will soon have inspirational wall decorations added, as well as a small withdrawal workspace. 

Outdoor furniture 

We have purchased even more outdoor settings and umbrellas for student use. They are being used solidly during break times, and also during study periods by the senior students. They have changed some congested areas of the school to more passive and pleasant locations. 

Locker bays

Two new locker bays were completed in the holidays. 

Bike racks

Quotes are coming in for the purchase of the much-needed bike racks. Things have been delayed due to COVID, but we hope to get this back on track as quickly as possible. 

Still to Come this year: 

• Shade sails
• Expanded seating and deck area at the canteen
• More outdoor furniture for students.

We encourage students to let us know of further ways we can improve the campus.

Let us hope it is only the three days this week that we are learning and working from home. I encourage everyone to try their best, and to do all of the things that keep you happy, safe and well – both physically and mentally. 

Know that we miss you and we are so looking forward to hearing that familiar buzz and energy in the hallways and classrooms again.

Until next time, take care.

Sue Harrap

Principal