Assistant Principal's Report
Assistant Principal
- Mrs. Sue Simadri
Progress Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews
Progress Reports for all students were made available in Compass earlier this term; we hope that parents have had the opportunity to view these reports and have a conversation with your children about how they are going so far this semester.
We were delighted to see the large turn-out of students and their families at the Parent Teacher Interviews that were held in the second week of this term. Your attendance at this event demonstrated your support, both for your child and their education at the school, which we know is important for their success. We trust that parents and guardians found the interviews to be valuable in understanding where your child is currently at, and what they need to specifically do, to improve their performance this semester.
Student ID Cards
Compass ID cards have arrived. All students are expected to have their ID card at school to use for printing, photocopying, borrowing books/devices, and to register late arrival/early leave at the office kiosk. The card can also be used as identification for concession travel on public transport; it is not necessary to get a separate concession card. Senior students are required to bring this as photo ID to their examinations.
If your child was present for the school photo day last term and they have not been issued their ID card, they should collect it from the office by paying $10. Students who had their photos taken this term, will need to wait till the end of term, or early next term, for their ID cards to arrive.
Textbooks and BYOD
In order to make suitable progress, it is critical that students are equipped with the right textbooks and stationary. It appears that a large number of students are still attending classes without the required items. If this is due to disorganisation on the student’s part, please assist them in developing strong habits by employing simple strategies, such as, checking their timetable and packing their bag the night before. If your child does not have textbooks due to financial reasons, please get in touch with their year level coordinator, so that measures can be put in place to ensure that your child has access to material.
Similarly, students must have a BYO device to bring to their classes. Teachers in most subjects are using technology to enhance teaching and learning, which means that students without a BYOD may miss out on certain opportunities. The school does have netbooks that students can borrow, however, these are not always reliable. As Westall moves to using Compass a lot more, students will be submitting work online, checking for work set by their teachers, as well as reflecting on their learning. Please note that all BYO devices are the responsibility of the student. They must be transported in a proper carry case and secured in the locker during break times. Devices that are on loan from the school remain the property of the school; in signing the agreement, students and families accept responsibility to look after the machines and to pay for any damages incurred.
Winter uniform
Families are reminded that all students should be in full winter uniform this term. School ties must be worn, and students are encouraged to wear plain white t-shirts under the school shirt for added warmth. Head scarfs, if worn, must be navy blue. Thank you to all families for your continued support of the college uniform policy.
Ties can now be purchased at the office for $20.
Second-hand Textbooks and Uniform
Sustainable School Shop is increasingly being used by schools as their formal in-school
second-hand textbook and uniform service. This second-hand trading system provides families a very easy and effective service to use. The college is wearing the cost of providing this service to families, as we believe the opportunity to buy and sell second-hand uniform and textbooks will save you hundreds of dollars in getting your children ready for school.
To begin using this service, go to the Sustainable School Shop website, www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au and start by creating an account. Make sure you nominate Westall SC as your school during the registration process to allow the system to display the appropriate uniform/textbook lists.
It’s Not OK to be Away!
Daily school attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally. Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12, or an equivalent qualification, have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that children develop habits of regular attendance at an early age.
To minimise disruption to your child’s education, please make all appointments outside school hours and DO NOT book family holidays during the school terms.
Semester One Awards Assembly
On Thursday 27th June, we will be recognising students across the school who have been nominated for an Academic or a Personal Best award. We look forward to welcoming families to our celebration of student achievement, which will commence at 10am.