College Principal Report
The year so far
The smooth start to 2022 continues as pass the halfway point of the second term. Most aspects of school life have returned to normal with excursions, incursions, camps and sports all happening again. The Year 8 Camp has just returned after three days away and enjoyed great weather, the VCE and VCAL students attending the Careers Expo, winter sports have commenced and our Year 7 and 9 students sitting NAPLAN. It is very pleasing to have those parts of school life being possible again.
Even though we are having a number of staff and students reporting positive COVID tests each day managing this is far better than having school closures
Welcome to our student members of School Council
I would like to welcome our two newly appointed members of school council – Kiara Pal (Banksia) and Aminah El- Omari (Acacia). Both students are in Year 12 this year and I look forward to hearing their voices as they represent all of our students throughout the year. Both student s are also the Student Voice Representatives on their campus
Reconciliation Week 2022
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia
The dates for NRW are the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively
27 May 1967 On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census
3 June 1992 On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Building project
Our building project is not moving quite as fast as we would have liked. We are almost ready to confirm the builder. It is about 1-2 weeks off confirmation. The proposed builder who has indicated interest is finalising a few things and we should have details shortly.
Open Nights
On Tuesday 22nd March (Banksia) and Thursday 24th March (Acacia) our 2022 Open Nights were held. Attendance by prospective families at both events was very pleasing with numbers exceeding pre-COVID levels. Thanks to all the staff who were there on the evening and particularly a big thank you to the excellent job done by student leaders who acted as guides each night
COVID update
Even though the mask rules have changed for everyone, and our students and staff are not mandated to wear masks, however, all members of the college community are still encouraged to wear them when not able to socially distance. It is also very important we continue to sanitise our hands as often as possible and socially distance when we can.
Rapid Antigen Tests continue to be distributed to students and staff. The school has received over 200 air purifiers that we have placed around the school in accordance with DET guidelines
Contact details
Would you please ensure that your contact details are updated if they have changed since last year. Recent events have emphasised the importance of the school being able to contact you by phone, email and by post if necessary. Please contact the General Office at your students’ Campus if your details need updating.
CSEF Funding
A reminder to all families who have a Health Care card, a Pension card, a Centrelink card or who have refugee status that you are eligible for $220 CSEF funding. Please come to the school to complete your application
John Baston
College Principal