Principals Report

I hope this edition of the newsletter finds families well and back in the rhythm of the school term. We are still managing high numbers of staff and student absences due to illness in the community and I appreciate everyone’s support and understanding as we prioritise wellbeing and continuity of learning during these challenging times.  If your child is unwell, please keep them at home to avoid the spread of germs, and if they are a close contact of a positive COVID case they are required to wear a mask when indoors.

It was an absolute honour and privilege to be part of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Welcome to Country and Smoke Ceremony that was held in our Memorial garden on Friday. Watching members of our school community come together for this occasion was so special, and was an amazing representation of our school values of respect and diversity. None of this would have been possible without the efforts of Chris Pagonis, who did a brilliant job of bringing this event together.  Photos of the event can be found in the next section of the newsletter as this special event was part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations. 

July saw the College formally commence the subject selection process for those year levels that need to make subject choices for their 2023 schooling.  To launch the process, the Subject Expo was held onsite on the evening of the 19th July.  I want to thank all the staff who contributed to the subject area displays, ensuring the experience for those families visiting was both engaging and informative. 

In addition to the regular running of the college, this term we will participate in our school review – a requirement of the Department of Education every 4 years.  This is an important process ensuring compliance for school registration as well as informing the development of the school’s 4-year School Strategic Plan.  Central to the school review process is involvement and consultation with our school community. We have commenced the review process with student consultation across all year levels and have identified touch points for parent consultation coming up soon.  I look forward to your involvement in this process to ensure that the development of our School Strategic Plan is transparent, encompassing of the needs of the school and one which our school community feels a sense of ownership of.

We are continuing our recruitment activity across the College.  This week we welcomed Kate Smith as Senior School Curriculum and Programs Leader and on Monday we welcome two new teaching staff members, Katrina Guldon and Suzan Lee.  Yesterday our long-standing Business Manager, Michelle Croxford, finished up at the College. I would also like to acknowledge her significant contributions over the last 16 years and wish her well in her new departmental role supporting smaller schools with their budgets.

Finally, I’m looking forward to our College Production tonight with the theme of ‘change’.  The format is a little different this year, with the event being a showcase of our performing arts through a variety of acts including singing, dancing and small plays to mention a few.  It is entirely student led with the team devising their own works and running the sound and lighting.  Having not been able to put on a production for the last two years, it will be wonderful to see the stage once again full of life with our student performances.

Sarah Rose

Principal