Principal's Report

DANCEFAIR

Suzie Pedler (Performing Arts Academy Director) has been working hard over recent months to organise the DanceFair event. The competitions began in early May and finish this weekend with the last of the primary school nights. The event continues to be a great success with loads of keen dancers showing their skills, working well with others and enjoying performing in front of an audience. Thank you to all those involved in supporting our annual DanceFair competition, especially the many primary school dance leaders.

PRESENTATION BALL

Year 11 students from both Fairhills and Boronia K-12 College joined together to show off their dance skills at the Presentation Ball on Saturday 20th May. They had committed to months of training for the big event and couples were presented before their family and friends. Thank you to Suzie Pedler for her efforts in coaching the couples and for organising the event.

MID-YEAR EXAMS

The arrival of Winter means we are heading into the exam period for senior students. Our Year 11 students will begin exams on the 8th June and finish up on the 16th June. This period will include the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authorities (VCAA) General Achievement Test or GAT. The GAT is general knowledge test designed to give an indication of the student’s academic capabilities. It is an important part of the VCAA process, and is used as part of the review of student assessment and exam results. All students who are enrolled in a unit 3 and 4 subject will sit the GAT on Wednesday 14th June.

Year 10 students will have exams from the 22nd through to the 29th June. Exam results are a valuable indicator of the level student learning and progress. These results, and those from second semester, will be important in making decision about future studies. All senior students need to focus on their preparation for the exam period and endeavour to produce the best possible outcomes.

UNIFORM

Not only does the arrival of Winter signal we are close to the mid-semester break but it also brings the cold and wet weather. It is important for students to keep warm in the correct uniform. Often this will mean wearing multiple layers underneath their uniform (that cannot be seen). A reminder that “hoodies” are not to be worn as an alternative, even with a note, or underneath their school jumper. Extra coats that might be worn to and from school should be stored in their lockers upon arrival at school and not worn around during the day. If the student is not able to wear correct uniform a note should be supplied.

ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS

As the weather becomes cooler and wetter it is important to remind our school community to take extra care on the roads. Both Scoresby Road and Burwood Highway are major traffic routes and students need to behave in a safe manner when travelling to and from school. In recent weeks we have had reports of behaviour that is putting students at risk. Students need to stay on the footpath, cross at the lights when it is safe to do so and be constantly aware of cars around them. Looking at their phones and listening to music can make them less aware of potential dangers.

We would also like to remind senior students and parents using the school property that they need to be aware of students moving around them and drive in a safe manner. Parents should only be using the parent car park near the oval for dropping off and picking up their students. The staff car park should not be used for this purpose. At busy times before and after school parents and senior students need to exercise patience, be courteous and follow basic road rules. If the car park is too busy then parents should consider alternative options, like using nearby side streets.

Any senior student wanting to use the student car park at the front of the Sports Stadium must complete the information form available from the main office. This provides the school with details about drivers and their cars, as well as plans they may have to include passengers in their vehicles (which must comply with RTA guidelines).

Paul Donaldson

Assistant Principal