Principal's Report

I love working in this community. I am grateful for the support we give each other as we work together to realise our school vision.

‘As a collaborative community we take on the challenge of creating a culture where ambition meets excellence. This is a culture where students develop academically, socially and personally to become the best versions of themselves, through a focus on teaching about effort, learning and respect. In doing this, students will be actively engaged in their passions both inside and outside the classroom.’

These are not just words. It is why we do what we do. We really mean it. I have seen our vision come to life this year in many ways across the school. The key driver is relationships, how we connect across our community.

Our NAPLAN numeracy results outperformed the state in high growth.
Our student survey results are in the top half of the state.
Our VCE results continue to improve.
I am proud of our improvement in VCAL. Students are voting with their feet with strong enrolments in 2019.
Our VET students won more awards than students from any other school at the local VET cluster awards.
We have had teachers present work they are doing at subject conferences, regional events.
Other schools are visiting our students leadership program to see what we do.
More of our sport teams are winning than in any time in the history of the school.
Our school celebrations such as our Awards Night, Year 12 Graduation, the Year 10 Formal show how we work together, and enjoy being together, as a community.
Yvette Medina won a local government award for her work in intercultural engagement.
The way our school staff care about our students and regularly go above and beyond in their support.
There are many more examples such as music, debating, our teacher teams working on improving our practice, relationships with our local primary schools, school productions, genuine student voice and agency.

We are building stronger and stronger relationships that allow successful connection and collaboration between staff, students and parents. Without everyone on board we couldn’t do this. I would like acknowledge all members of our school community. We are doing this together.

Some of my strongest support this year has come from our fantastic student leaders. This year’s school captains have again raised the bar. I have learnt from them both and will miss them. All our leaders are different and they lead in different ways. Caitlin has excelled over a number of years in the way she has supported me and the school in her ability to organise and get things done. She has inspired me with her words and actions. Zac has also been inspirational across our college, and has been exceptional in leading others. Their greatest legacy will be the way they have provided practical and symbolic leadership for leaders to come.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable school holiday. I look forward to more work together in 2020.

Take care,

David Lord

Mobile Phone Policy

As you may be aware, the Victorian government has announced a new mobile phone policy that will require students to switch their phones off and securely store them away during the school day. The policy is designed to support teaching and learning in an environment that is free from unnecessary distractions, disruptions and student inattention caused by the urge to check their phones. At recess and lunch times, students will be better-placed to communicate with each other face to face and/or be involved in activities rather than being focused on a device or on social media.

The new mobile phone policy comes into effect from Term 1, 2020. It requires that students who choose to bring mobiles phones to school must have them switched off and securely put away during school hours. All students will be provided, at no cost, with a locker at the start of the school year. More details on the implementation of this policy will be provided before the commencement of the 2020 school year.

Child Safety

Our school focus on learning, effort and respect lived through our motto of try persevere achieve are underpinned by an understanding that Child Safety is a paramount responsibility of the school community. Staughton College has a number of guiding policies regarding Child Safety on our web site located at http://www.staughtoncollege.vic.edu.au/administration/.

Please take some time to make yourself aware of these and contact the school should you have any concerns regarding Child Safety.

DAVID LORD

Principal

We, at Staughton College, would like to show our respect and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is situated, of elders past and present. We extend a warm welcome to everyone who visits our school.