Principal's Message
2020: A year like no other!
As a College Community, we should be very proud of the way we have faced and overcome the many challenges this year. We have had to constantly adjust and readjust to changing circumstances throughout the year in order to best meet wellbeing and learning needs. Everyone has experienced this year in their own way but there can be no doubt that everyone has done their level best to work through the many challenges brought on by pandemic.
Whilst the continuity of a high quality learning program was significant, our number one priority was the wellbeing of students, staff and families. I thank our College community for coming together as strongly as we have throughout 2020 to support one another during what has been a very challenging year.
As a College community, we have worked incredibly hard throughout the year under what have been trying circumstances. I am incredibly grateful of the tremendous trust and support that has been extended to us as a staff by our families to best meet the needs of our community. It has been such a wonderful team effort from all concerned and we are very much looking forward to the year ahead. Well done everyone – be proud of your efforts and achievements in 2020.
The 2020 WHSC ‘Awards and Reflections Event’
In lieu of not being able to hold our traditional Presentation Night at the end of the year due to COVID-19, we found a very creative way in which to highlight student achievement via our Awards and Reflections Video 2020.
The video is outstanding and I encourage all families to view the link provided on our Social Media platforms and on Compass. Congratulations to the video producer, Genelle Lentini, for her leadership; our Communications Officer, Jack Richardson, for editing and filming; and all the staff who contributed to the video for leading the way with the development of this very special outcome (embedded above). Families can also download a digital copy of the accompanying Reflections Magazine here, or pick up a physical copy in Term 1, 2021.
Years of Service
This week we recognised three of our colleagues for extended periods of service with the Department of Education and Training (or DET):
- Yiota Athanasiou – 35 years of service
- Judith Riddoch – 35 years of service
- Peter Stone – 45 years of service
We acknowledge and thank our colleagues for their wonderful service to DET and the Wheelers Hill Secondary College Community. They have each made an outstanding contribution to education and our school over an extended period of time, and we thank them for their dedicated, caring and supportive approach. We look forward to working with Yiota, Judith and Peter in 2021.
Planning for 2021
Planning for 2021 began some time ago. Our 2021 Annual Implementation Plan (or AIP) will focus on the following areas next year:
- Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum
- VCE Results
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Use of Data
Furthermore, and given the Pandemic, the Department of Education and Training (or DET) expects all schools in 2021 to have plans and to make gains in:
- Catching up and extending learning,
- Healthy, happy and active kids
- Connecting schools
We are very much looking forward to working with families to further the outcomes of our students in 2021.
College Production, 2020 – "Practically Perfect"
Many schools have decided not to proceed with a College Production this year, and this is very understandable. The Wheelers Hill Secondary College community though as found a way and we should be incredibly proud of our achievements in this important area of the College.
Our students, families and staff have appreciated all of the opportunities that Practically Perfect has brought to our community in 2020. It has been a real source of connection for so many of our staff and families during what has been a challenging year.
I commend our Performing Arts Leader, Genelle Lentini, and her team for their flexible, creative and committed approach to best develop our College Production this year. I have been fortunate enough to view the final video copy of Practically Perfect and it is just that – absolutely perfect! Congratulations to Genelle and her team of staff, students and families who have produced an outstanding Production in 2020.
We look forward to the release of our Practically Perfect spectacular to our College Community on Sunday, December 20th via Compass; check the link there on Saturday.
Tutor Learning Initiative
As mentioned in previous Compass posts, the Department of Education and Training (DET) have made funding available to Victorian schools to support students in what is called the Tutor Learning Initiative (or TLI).
The remote learning experience would have been different for different for students – some may have thrived, others may have struggled. It is expected that the normal teaching and learning program in 2021 will be enough for a number of our students to progress to expected levels, however for some, additional intensive learning support as per the TLI might be of real benefit to them.
We will be engaging additional teachers to provide intensive support to identified students in 2021 as per the TLI. This support can be provided in areas such as Numeracy and Literacy for example. The TLI may be a combination of 1:1 support, small group support, class support including team teaching, and after school tutor/study groups. Further information about the Tutor Learning Initiative, and how it will be implemented for students, will be provided early next year.
If you are concerned about your child’s engagement in their learning following their return to school, please contact your child’s classroom teacher, Year Level Co-ordinator or Sub School Leader.
Year 6 Into Year 7 Transition Program, 2020
Our Year 7 enrolment for 2021 has grown by approximately 30%, and we have had to be creative with how to best support our new Year 7 students and families with respect to Transition. For example, we have connected remotely with students and families concerning Information Nights and other events throughout Term 4.
Tuesday, December 8th though was the Statewide Orientation Day and we were able to welcome our new Year 7 students on site to allow them to participate in a range of activities on the day. We were thrilled to see our new Year 7 students for next year.
Our new Year 7 students for 2021 had a great time getting to know their new school, as well as meeting new peers and staff. Thank you to Sharon Sharpe and her team for supporting our new Year 7 students and their families in 2020.
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (or VCAL)
As previously reported, we will be introducing a VCAL Program here at the College in 2021. We have been planning for the Program’s inception for some time, and we are thrilled to be able to provide another type of qualification for our senior school students.
A review of VCAL was recently released to schools with reports also shared in the media. The review and subsequent announcements are significant with VCAL in time to be brought into a single certificate being the Victorian Certificate of Education.
Please read the information provided below with respect to the Victorian Government’s investment to create a single Victorian Certificate of Education which will avoid students no longer having to choose between VCE or VCAL in the future.
Buildings and Grounds Funding
We have been successful with an application for funding through the Victorian State Building Authority Minor Works Building Fund to complete our perimeter fencing and gates at the College. We thank Judy Anderson for leading the application process. We hope to get this project underway as soon as possible.
Cycle 4 Reports
Cycle 4 Reports will be released to families via Compass at approximately 3:00pm, Friday December 18th.
Student Return Date, 2021
Please be reminded that students will return to classes on Friday, January 29th, 2021.
Our College Motto, Be The Best That You Can Be, has rung true in 2020 with our College Community. To our students, families and staff, you have simply been outstanding this year and I am so proud of our College community. Be sure to have a restful and enjoyable holiday period everyone.
Mr. Aaron Smith
Principal, Wheelers Hill Secondary College
Contact Us
Ph: (03) 9561 5811
Email: wheelers.hill.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
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