From the Principal

I want to start by warmly congratulating our Year 10 students who have recently returned from their work experience placements. Many employers have commented upon the high standard of our students’ contributions to their businesses and the very positive manner with which our people have conducted themselves during the placements. 

The college values of Imagination, Belief and Courage have again been evident so well done to all these students. A range of photographs taken during the placements can be seen in this issue, and they highlight a great experience enjoyed by all. Work experience provides a taste of the ‘real world’ and it is very exciting to observe how well our students embrace their potential in life beyond high school. These experiences stay with our students, they are often added to portfolios to become a stepping-stone to future adventures. 

Congratulations, Year 10. It’s great to have you back. 

A hearty thanks to Sue Brownbill – ably assisted by Alina Azzollini – for the tireless work in managing these placements for our students. This work demonstrates the length to which our college goes in securing engaging opportunities and pathways for our students.

We are in exam and School Assessed Coursework mode at present, and I want to wish all senior students the very best for their preparations. Be sure to make full use of your teachers during this revision period, seeking assistance wherever it is useful. Planning and preparing for assessment is an important skill in itself. We tend to develop individual ways to prepare, and it is valuable to reflect carefully upon what works for you. I encourage all students to discuss this with your teachers – be they subject, home group or year level teachers. Important understandings can emerge from these discussions and provide more confidence.

With wet and cold weather upon us I want to remind families of the value of their students wearing thermal under garments if they are feeling cold. These are inexpensive, available at many department stores and greatly add to comfort in winter. Uniform requirements remain firmly in place in the colder weeks and months, and items such as hoodies and other casual non-uniform items may not be worn. Staff do not enjoy having to address these issues but will do so on every occasion, so please do your bit for maintaining the high uniform standard set by our college and council.

Senior students often come to me with projects they are wishing to undertake in the college to raise funds for those in the community less privileged than themselves, and in doing so meet project requirements for assessment outcomes. I find these projects exciting, and currently we have students working on our school magazine, a mural, variations to uniform days, and a range of other projects. To me, this great work indicates our students’ natural sense of altruism – the students desire to create a better world. We congratulate our students for these and certainly encourage such activity.

Last week was Reconciliation Week. A range of activities were held at the college and promoted understanding and reflection within our community. On Friday, our Koorie Education Support Officer, Robert Bamblett, attended the college and met with our Year 7 students. Robert shared aspects of his experiences growing up, shared learnings of Aboriginal culture and had all the students very much engaged. I admired the range of questions from the students – and staff – and I was left feeling that we are making good progress in sharing understanding and knowledge which is what Reconciliation all about is. 

Congratulations to Matt Tucker for his work in organising these events.

Important Dates

Tuesday 2nd August - Curriculum Day

Students are not expected at school on Curriculum Day as staff will be completing Community Understanding & Safety Training (CUST)

Thursday 11 August - Parent-teacher Interviews (12pm - 7pm)

We encourage all students to attend with their family to discuss their learning progress on this day

Timothy Cottrell

Acting Principal