Principal's Report

With only a weeks remaining of term, I am a bit hesitant to share the conversation I had with colleagues today. In this conversation we were reminded that this term is the first term in two years that we have been teaching and learning onsite for the whole term! We acknowledge that this shift to being onsite for learning and the departure from the challenges of managing the bouncing between onsite and remote learning have presented a unique set of challenges not experienced previously in the school’s history.

There has been a whole of school focus on the need for the reminding of and resetting of expectations of respectful behaviours and social skills to ensure all students and staff are feeling happy, safe and connected in the ‘new’ experience of onsite learning.

As we finish the term and look ahead to term 2, it is important to remember some of our basic expectations of students:

Attendance – every lesson counts. Students are expected in class at 9am and should not need to go back to their lockers or the bathroom during class time.
Materials – it is important in these senior years of schooling that students have developed and maintain essential organisational skills – this starts with bringing all the right materials to class, including laptops, pens, workbooks, and textbooks as a minimum.
Uniform – all students are expected in full school uniform every day. This includes fully black shoes. Under no circumstances are hoodies permitted.

Covid Safe Practices:

As we continue to learn to live with Covid in our community, there are some continuing practices we should all be maintaining:

Remain home if unwell
Undertake regular Rapid Antigen Testing utilising the free rapid tests that have been provided by the school
If we or another member of our household tests positive to Covid, the entire house must isolate and remain home for 7 days
Utilise the hand sanitiser within classrooms
Individuals can choose to continue to wear face masks where they feel the need for extra precaution

Meet & Connect:

It was a pleasure to welcome families back onsite for our Meet and Connect afternoon/evening on Thursday 30th March. Parents/Cares play an important role in their child’s learning and these opportunities provide a opportunity for teachers and families to connect and discuss your child’s progress.

Extra- Curricular Activities:

Over the past few weeks it has been pleasing to see an increase in student involvement in extra-curricular activities during lunch time and breaks. We have recently celebrated Harmony Week, with a range of activities organise by our Wellbeing Team during the student breaks to celebrate our fantastic diversity.

This week we have had the Barak House activities week, which has included a range of activities organised by the Barak House student leaders. It was great to see students embrace the cultural dress day and again recognise and celebrate our diverse community. The week has finished with a cultural performances from a range of students.

Facility Development

Over the past few weeks and into the holidays the school is completing several projects as we continue to evolve our facilities. In readiness for term 2, we hope the following will be completed:

Installation of more shade sails – thanks in part to a government grant, we will be installing more shade sails in key areas of the school to enhance student protection from the sun and UV
Installation of 2 volleyball courts and extended grassed seating area behind the Stadium. We hope this new outdoor space will be available to students at the beginning of term 2.
Upgrades to the Canteen area to make lining up more efficient and enable student’s quicker access
Installation of more bike and scooter racks – having seen an increase in the number of students riding to school we are installing more bike racks to ensure students can securely lock their bikes up during the day
Increase outdoor seating – our VCAL students have been working hard in putting together new seating for student use

Staff Professional Learning Day:

Parents are advised we have a scheduled Curriculum/Student Free Day on Thursday 12th May (week 3).

I hope all students and families take the opportunity over the upcoming holidays to have a relaxing break ahead of another exciting term beginning on Tuesday 26th April.

Kind Regards,

Simon Haber

College Principal