Principal Report

Acting Principal Brian Brasher

As we move into the final term of 2015 it is the time for many of the formalities that mark the passage of our students through another school year. Most of our students at Etty Street begin to put their knowledge and learning from this year to the test under exam conditions. The VCE written exams have been underway since 28th of October. We share in the excitement and nerves of the students, parents and their teachers, hopeful that the hard work over the previous years has provided our students the skills needed to perform well.  The year 10 and 11 exams will also be starting shortly, followed by the step up program for all year levels. It is important during these times to be aware that these can be challenging times everyone. Students respond differently during high-pressure situations like exams. This is a time where stress can impact on performance and the use of effective study techniques and using processes to lower stress levels can have a positive impact on student results.

While written exams are part of Term 4 so are the arts performances. Recently the College Art Show was held at the Castlemaine Market Building and has once again been a great success showcasing our students outstanding work. This chance to display student’s art work provides them with great satisfaction and a sense of achievement. I was thrilled to hear one of the local primary school students talking to their parents about how they want to be at Castlemaine Secondary so that they will have these same opportunities. Added to this is the Music and Drama performances that provide the opportunity for our students to shine on the stage and perform for their family and friends. It is only when you draw all these activities together that I realise the breadth of opportunities that students of the Castlemaine Secondary have for personal growth and learning each year.

New Building Getting Underway.

The Blakeley Road Campus is about undergo another transformation with the awarding of the stage 2 building contract to the Fairbrother construction company. They have proposed a 160 day building timeline and the excavations are expected to commence this week providing quite a spectacle for the students at Blakeley Road. All going well we will be on target for completion by the end of Semester 1 2016.  That being the case our students will have access to this great new facility during the second half of next year. The most exciting thing about this new structure is the learning opportunities it will provide for our students. The VIG(very important group), composed of school council, teachers and students has worked tirelessly to ensure that this design will produce the right building for our school community. Apart from the new technology facilities and science labs and general spaces, the fusion room was also included to facilitate the combination of science and technology. The idea that students can design, make and test and then improve solutions for particular problems as part of the learning is a new facet of our school environment.  We have initially purchased two 3D printers to begin the preparation for this added focus for our science and technology teachers, with more in the pipeline at the completion of the building. 

Looking for host families 2016

Castlemaine Secondary College has been asked to host Chinese students participating in an exchange program run through the YMCA, South Korea. The College recognises the value of these programs in providing cross cultural experiences for our student.

We are expecting approximately 40 students and 4 teachers who will visit our school for a period of three weeks in early February. In order to facilitate this program, we are seeking the support of our school community by asking families to homestay 2 students for that period. It is preferred that the 2 students share their own room. Evidence of Working with Children’s Check will need to be provided. Volunteer checks are free of charge and forms are available at offices on both campuses.

An activities program will be provided for the students on either Saturday or Sunday of each weekend for the duration of their stay. Families are not expected to participate in these activities. You will be expected to provide 3 meals per day. A small remuneration will be provided to help cover the costs.

If you are willing to host students can you please provide your details to the office. A briefing session will be held next week Wednesday 25th at the Wellbeing Centre at 7pm.

Thank you for your ongoing support to the children and programs offered at Castlemaine Secondary College.