Principal 

2021 NAPLAN Results

You may have heard in the media recently that Victorian students have recorded the country's highest NAPLAN results this year, despite the significant challenges presented by the pandemic and remote learning. 

I am pleased to report that our students continue to perform well across the three key areas of Reading, Writing and Numeracy and we remain on track to be able to meet benchmark growth targets by 2024. Student growth has been, and continues to be our focus, so it is pleasing to see everyone's efforts having an impact. There is more analysis to be done so that the College can target resources to support this ambition.

Students in Top 2 Bands: 

A large percentage of our students are in the top 2 bands of NAPLAN - see below: 

*Similar schools - schools with similar demographics across the state (size, socio-economic status) 

*Network - all secondary schools in the Maroondah Network  

*State - all secondary schools in Victoria 

The pandemic has presented a range of challenges amid the rollercoaster ride of the past 18 months, that have been uniquely felt by each student, each staff member and each of our families. These results are a strong indication that our collective efforts have a positive impact on student learning outcomes. We know that face to face learning is a much richer learning experience for most, however, we have still been able to progress our students’ literacy and numeracy skills. 

We are proud of our students’ effort. We are also proud of the impact our dedicated teachers are making on the learning outcomes for our students. We encourage all of our families to also be proud of their efforts in supporting student learning during lockdowns. It really is an outstanding effort to see improvements in our students and the high levels at which many are able to operate. 

Challenging our students to continue to improve is a constant focus and an opportunity for all of us.  We know that the RSC Learning Community can adapt and evolve our practices and support structures to create possibilities for improvement. The last two years have been a great teacher! 

STEM Centre Taking Shape.

I am pleased to report that we have now completed the Design and Development Phase for this project, with our architect Clarke Hopkins Clarke. The project details are now being reviewed by our project manager Aurecon and the Victorian Schools Building Authority. Once completed, in the next few weeks, the green light will be provided to proceed to tender documentation. 

If all goes well, we expect to go to tender at the in January 2022, with construction work to commence in Term 2, 2022.

Some of the design elements featured include: dedicated and specialist science rooms, co-lab and general science learning spaces, collaboration and gathering spaces, informal breakout spaces, discussion spaces, a sustainability lab, storage and prep areas and an outdoor covered learning area on level one; digital technology hub, collaboration and gallery area, an outdoor covered learning area, materials, systems and design learning areas with machine equipment and storage provision and a new canteen area are all on the ground floor. Extensive landscaping following the demolition of the 200s will open the centre of the school to allow for more play and sports areas as well as new locker provision. Additional parking and a drop off pick up zone will also be provisioned off Hill St.

Included are some early visuals which have since been further refined but they do give some insights into the significant nature of the work being undertaken – exciting times ahead!

Vaccination blitz and mental health webinar

As you are aware the Victorian Government has launched a major vaccination blitz for students who are completing units in their final year of secondary schooling. They are also supporting their teachers and support staff supervising exams in this endeavour.

For your information, the Victorian Department of Health is hosting a live webinar for young people to provide information on COVID-19 vaccines and how to support their mental health. You can join the free webinar on Tuesday 14 September, 6-7pm. Registration is via this link.

Topics covered include:

• Vaccines, development and safety
• Accessing and consenting to a vaccination
• How to book an appointment
• How to support your mental health
• Q+A with the panel. 

This event will be held via Microsoft Teams Live. For access information visit Attend a live event in Teams.

Michael Phillips, OAM

Principal