College Principal Message 

COPPERFIELD COLLEGE STAFF - MAKING A DIFFERENCE

There have been a number of highlights lately, one was the Western Chances fund raising business lunch I attended, along with Mary Chiodo on October 13.  A very successful, humble, generous and high achieving former student, Jospeh Alkarra was one of the guest speakers.  I am sure his story prompted attendees to dig deeper into their pockets so Western Chances can support more worthy recipients to achieve their potential. 

It was very touching story, with many moved to tears.  Put quite simply, the Maths teacher who got to know him and understand him, despite his lack of English language and sponsored his Western Chances application, absolutely and dramatically changed his life, and that of his family, for the better.

Another highlight was on the same day, when some of the Sydenham SRC students presented their research project to an audience at the Brimbank council Chambers in Sunshine. Brimbank Council and Swinburne University collaborated to teach local students how to undertake ethical and rigorous research and present their findings. It was a very proud moment to hear our junior campus students presenting their report using academic methodology and language so competently and confidently.  Thanks to Mr Mugam who supported the students to take part in this opportunity.

The images here illustrate another compelling story demonstrating the long lasting impact our wonderful Copperfield staff have on their students.  They show Mr Tuan Le, one of our music teachers, at an exhibition held by one of our ex-students who attends the Victorian College of the Arts.  Liana is the daughter of one of our previous college council presidents and asked Tuan to play at her exhibition as it was inspired by music and that he had inspired her to pursue her creativity.  

The newly created Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) is designed to allow government school students to access some VCE subjects that are not commonly taught, as well as a range of university subjects in their final year of school.  Four of our current Year 11 students have put in applications, while we do not yet know if they have been accepted; we are delighted that they have lofty aspirations.  They have applied for a range of areas; two have expressed interest in Law, one in Health Sciences and another in Innovation and Ecosystems Sustainability. 

Speaking of aspirations, the principal team has begun conducting Learning Walks in response to the work done by staff and students on what makes an aspirational learning environment. This involves visiting classrooms and collecting data on what can be observed in the room without interrupting the lesson.  Some students have been a little disturbed by it but with time and more communication, everyone will become accustomed to it.

The transition from Year 10 to Year 11 is often a big leap for students as they come to grips with the rigours of the VCAA rules that govern senior secondary certificates, but perhaps even more so at Copperfield because it also means a change of campuses.  In recognition of this the Pathways and Transition teams have created a number of activities this year to help Year 10s become familiar with the senior campus.  A particularly successful day was held on October 20 where our Year 10s started to get to know the students who are going to be in their classes and were given insights into the vocabulary and practices relevant to their courses. 

Last week the VSBA met with the principal team at Kings Park to show the panel of architects around the administration block.  They have until November 4th to put in their suggested designs to create a more attractive and practical administration area.  The current lay out is very tired and not fit for purpose.  While the process of tenders, seeking builders, surveyors etc takes considerable time, it is an exciting and long overdue development.

We are also excited that our new Community Liaison staff member, Ayak Mawien, is running a family night this week to talk about the Victorian education system with particular mention of the new VCE Vocational Major.

The Victorian Government has decided to fund MYKI cards for vulnerable students through the wonderful organisation of State Schools Relief.  Campus Principals and Wellbeing staff are aware of this and can make applications as the need arises.

As the academic year draws to a close, we pass on our best wishes to all students but particularly the Year 12s who are about to graduate.  

We also invite families and students to attend the end of year music concert on November 9th at the Bowery Theatre to celebrate the accomplishments of our many talented and hard-working music and dance students.

Ms Pip Griffiths

College Principal