AROUND THE COLLEGE

NAPLAN

NAPLAN 2023 is fast approaching, with the shift to mid-March testing. Attached is a Parent/Carer Information Pack. 

NAPLAN will run from 15 March until 27 March for all Year 7 and 9 students. Students will undertake testing in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy. The Western Heights College NAPLAN Testing Schedule will be released shortly with set testing dates and times for the students. All tests will be online. 

NAPLAN testing is an important time at the college and the tests are important in supporting our students with their learning. NAPLAN is just one aspect of the school's assessment process, but it provides vital information about students' educational progress. 

NAPLAN testing is for everyone. We support inclusive testing so all students have the opportunity to participate in the testing program. We strongly encourage all students to participate. Adjustments are available for students with a disability who have diverse functional abilities and needs. Please contact Shona Scorringe at the school if you have any questions about Adjustments.

Further information will be available shortly.

Warwick Lamb, 

Assistant Principal Years 10-12 / Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

Swimming Carnival

On 17 March, a scorcher of a day was forecast topping at close to 40 degrees. A perfect day to get in the pool and compete between our four WHC houses. Held out at the Lara Aquatic Centre, the inter-house contest was a sight to behold, it was great to see students jump out of their comfort zone and compete in an activity that can seem unnerving to some. A big thank you goes to our VCAL/VM students for organising both land-based and pool-based activities to keep participation up during the day.

The successful swimmers through the day gained the title of age group champion for their efforts, the following students were awarded this:

13 Year Females: Michaela Pistorius

13 Year Males: Finn Hynes-Carnegie

14 Year Females: Emelia Ritchie

14 Year Males: Kirby Donaldson

15 Year Females: Grace Choate & Meyah Fursland

15 Year Males: Jai Lewis

16 Year Females: Stevie Allen & Georgia Tyrrell

16 Year Males: Maverick Crocker

17 Year Females: Stephanie Dyer

17 Year Males: Edan Ibbetson

20 Year Females: Dima Aleas & Maddy Hanscomb

20 Year Males: Levi Bellin

As for the overall winner on the day, Minerva house took out the win, after having a drought for many years.

A massive thank you needs to go all staff that helped on the day, many ‘hands on deck’ makes these events run so smoothly. A special mention goes to Mr Beasley on his organisation of the day!

Students who have qualified for the next level for swimming need to keep an eye out on Compass for the upcoming Division Swimming event on Friday 3 March.

Joey McArlein

Leadership camp

We school leaders were given the opportunity to go onto a leadership camp. This journey led us to embark on a need for ways to work as a team and think about how we could improve our school. 

This experience really united us as leaders and as friends. Our time in camp was spent doing team bonding experiences, which helped bring us all closer as a team to be prepared for the big year ahead.

Sienna McCalman, Esmaeil Heidari & Edan Ibbetson

Take your Mathematics to the next level

The University of Melbourne's Micro Mathematicians is an enrichment program aimed at advanced Y7-10 students who have an interest in maths beyond the classroom. The program offers a range of free virtual and in-person workshops throughout the year and new workshops are continually being added.

Students will take part in a variety of activities across a range of topics designed to promote mathematical investigation at a high level.

Activities may include:

• Problem solving
• Modelling and simulation
• Data visualisation
• Mathematical/statistical games
• Oral presentation
• Debate and discussion

Topics may include:

• Number Theory
• Combinatorics
• Optimisation
• Geometry
• Topology
• Data Analysis
• Statistical Modelling
• Mathematical Biology

For more information and to apply, download the flyer below and head to their website.

Debating or Public Speaking in 2023

Come and join the team!

This year Mr Edmonds will be coordinating the debating and public speaking related extracurricular activities in 2023. If you would like to get involved or are interested, please speak to Mr Brett Edmonds.

Singapore Cultural Study Tour information session

This year, Western Heights College students will have the opportunity to travel to Singapore as part of a cultural study tour!

The study tour is aimed at students in Years 8-11 and will depart on 16 September 2023. Over nine days, the tour group will undertake a wide range of activities to experience the culture, language and sights of Singapore. 

Thank you to everyone who attended the information session last week. Anyone who missed the information session, has further questions, or would like an expression of interest form should contact Mr Ang at alvin.ang@education.vic.gov.au ASAP.

Canteen orders

This year, the Canteen will be ORDER ONLY for all main food items.  Items such as salad rolls, sausage rolls, schnitzel burgers etc NEED TO BE ORDERED. The first 10 minutes of recess and lunch will be allocated to collection of food orders only. The canteen will then be open for any additional purchases of drinks, snack items, yogurts, sugar free icy poles, sorbet etc.  

Please ensure you download the QKR! App and connect to our school.  The QKR! App will show you what you can order for Recess and Lunch and what daily specials and special food events we may hold throughout the year. 

Please make sure your profile is up to date with your current year level. This will help us have your order ready for a quick collection. 

Canteen Menu Term 1