Principals' Report
Principal Team Report
2019 Great Victorian Bike Ride
Our Great Victorian Bike Ride team departed last Friday on their endurance feat of 652km over 10 days, led by teacher Anthony Hasseldine and former teacher Jane Thornton. They have already completed many training rides and developed a strongly bonded and supportive team to brave the trek from Robe to Torquay. Once again, the focus has been the importance of Aboriginal reconciliation, with the riding jerseys again designed by Blair Tink, 2020 School Captain. We are immensely proud of our connection with our indigenous community. With the added initiative of “Do it in a Dress”, Year 8 student, Katinka Schmid is leading the fundraising efforts for Girls Education in Africa and was interviewed on ABC TV about her efforts. Katinka is attempting to ride the entire trip in a dress to raise awareness for this worthy cause. The rest of the team has joined this fabulous cause; as of this Wednesday alone, they have raised $2,400 for ‘Do it in a dress’- what an achievement! We’re so proud of our students, their social conscience and determination to make a difference in this often inexplicably inequitable world. Donations can be made at Katinka’s fundraising page at:
www.onegirl.org.au/fundraiser/katinkaschmid
I am sure the team will have yet another memorable experience and be very proud of their achievements when they complete their ride.
Koonung Secondary College on show
Last Wednesday, the college hosted a visiting party from Singapore, from the Geylang Methodist School, who had pinpointed Koonung as a school well worth visiting, to inquire about how we teach, assess and organize our learning program. A large contingent of leaders from Geylang spent half a day meeting with school leaders, teachers and students, interrogating our teaching and learning approach, pedagogy, curriculum and structure. They had certainly done their homework and were particularly interested in our LETS LEARN instructional model, and were keen to see this classroom model in action. Many class visits ensued, during which it was clear how impressive the engagement, creativity, rigour and interaction between the staff and students at Koonung really is. A truly worthy cultural exchange, highlighting the similarities and contrasts which can exist in education systems throughout the world.
A busy end of term
As we step ever closer towards the end of the academic year, there is still much work to be completed and so many extra-curricular activities for our students to participate in. It is always noted by our parents and students just how many opportunities for enhancement and sheer enjoyment that exist at Koonung. This fortnight alone, I can name Geography fieldwork excursions, Interact club, STEM events, Regional sports’ finals, Science talent quest, student fora, concert band and voice showcases, RSPCA rescue pet research excursion, Chill out space, Dance auditions, Arts space, not to mention the Year 9 camp at The Summit in Week 10. There is no excuse not to get involved!
To return to the academic year, however, I will reiterate Sandra Greenhill’s point from the last newsletter regarding our annual VCE transition program. Our Year 10 and 11 students have now finished their exams and will be readying themselves for next year via the "The Edge" program. This program is a critical link between their studies this year, their holiday preparation, and their VCE studies in 2020. All students are required to complete compulsory VCE holiday homework in all of their subjects; this will be posted for your information on Compass at school documentation->Senior School->The Edge, in the relevant year level and subject folders.
Presentation Night
Presentation Night preparations are well underway - all recipients will be invited via a specific Compass event, however, we welcome the attendance of all members of the College community, who can book tickets through trybooking- please indicate your attendance through these channels.
Mary Eade
Assistant Principal
Capital Works Program Update
Following consultation and feedback from our College community, the revised proposed masterplan has been endorsed by College Council and submitted for Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) approval. The first stage of the proposed masterplan includes the demolition of the lower gym and toilet block and relocation of the portable classrooms near the staff carpark. A new building will be constructed on this site and will consist of a new Year 7 to 9 space and new reception area facing towards Box Hill Crescent to reorient the entrance to the school. This stage will cause minimal impact to the learning and teaching activities as we will be able to utilise existing buildings while construction occurs. The next stage in the program, after VSBA approval, is the schematic design process. This is where we start looking at how the spaces within the building footprint will best suit 21st century learners. The revised masterplan is attached below.
Stace Kerr
Business Manager