Assistant Principal's Page
The Eagle has Landed- NASA 2020 tour has returned.
Ten students and two weary teachers have recently returned from an action packed trip of a lifetime. Over the past 10 days, students who attended the G'Day space excursion to the USA were privileged to visit the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. During this time students completed a behind the scenes tour looking at such things as the Vehicle Assembly Building, and launch Complex 39, which was used for the Apollo and Space Shuttle missions. We also visited the Apollo Saturn visitor center and took in many interactive exhibits and also touched a moon rock. There were several highlights during the NASA visit; ATX Astronaut Training Experience, Mars Base 1 simulation experience and of course our lunch with and Astronaut- Winston Scott.
The next stage of our journey took us to San Francisco where we walked the Golden Gate Bridge and completed a S.T.E.M to Stern program at the USS Hornet and learnt how chemistry, physics, and mathematics applied to the operational functions of the World War 2 aircraft carrier. On our second day in San Francisco, we visited the Californian Academy of Sciences which is the only place on earth to house an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum.
Our third and final stage of the tour took us to Los Angeles where students attended an "Energy in Motion" program at Knott's Berry Farm. Our final day involved a visit to Universal Studios prior to boarding our flight home.
During our trip students not only furthered their study of STEM, but also learnt such things as:
-Personal time management
- Managing personal finances
- Working together as part of a travelling team
- Negotiating international airport check in and security checks
- Building resilience when at the mercy of forces beyond our control (delayed flights)
- Learning to fit as much shopping into a suit case with only a 23 kg allowance
- Learning to work with students from another school during STEM activities
- Navigating through Americas limited food menu's and making smart choices.
I would like to extend a very big thank you to the 10 students who attended the G'Day Space tour. It was an absolute pleasure to travel with such an amazing group of students who were outstanding in every respect and who were fine ambassadors for our college. Finally, I would like to thank Ben Shepherd for accompanying me on the tour to assist in chaperoning our students- I truly appreciate the time taken out of his already busy schedule to support our students on their trip of a life time.
I would highly recommend this NASA STEM tour to any student. I envisage that the next NASA tour would be offered through our college in the next 2 to 3 years.
College Uniform Reminder
A reminder to families that the tri- coloured WHSC spray jacket will not be part of our college uniform items in 2020. This jacket has not been in production for several years now as it was replaced by the navy soft-shell and polar fleece. To support families in the transition, we have provided a phase out period over the past couple of years. As of 2020, students will not be permitted to wear this item. Thank you for your support in this matter.
For a full copy of the college uniform policy, please visit the college website.
Congratulations to our Year 12's
A big congratulations to all our Year 12s who received their results this week. The College will update everyone on our success in the coming weeks.
We would like to congratulate Jack Thomson who completed his VCE Theatre Studies Monologue Exam, received 100% from the VCAA assessors and received an invitation to audition for the VCE Season of Excellence. This is a formal recognition by the VCAA as they often showcase the top performers of the state at the Arts Centre in the start of the year.
Our School - 31 Years Ago
From the archives...
Mobile Phone Reminder
You would be aware of the total ban on Mobile phones in schools announced by the Department of Education which will commence in 2020.
In addition to the Department's policy (the link for which was provided in the last newsletter), school's have been asked to provide an outline of how this policy is to be implemented.
Please take the opportunity to read the Wheelers Hill Secondary College's Implementation policy. This policy outlines what is covered by the Department's policy, exemptions and the College's response to breaches of the policy.
Please forward any feedback you might have regarding this policy to dx@whsc.vic.edu.au
A Christmas
Tis the week before Christmas, we're all going nuts;
With so much to do, there's no ifs, ands or buts.
Buy presents, hang tree lights, pop cards in the mail,
Send gift packs, thread popcorn, find turkeys on sale.
Decorations need stringing up all through the house.
And you haven't a clue what to buy for your spouse.
School concerts, receptions, open houses with friends,
Long line-ups, short tempers, tying up the loose ends.
Take time for yourself-though hard as that seems—
Enjoy your kids' laughter, excitement and dreams.
Take a moment out now, don't get overly riled,
Instead make an angel in sand with your child.
The shortbread can wait, and so can the tree;
What's important to feel is a child's sense of glee.
The holidays aren't about push, rush and shove;
They're for friendship and sharing and family love.
Hear the bells, feel the warmth, light up with the glow
Of a message first sent to us so long ago:
Peace, love and goodwill, and hope burning bright.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
(With apologies to Clement Clark Moore)
Wishing all of our College community a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Judy Anderson & Andrew Dixon
Assistant Principal