From the Principal Team
POSITIVE START TO TERM 3
We congratulate the students on their positive start to Term 3. We commenced our new Mobile Phone Policy and students have responded well to the new arrangements and consequently there are no distractions from the phone.
We have commenced immediate detentions for students turning up late to school. Again, we have seen far fewer students late to class as a result, and we thank students for their support with both of these changes.
The Positive School-wide Behaviour draw was done at assembly. The winners each received a double pass to the movies. Our winners this term are: Bradley Norton & Hayley Cadel (year 8), and Haley Gorringe (year 7). Each of these students demonstrated our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Commitment.
Thirty-five Year 12 students attended a two-day University Camp in Melbourne. Students experienced six universities and will now be able to make some decisions about their future.
STAFFING
At the end of last term we farewelled Kate Peachey (VCAL teacher) and Kerrie Young (Chaplain). We wish both Kate and Kerrie all the best for the future. We would like to welcome Tony Greely who joins the Wellbeing team in the role of Chaplain and Melissa Terry who joins the VCAL team.
TERM 3 CURRICULUM DAY - pupil free day
The school will be closed on Wednesday 23rd August . This day is one of the designated pupil free days by the DEECD. Our staff will use this day for Professional Learning activities focusing on Strategic Planning and Curriculum Development.
SCHOOL PRODUCTION
For the first time, the Alliance Schools (SHS, Wanganui, Mooroopna SC and McGuire) have joined forces to put on the school production “Grease”. For everyone who saw the opening night last night, I am sure you will agree with me that it was a terrific show, with so much student talent on display.
Our students were supported by a team of committed staff and put on an entertaining show. Congratulations to all the students who were part of the show performing or in the support crew and good luck for the next two nights and matinee. Thank you to all the staff who were involved in various roles with a special thank you to Julie Natalizio for directing and producing the show.
PARENT OPINION SURVEY -
WE WANT OUR PARENTS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK
We are conducting a survey to find out what parents think of our school. The Parent Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training that is conducted amongst a sample of randomly selected parents at each school.
It is designed to assist our school in gaining an understanding of parents’ perception of school climate, student engagement and relationships with our parent community. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.
The survey will be conducted online by ORIMA Research Pty Ltd and only takes 15 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed via desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile at any convenient time within the fieldwork period from Monday 7th August to Sunday 27th August.
Approximately 30% per cent of parents will be invited to participate in this year’s survey. All responses to the survey are anonymous.
DOCTOR IN SCHOOL – the doctor is coming!
As you may be aware, our school was successful in being selected to participate in the Victorian Government’s Doctors in Secondary Schools program.
As part of this program, Shepparton Medical Centre will be operating a clinic on school grounds each Monday to provide free access to primary health care for students at our school.
We know that teenagers are the least likely of all age groups to seek health care, but we also know that many health problems that can have consequences into adulthood start at this time of life. This program seeks to address this issue.
As is the case with all medical practices, young people have the right to access medical assistance when and where necessary.
Building works have been completed and we’re in the process of setting up the team. We hope to be underway by the end of this term. More information to follow in our next newsletter.
2018 COURSE SELECTION PROCESS
This is the time of the year when the majority of our students begin making choices for subjects for 2018. The process has commenced with an information session for parents and next year’s students moving up in to the next year level.
This year the focus for the pathways team is to expose our students to the subjects offered and courses available at Shepparton High School and through our Better Together Alliance with our three neighbouring state secondary schools.
By running these subject expo sessions, information nights and the course counselling days, we are aiming for every student to have a better understanding of the subject choices, the school’s expectations and costs associated. As a result, the aim is for every student to have a carefully thought out and planned career pathway.
Calendar of Course Selection Events
As we have done over the last couple of years, students will be entering their subject preferences on line. Students will be provided with guidelines and advice on this process over the next week. The deadline for selections for current Year 9, 10 and 11 students is Friday 26th August with the Year 7 and 8 students later in term 3.
REPORTS
As has been previously communicated, ALL REPORTS (SPA, Semester and End of Year) are now uploaded to the XUNO Parent Portal. The end of semester 1 summary reports are now available to be viewed on XUNO. Throughout semester 2 teachers will continue to give subject specific feedback in the Classwork, Homework & Assignments section on XUNO.
There will also be two more additional SPA reports completed prior to the end of the year.
If you have any questions in regard to any of the above, or are having trouble logging on, please contact the school office on 5821 4322 or email the school at shepparton.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au
VTAC INFORMATION EVENING
Tuesday 8th August 2017
Do you have a student in Year 12 about to apply for university courses for 2018?
Do you understand the VTAC - Victorian Tertairy Admission Centre application process?
What is Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)?
Want to find out how to assist your child on how to apply for scholarships?
Attend the open to the public VTAC parent information session 6pm Tuesday 8th August in the school hall at Shepparton High School.
Phil Squire Principal
Christine Cole Assistant Principal
Kimberley Tempest Assistant Principal
Better Together
Alliance
