From the Acting Principal 

We are now in our final week of Term 3, and I think it is important for students to congratulate themselves on the efforts that they have made to continue to learn and for families as a whole to congratulate themselves on the support they provide for both their children’s wellbeing as well as their learning.

Our Year 12 students have started their practice exams for the upcoming end of year VCE exams. They have been creating exam style spaces at home to prepare themselves for the required periods of time that they will be expected to write and concentrate. It has been an incredibly challenging two years for our Year 12s to have completed their final year studies. This is not the school term that we were expecting after last year’s long periods of lockdown, and with extra restrictions placed on childcare and outdoor activities it has been very tough on everyone. With the initial short lockdowns extending now to 6 weeks and counting, I would like to acknowledge everyone for their continued resilience.

Parent Student Teacher Conversations started last week and they continue this week to end the term.  Our teachers understand that it can be a juggle for families with children at home, and I appreciate that families are offering the same understanding.  Even though you see your children at home each day engaged in their learning, it is great to have this opportunity to check in and to reflect on any changes that could be made to improve learning. PTSC conversations have been a fantastic opportunity for us to show our mutual support and kindness during this time - you are doing a great job - thank you!

There is no update yet on a return to face-to-face teaching next term, we will update our families about the arrangements as soon as possible via Compass newsfeeds during the holidays. The government has stated that they will outline a ‘roadmap’ for students to return to school this week, however, they have combined this with a message around the required vaccination levels of the community and students for this to occur. Final year students have been taking up the opportunity for ‘priority vaccination’ appointments and these will continue into the holiday period. The Department of Education and Training (DET) has made it clear that vaccination is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect our school community from further outbreaks and the spread of COVID-19.

Last Friday, I attended the school’s ‘Captains Conference’ that was an opportunity to bring together all of our student school leaders to talk about the issues that affect them. Three of the Senior School Captains from last year attended the beginning of the conference and praised the students for their efforts and gave advice on making a difference for at least one student that they represent. Our student leaders then spent the morning in breakout groups formulating feedback on issues raised by our students. Thank you to Pete Sirec for organising and facilitating this event. 

I encourage all of our students to take a break over the holidays, the weather is starting to look more like springtime and the longer days give us more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. 

I hope that you have a safe and enjoyable school holiday, 

Chris Jones

Acting Principal