Principal's Message
Dear Families,
Welcome back students, staff and families for Term 2.
Introducing our 2021 School Council
I am pleased to introduce to you our College Board for 2021, following the welcoming of new members and the election of office bearers at the March meeting:
Mrs Ellen Arnott, President
Mrs Annette Lawrence, Vice President
Ms Ishani Senevirathna, Treasurer
Parent Members: Annette Lawrence, Ishani Senevirathna, David Lawrence, Angela Fazio, Kim Bhatti, Tupuna Ngaue.
Student Members: Danita Caruso (Year 12) and Minh Nhat Nguyen (Year 7).
Community Members: Ellen Arnott, Brooke Moncur (Year 12), Jenny Kanteler.
Staff Members: Elaine Hazim, James Dowie, Sue Atzarakis, Glenn Leyland, Liz Pocklington, Brylee McNamara.
We look forward to working with parents, students, and staff on school council, and thank them for being so generous with their time and expertise.
On Friday 23rd April we honoured the ANZACS
Last week we honoured past and present Australian and New Zealand soldiers with our ANZAC commemorative assemblies at each campus. Congratulations to our students who organised the events and eloquently spoke in front of the large crowd. Our College Board President was in attendance as well as the local MP, Dr Daniel Mulino. Each event was a very moving tribute and I thank the staff who assisted and supported the students who participated.
The Importance of School Attendance
Research over many years consistently indicates that there is a direct correlation between high attendance at school and high academic achievement. In 2015 the Department of Education amended its policy regarding Exemption from Attendance at School. Under the revised policy, an exemption can only be applied for: Exceptional circumstances, Employment in the entertainment industry, Participation in an elite sporting event, Participation in an elite arts program. In accordance with this policy, family holidays, reunions, student part-time employment and other social activities requiring extended leave DO NOT qualify for an attendance exemption. Parents are requested to support the school by organising family holidays and overseas trips during school vacation times. Please note that any absence from school is to be explained to the school’s Attendance Officer, Trish Rae.
The student absence hotline is 8312 0243 or email absence@vusc.vic.edu.au.
Congratulations Zamzam and Jordan!
This week I was very proud to present Year 11 students Zamzam Ahmed and Jordan Zammit with framed certificates and badges from ABCN in recognition of their scholarship awards. This prestigious scholarship provides significant funding support for the next three years as well as a business mentor each. Well done Zamzam and Jordan!
Breakfast Club
A reminder that Breakfast Club is running this term and all students are welcome to attend:
Junior Campus - every Monday mornings in front of the SWB office from 8.30-8.45am
Senior Campus - in room A9 Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.30-8.45am.
New School
Construction of our new school at Cairnlea is progressing well. I have attached some photos below or feel free to take a look at the site on the corner of Furlong Rd and Ken Jordan Rd, Cairnlea.
Finally
As the cold weather has begun, please make sure that your child has the warm winter uniform – jumper, blazer, long pants, winter skirt, and long sleeve shirts.
Please note that hoodies and other non-uniform tops, any scarves apart from the school scarf, and other non-uniform items must not be worn at school, or on the way to or from school.
We greatly appreciate your support in ensuring that your child is in full uniform. If you need assistance with this, please contact your child’s Year Level Coordinator.
A reminder that students will be busy preparing for NAPLAN and mid year exams which are coming up this term. Wednesday 5th May is a student free day for staff professional development. The campus offices will be open but teachers will be working on critical reading and writing strategies to improve outcomes for our students.
Enjoy the rest of the term.
Elaine Hazim
College Principal
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Child Safety at VUSC
Victoria University Secondary College is a child safe organisation committed to protecting students from all forms of abuse.
Our College has stringent protocols in place and endeavours at all times to be fully compliant with the Child Safe Standards set out under Ministerial Order 870.
Our College has the following documents and policies in place to achieve compliance with the Standards. All of these documents are available for downloading on our website or contact the school for a copy.
- Commitment to Child Safety
- Child Safety Policy
- Child Safety Code of Conduct
- Child Protection Policy and Procedures