From the Principal

 Reconciliation Week

We recently recognised the importance of National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) which is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

Thank you to Mr John Russell for his efforts overseeing our recognition of this week.

NAPLAN

Recently our Year 7 and 9 student completed their NAPLAN Online tests. All tests were held in spaces on the Senior Campus, and all students were fantastic in their efforts and application. Thank you to Mr John Simon for his outstanding work leading and running these sessions. Thank you also to the ICT Team for their efforts and support, along with our Facilities Team and various test administrators. We look forward to seeing how our students performed when the results are released next term. 

Interact Team

Interact was off to a great start this term, with 15 students volunteering at a fundraiser with local Rotary groups for the Anzac Dawn Service at Beauty Park. It was wonderful for the students to meet Peta Murphy MP and connect with their local community on this important day. Interact raised more than $1,000 for RSL veterans. Furthermore, students launched their Kindness Card Project late last week. 

Kindness Card Project - Interact is proud to introduce Kindness Cards! Kindness Cards are special cards with cute messages for you to give to your loved ones and friends, to spread good will and uplift community wellbeing. All money raised selling these cards will go to Hold My Hand Australia.

Hold My Hand Australia - Hold My Hand is an Australian charity which seeks to provide tools to young people to help them assist each other in finding and sharing mental wellness. The charity raises awareness about mental health issues while also teaching kids how they can best help their friends who are struggling. Find out more at: https://www.holdmyhand.org.au/

School Review

We have commenced planning and work on our upcoming Term 3 School Review which involves us completing the Pre-Review Self-Evaluation (PRSE) with input and feedback from staff, students and parents/carers.

We will be sending out a survey for parents/carers shortly and appreciate you providing us with feedback. We are running student focus groups shortly and staff have also had the opportunity to provide their thoughts and ideas. We look forward to the review being a celebration of our school’s achievements and areas in which we can further improve. 

We are now inviting parents to provide feedback via a short survey, which can be accessed through Compass News Feed. The survey will be open until Friday 24 June. 

World Challenge 2023

We held our World Challenge 2023 Information Evening on Tuesday 26 May for interested students and families in the PAT. There was enormous interest in the November (2023) trip to Nepal, with students submitting an application which is due this Friday 4 June. Thank you to Mrs Cheryl Hodgson who is leading World Challenge, supported by a great team of staff: Mr Mal Burt, Ms Carla Caminiti, Mr Brett Cook, Mr John Russell. Thank you also to Ms Tiffany Greenhill for her support of this wonderful experience for our students.

Careers and Tertiary Expo and Senior School Subject Expo

Thank you and well done to Mrs Sharon Bourne for organising another outstanding Careers and Tertiary Expo, and Senior School Subject Expo on Tuesday 31 May. Thank you to our Heads of Department and other staff who helped organise displays and were in attendance with our students and their families thinking further about their pathways. 

Mr Andrew Batchelor

Principal