FROM THE PRINCIPAL

STAFFING 

We have recently had some staffing changes due to staff taking leave:

Emily Stewart - Head of Senior School

Katie Wilson - Head of Year 7

Ben Taylor -Head of English

Janine Sayers - Head of Curriculum

Michael Schultz - Head of IT

And we welcome the following teachers to the staff for the remainder of 2015:

Dean Izzard - Mathematics

Wendy Johnson - English

Melissa Eccleston - Drama

Shrikan Reddy - Humanities

Robert Bechaz - Technology

Donna Athan - Science

VISIT BY THE FOREIGN MINISTER

Julie Bishop

On the first day of term the Federal Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and the Speaker of the House and local member for Casey Tony Smith came for a visit.  

During a VCE assembly Julie explained her role as Foreign Minister and her journey into politics.  Our students had the opportunity to ask questions of the ministers about their roles and the issues they had to deal with in politics.   Both were very impressed with the insightful questions that were asked.  

Our student leaders had morning tea with Julie and Tony and there were plenty of opportunities for a chat and 'selfies.'

OCTOBER ARTS FESTIVAL

This week the Arts department has put on a wonderful display of our student's art work.  Art students from across the year levels have their work displayed in the Supper Room.  

A morning tea was part of the exhibition opening on Monday morning. 

Students and teachers have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork in many categories. 

The Performing Arts have had band and drama performances at lunchtimes including Battle of the Bands that was very well attended in the Hall today. 

TEACHING AND LEARNING PROGRAM

We are currently trialling an Instructional Model with all teachers to assist with ensuring that there is consistency across classrooms and high expectations in relation to student engagement.

Instructional models have been identified as being an important part of improving results as they provide a framework for teachers to encourage independent learning, guided instruction and reflection.

LOGICAL THINKING CHALLENGE

Earlier this year our Year 7 Select Entry students were involved in a Logical Thinking Challenge that was organised by Melbourne University and North Shore Coaching College.  

Thousands of students from across Australia tackled 24 difficult questions that were based on logical thinking and problem solving.  

All of the students scored exceptionally well with two, Nicholai and Jessica scoring in the top 5% in Australia. 

YEAR 12 FAREWELL

Next Tuesday our Year 12 students will attend their final classes with our annual Festivities Day being held on Wednesday. 

I would like to take this opportunity to let our students know that we are very proud of their efforts this year.  They have been a wonderful group of young people who have worked with their teachers and each other in a very productive and friendly manner.  

Well done to our Year 12 group and good luck with your upcoming exams.

Wendy Powson

Principal