2021Priorities

It was almost one year ago that Melton Secondary College and schools across the globe commenced remote and online learning in response to the emerging COVID19 pandemic. While the experience presented some benefits, such as an acceleration to the way that digital technology is used to support teaching and learning in schools and communication, it has also brought into focus the important role which schools play in supporting our students' health and the need to keep their learning on track. The three areas we have prioritised for our work this year are: Learning Catch-Up and Extension; Happy Active and Healthy Kids; and Connected Schools.

Our Learning Catch-Up priority includes setting up our Tutor Learning program. The college received over $500k in funding from the government to deliver individual and small group support for students in Years 7 and 8 who have fallen behind in their reading and maths. The college has employed several tutors and they are now working with students in classrooms to catch up learning lost in 2021.

The Happy Active and Healthy Kids priority includes the employment of additional mental health practitioners/counsellors, a broader range of lunch and after school engagement activities, Pacifica mentoring, Active Schools and the introduction of the Respectful Relationships program.

The Connected Schools priority will involve family engagement activities, increased use of eLearning and digital technology, and strengthening partnerships with community organisations.

The college priorities are outlined in the 2021 Annual Implementation Plan which is currently before School Council for endorsement.

Online Learning Days

As previously announced, last week's Junior Sub-School Online Learning Days were cancelled in response to feedback from parents about the timing and supervision arrangements being provided for students. Parents expressed the need for early communication about days such as these so that proper alternative arrangements can be made. It is clear that the late notice and then cancellation left some parents confused and inconvenienced. We have heard your feedback and in response have highlighted future Student Free Days in the Dates to Remember section of this edition of the Melton Mail. We will continue to ensure that advance notice is provided about events which change student attendance requirements.

Online learning has provided our students with increased access to the curriculum and flexible ways of learning and will continue to play a part in the educational program provided by the college. We know that online learning and completion of school work outside of school hours (homework) requires higher levels of independent learning and self-discipline. We are committed to building these skills in our students as they are important skills for success at school and life in general. We are keen to engage with parents and work together to help students meet these challenges.

The college continues to explore the benefits this online learning can bring, however onsite face to face teaching and learning will very much remain the default and preferred approach to schooling.

Social Media and Online Bullying

I am grateful to members of the community who have raised concerns about posts which have recently appeared on private Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook accounts, referencing the college, our students and members of staff in highly disrespectful and inflammatory ways.

In a similar way, posting footage of students involved in verbal or physical altercations while at school actively promotes violence and a feeling of threat and intimidation towards all members of our community.

It is extremely disappointing to notice that some of these posts have attracted the attention of Melton Secondary College students who have decided to encourage and promote them by 'liking' or forwarding the posts onto others. We have seen the negative and sometimes tragic impacts these behaviours cause and for this reason engaging in serious bullying behaviours are a breach of the law.

It is everyone's responsibility to report this type of behaviour and prevent it from occurring. Where students engage in behaviour that threatens the safety of other students the Student Code of Conduct requires the college to apply appropriate consequences and work with parents/carers to educate students about how to use digital technology responsively and safely. The college will also continue to work with the police to identify and stop the perpetrators of online bullying and this kind of misuse of social media platforms.

Family Talanoa Night

The Talanoa Night was a wonderful evening with our Pacifica parents/carers engaging in important discussions about why partnership between parents/carers and teachers is crucial to supporting children to succeed at school. Talanoa is Samoan for a conversation and as you can see in the photographs below, there this night was full of friendly conversation, as well as student singing and a delicious feast.

School Captains, Melissa Oloamanu and Riccardo Samau spoke confidently about students celebrating their culture, having high aspirations and how school is a pathway to success and family pride.

The Charis Mentoring team also presented information about the Tautai Lead program we will be running at the college this year. Tautai Lead is a leadership program that is project based and co-created by young people to support their development through a cultural lens. Tautai means 'navigator' and the program is designed to help young people to Know their identity, Grow their character and Sow by leading and investing in their community through good actions.

Feedback from everyone who attended confirmed that the Talanoa Night was a great event that celebrated Pacifica culture and helped to build connections with our families. Everyone was keen to know when the next Talanoa night will happen!

Active Schools Program

The College received great news last week that we have been successful in our application for funding through the Active Schools program. This means we will receive $15,000 from the government to become an Active School.

An Active School encourages physical activity through a whole school approach that goes beyond traditional physical education and sport to promote physical activity at every opportunity. Melton Secondary College will use this funding in ways that build on our quality school sport program and also promote active recreation at break-times and after school. We are aiming to engage community sport and recreation organisation to provide programs that complement our current physical education curriculum, school sport program and lunchtime clubs. We also plan to consult with students and parents to ensure our offerings tap into student interest.

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