Principal's Report

Dear Westall Secondary College Community,

We reach the end of another term this week. It has been a busy time as always and COVID is becoming more and more a distant memory. As 2022 was our first year back onsite with no lockdowns since 2019, we probably made some conscious decisions to focus on support and wellbeing, perhaps at the expense of standards, expectations and accountability. We need to be strong and consistent in our implementation of College policy. Research is clear and we also know anecdotally that the best way to support students have success is a strong stance and culture of high expectations. In working with College Council there will be a noticeable and deliberate shift in this regard for Term 2. Full and correct school uniform at school including travelling to and from school (as per School Uniform policy). Revisiting and raising expectations again around coming to class ready to learn with correct books and materials including a device. Being on time to each class and regular attendance. Completion of class work on time that represents your personal best. Caring and respectful behaviour toward each other at all times. Phones and speakers not to be used at school.

We have an amazing school culture at Westall and we need to protect that. We look forward to working with you all in Term 2 to further raise our standards and expectations which provide us with the calm, orderly, happy and respectful environment we all want and deserve at school each day. The link between all of this and excellence in student learning is clear and another reason this is so important that we make a strong stance with any breaches of those standards moving forward.

We have a new and experienced school leader, Mr Travis McIntosh starting next term as our new VM (Vocational Major) Leader. Ms Debby Morgan is on long service leave in Term 2. Ms Summer Bao will lead Year 9 and our WELC program in Term 2 and Mr Andy Tran will lead our International Student Program during this time. During my long service leave in Term 2, Mr Michael Tuck from Parkdale Secondary College, will be our Acting Principal. Have a fantastic Term 1 holiday period and a successful Term 2. I look forward to seeing you all again in Term 3.

Until next time

Mr Tristan Lanarus

Principal