Principal's Message 

Curriculum

Year 11 Courses

I urge all Year 10 families to attend the Parent Information Event on Thursday, 20 May from 6.30pm. The focus of this evening is subject selection for Year 11 in 2022. We will be adding several new ATAR and General courses, as well as new VET Certificates for students to choose from in 2022.

Years 7 – 10 Courses

We wish to expand our electives in 2022 with the following proposed additions: Woodwork, Dance and Fabrics. A specialised room for Woodwork will be created during the year to facilitate the introduction of Woodwork and Design Technology courses that will extend into Years 11 and 12. 

Primary Curriculum

As previously mentioned, we will not have split year group classes in 2022. We are also examining ways to timetable specialist teachers more effectively in the primary classrooms. While all primary teachers are skilled across many teaching areas, teaching courses such as Music, Technology, Art, and PE are enhanced by using this approach.

ONE-TO-ONE LAPTOP PROGRAM

I have commenced a review of our current 1:1 laptop program, with a particular emphasis on the following year groups:

• Year 9s – who come to the end of their lease this year.
• Year 7s commencing in 2022 – what model will we be offering?
• Upper primary – should we have a 1:1 iPad program?

I will be surveying Year 9 parents in the coming weeks, seeking feedback on possible forward directions. 

MOBILE PHONES

While I would love to ban students from bringing mobile phones to school, it would not work for the reasons outlined below. Mobile phones are a distraction, but before criticising students, many adults set a poor example by their dependence or, may I say, addiction to these devices.  Greater connectivity through social media has certain benefits, but it can also create serious wellbeing issues, and these can be profound in young people. The College rule that mobile phones are handed in at the beginning of the day will continue to operate in 2022.

The College understands that mobile phones are brought to school by students and that this action is supported by parents. Part of the reason for this situation is that it allows students to contact parents at the end of the day if they are involved in after school activities, to arrange pick up times. 

Except for the above situation, there is no reason for bringing mobile phones to the College, and we prefer that they are not brought on campus. 

SCOOTER DONATION AND PARLIAMENT LUNCH

Our local Member of Parliament, The Honorable Reece Whitby, MLA, donated a high-quality scooter and helmet to the College.  Mr Whitby attended our Secondary Assembly on Friday 14 May and after speaking to the audience, assisted with the presentation of cross-country award winners. The Student Council will be raffling the scooter off, and funds raised will be used towards the purchase of additional outdoor seating for the College.  Mr Whitby will also be hosting a lunch at Parliament House for six of our students in June.  We thank Mr Whitby for his continued support of schools and students in our local community.