Principal's Report

Recently I held a number of student forums during Year Level Assembly’s. These forums gave me great insights into the issues that mattered to students on a day to day basis and they provided me with some good ideas that will allow us to improve the education and the experiences that Wantirna College has to offer. In particular the feedback we have received about the student toilets has committed us to exploring a plan for a complete rebuild of the D block toilets. Whilst at this stage we are only in the exploration phase we are hoping that the design and cost will make the project feasible and we will be discussing this in more detail with the facilities subcommittee and College Council. I would ask that if we have any experienced “tradie” parents or connections with expertise in plastering, painting, cabinetry (toilet partitions), flooring (epoxy), automatic doors or any associated suppliers, who could assist with the donation of time or goods that would reduce the overall cost of the project to get in contact with me if you can help. I am committed to ensuring that our students have a school with outstanding opportunities and facilities, and any help we get extends our ability to do this quicker.

Our ability to investigate and fund further improvements to facilities is achievable, thanks to the contribution of parents who have paid their school feels (Essential Curriculum and Services charges). The money received from parents enables us to resource quality learning programs, provide additional support staff, purchase new technologies and equipment and build first rate facilities. Parent support with school fees allows us to do so many positive things, and on behalf of the students I would encourage those parents who haven’t yet contributed to do so.

Another key discussion point during the recent forums was school uniform. In particular students are keen to explore the merits of alternatives to the current school jumper. Sales records indicate that we sell 4 x more spray jackets than jumpers and whilst many students are happy with the current school jumper others would prefer to wear the spray jacket straight over their polo shirt. Wearing a spray jacket inside is something that we would prefer to avoid, so therefore I am keen to collaborate with students and parents to investigate other alternatives. In the coming weeks I will be forming a working party of students and parents, which will collect data, review options and make recommendations to College Council. Stay tuned for more details.

I would like to officially welcome Zoë Carolan to the role of Acting Assistant Principal for the last two weeks of Term 2. Zoë is replacing Catherine Ford who is currently on long service leave, and I look forward to working with her in these last two weeks.

Another reminder that 29th June is the last day of Term 2 and students will be dismissed at 2.30pm.

Finally, as no doubt many of you are aware tickets for this year’s production “Legally Blonde” are now on sale. Make sure you book tickets and don’t miss out, you would be crazy to miss it!!!

This week’s tip (to improve student writing at home):

Ask questions.

Always ask your child questions when he/she writes. Ask specific questions about your child’s writing such as: “How did that happen?” “How did that make you feel?” “Can you tell me more about that…?” “What are some other words you could use to describe…?”