Principal

From Mr Phillips

Welcome back to 2020!

Classes commenced last week and it has been a busy and productive start of the year for all year levels.

Our College assembly this week highlighted our student leaders and the directions, major events and opportunities at the College for this year. A special welcome is extended to our 290 Year 7 students and their families.

We are also delighted to host 31 students and staff from Usti nad Orlici in the Czech Republic for the next two weeks, with the support of many of our families who are hosting them during this time.

At our Assembly I also took the time to acknowledge the significant event of this summer holiday break. Just like it was over ten years ago, our land particularly here in Victoria and in many other parts of our country has been subject to the ravages of bushfire and some of the worst national disasters in our Nation’s history - in terms of devastation to human life , property and our flora and fauna.

Remarkably though we have witnessed great resilience especially in the way in which communities are rallying together to overcome these significant challenges of loss and in many cases, everything.

As a school community, we would all do well to remember that in our daily trials and tribulations around fairly minor issues that bringing people together in times of need to solve significant issues is of far greater importance. I would encourage everyone to take care of yourself and look out for others in need throughout this school year. Each student in this school community has the potential and opportunity to make a difference.

Our College Production for 2020, “The Wedding Singer” has been announced and auditions will commence next week. Today we have enjoyed the House swimming carnival at Ringwood’s Aqua-nation too.

Staffing in 2020

As is always the case at the beginning of a new school year there are a number of new and returning teachers and some other changes. We particularly welcome:

Mr Eric Yeap – Science
Ms Zoe Gilbee – English and Humanities
Mr Nathan O’Malley – History and Geography
Ms Emily Bruce – Humanities
Mr Luke Day-Smith - Head of Wellbeing and Pathways and English
Mr Adam Parker – PE, Health and IT
Ms Samantha Woollard - Maths and PE
Mr Thomas Palmer - Visual Arts and Technology
Ms Amy Matejka-Keech - Visual Arts
Ms Vana Arulmuruganar - Commerce and Business Management
Mr Declan Trounson - Music, Humanities and English
Ms Kendall Seath– English and Humanities
Ms Jacinta Hodges- PE and Health
Ms Melissa Navaratnarajah - French
Ms Shannon Irwin– Indonesian and English
Ms Grandis Ogustina – Indonesian Language Assistant
Ms Rebecca Skilton – Social Worker

Mr James Barut is currently Acting Principal at Emerald Secondary College and his role as Asssitant Principal at Ringwood is being fulfilled by Mr Matt Tucker. The current Heads of Subschool in 2020 are Junior (Years 7 & 8) Mr Joshua Mitchell, Middle (Years 9 & 10) Mrs Kim Watson, Senior (Years 11 & 12) Mrs Sarah Catton.

Building Works

The progress on the construction of our senior school building is very pleasing. The final concrete pour for the upper levels is taking place this week and the main roof will be installed shortly. We are still anticipating completion late in Term 3 and there have been no delays to date. Our overall room situation until then will be very tight and all students and staff are required to exercise a little more care as they move around the College.

Student travel to and from Ringwood Secondary College

I request that all students continue to ensure respectful and appropriate behaviour especially when travelling on public transport.

There are always concerns about student safety and I ask all students to cross busy roads at appropriate locations. There are two supervised crossings on Bedford Road as well as a signalised intersection at Great Ryrie Street that should be utilised. In addition, travelling in small groups is often a good idea and areas like Ringwood Lake are best avoided when travelling alone. In addition, students riding to and from school must wear their safety helmets.

Parents who drive students should be aware of the speed and parking restrictions near the school, as these are actively enforced by Maroondah Council. Often it is easier to drop students nearby and allow them to walk a few hundred metres – its good exercise too! The car park at the front of the library should not be used as a drop off point at any time immediately before or after school.

Student safety matter

Students must not bring drinks in glass bottles to the College. If there is an accident they potentially can cause serious injury and broken glass makes areas in the yard unsafe. There are lots of suitable alternatives that can be utilised. Your cooperation is appreciated.

College Council Elections 2020

Nominations are now open for three parent vacancies on our college council. If you are an enthusiastic parent interested in getting more involved, we are looking for people who are committed to improving the educational outcomes for all our students. Effective school councils have a broad range of experience, skills and expertise. Face-to-face and online training is also available to help councillors develop the skills and knowledge for the job.

If you would like to find out more information, please give me a call at the College. Nominations will close on Thursday February 20, 2020 and forms are available from school reception or via email from Karen Carden. kcarden@ringwoodsc.vic.edu.au

Micheal Phillips

Principal