Kings Park Campus Principal Message
The end of our academic year is fast approaching; this brings with is a mixture of joy and worry. It is wonderful when students can see reward for their efforts during the year, whether the reward comes in the form of awards, high scores or satisfaction about the progress that has been made in learning. Exams for Year 9 students are looming and our Year 10 class of 2017 were farewelled last Monday during an uplifting celebratory assembly. They are now well entrenched into their examination period at the Delahey campus. A Transition program will follow.
e-Write
Because of the college’s emphasis on writing, we have asked our students to complete what is called ‘e-write’. This writing task is undertaken in a set time period on computers and assessed by ACER. Teachers are discussing their students’ results and refocusing their teaching in order to support students’ growth in writing that particular genre. Speaking of literacy, on Wednesday November 15, College staff were treated to an engaging introductory professional learning presentation by Brian Dare. Brian is an internationally recognised expert on language and literacy and his continued support next year we are hoping will have a significant impact on the way in which literacy is embedded within the curriculum.
Students are also engaging in their PAT (Progress Achievement Test) in both Reading and Mathematics, further emphasising the use of large scale ‘snapshot’ testing to inform our teaching and learning practices.
Year 10 Formal
The Year 10 Formal is coming up on Thursday November 30 at Lakeside Receptions. Parents are asked to become familiar with the conditions around attendance. Although it is a significant organisational task for our 9/10 and SRC team, the camaraderie, the celebration and the opportunity to thank teachers who’ve been a part of their journey makes it all worthwhile as it really is a joyous occasion.
Grade 6 Life Skills Program
We have also had the immense pleasure to welcome some Grade 6 students from Kings Park Primary School to our Life Skills program, an initiative that helps to ease the anxiety of transitioning from primary to secondary schooling. Last Thursday evening, the Year 6-7 Transition evening was held at the Kings Park campus. It’s a great feeling for all of us to see the new Year 7 class of 2018 up close with wonder and awe (and a tinge of nerves no doubt…) in their eyes. The final instalment in our transition program will occur on Tuesday December 12 when they come to our campus for their first real taste of school life as a secondary student during Transition Day.
Reconnect- The Gathering Place
Students who identify as Indigenous within our school community have been involved in a culturally rich and engaging school based program. Lee Anne Clarke in her role as Koori Education Support Officer (KESO) from our Region connected our Campus with Lowell Hunter and Ricky Kildea from The gathering Place. Lowell and Ricky have been working with students on a weekly basis, discussing issues of identity, pride, empowerment, connection to culture and dance and music. Students have been very engaged and they actively participate in the ‘yarning circle’ as a way of sharing their personal stories.
A Graduation ceremony will be held on Monday November 27th after a cultural dance performance.
Mentoring Pacific Islander Students (MPI)
Mary Scott connected the campus to MPI through a mutual contact and a large number of Pasifika students have been participating in a series of after school sessions during Term 4. Lavinia from MPI and her team of presenters engaged the campus at an introductory ‘awareness’ assembly late in Term 3. Students then nominated themselves to be involved and they have been very engaged in the sessions. MPI aims to work with students to understand their culture, their emerging identity and the importance of education. All sessions have been very well attended and students are often reluctant to leave at the end of the two-hour sessions! At last Wednesday evening’s Graduation, parents and carers joined their children for a wonderful evening of celebration.
My Mentoring
As an offshoot of our highly successful Homework Club for Refugee/EAL students, our partnership with both Foundation House and CMY (Centre for Multicultural Youth) expanded in the form of a mentoring program. This program is aimed predominantly at our students of African descent, although its success meant more students were happy to commit their time after school and reflect on themselves and their ability to influence positive change around them. Their mentor, David Vincent has worked with the group and produced amazing results as far as self-esteem and ‘living your values system’ is concerned. Last Tuesday, all students received their completion certificate at the final celebration session. Next year, CMY are planning to expand the program to our Year 11-12 students as well.
Year 10 Careers Bootcamp10
During this past week, a very enthusiastic group of Year 10 students from both Kings Park and Sydenham have been involved in an intensive careers program. Bella Moore and Jo Robotham Careers and Pathways Team members from KP and Sydenham respectively ably supported students. Students participated in a number of excursions: the Rail Skill Centre at Newport, RMIT City Campus and Kruegar Transport. They also enjoyed a presentation from VU and worked very hard during a two-day program devised and delivered by our partners at WPC. A Graduation ceremony was held on Friday afternoon, acknowledging the efforts and participation of the students.
Thankyou
Mr Renato Carinci and Ms Mary Chiodo
Campus Principals