Assistant Principal's Report 

Welcome

A very warm welcome back to the 2022 school year. I hope all of our Westall families had a wonderful break and were able to celebrate the holiday period with loved ones. It is so great seeing our students back and eager to be part of their school programs after what has been an interrupted few years of school. In particular, I would like to welcome our new year 7 cohort, pictured here at Adventure Day:

Westall Arena

It is with great pride and pleasure that I announce that ‘Westall Arena’ is now complete and available for classes, assemblies, recess/lunch and for hirers. The outdoor basketball courts are now fully covered, have a sound/PA system installed and LED lights. We also have a 200-seater covered stand available for spectators. We hope that our staff and students will utilise this space for classes and assemblies from this week.

iCreate Sport

I have been given the opportunity to be part of the iCreate sport program this year. As a Physical Education/Health teacher, I am relishing the opportunity to be ‘back on the tools’ and we have a strong program this year with over 100 students.  We will be setting high expectations for students with the introduction of volleyball and basketball academies. Students will select from one of the academies and will focus on their chosen sport to improve skill development, gain coaching qualifications and practical experience in coaching young people. 

Teachers learn too!

Students may have noticed that at times, another teacher or principal team member may be sitting in the classroom, watching their teacher teaching the lesson and making notes. This is part of how our teachers learn. We all observe each others' teaching (and students’ learning) to learn from each other, and to share any tips or ideas to try out. We call this ‘coaching’, similar to what you find in sport. We find this is a great way for teachers to learn, so get used to having visitors to your classes. 😊

Mobile phone policy and Speaker reminder

https://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au/files/file/2021-Policies/WSC_Mobile_Phones_Policy_2021.pdf

Can I please remind students that mobile phones should not be brought to school and if they are, they should be placed in lockers and not accessed until 3.15pm. If a student is seen by a staff member with their phone during school hours, they will be directed to place it in their lockers and if they refuse or it is seen on them again, it will be confiscated and placed in the front office.

Likewise with wireless speakers, these are not to be used in school and should remain in lockers. School staff cannot supervise students on the way home on buses and trains, however I ask students NOT to be using speakers on public transport as this is antisocial behaviour and does not represent our Westall Care values.

Open Evening

Please save the date - flyers and more details to follow. Tuesday 5th April 2022 from 4.30-7.00pm.                                    

Thank you and have a great week.

Mr Mark Henderson

Assistant Principal