College Principal's Report
Welcome to 'The Score'
Principal for a Day
Today we had the pleasure of welcoming Peter Hitchener (Channel Nine Newsreader) to Scoresby Secondary College as Principal for a Day. The day started with the beat of the drums as Tribe opened the whole college assembly before Peter was welcomed to the stage by our College Captains Frazer Spence and Tash Orfanidis.
Peter’s opening address as the Principal for the Day was exceptional. His warmth, humour and passion to engage the students exceeded everyone’s expectations and provided students an opportunity to ask questions about his education and career. Bridgette Caesar (Year 12) performed one of her original songs before Peter went off to visit classes.
Peter was provided many experiences in his role throughout his visit, including: speaking to classes and individual students , attending a finance meeting, hearing student voice in a round table discussion with student leaders, hearing about the multiple partnerships our College has with the community, spending time in the student wellbeing centre and meeting staff.
The day provided Peter great insight into the role of a Principal, making it a challenge to even finish one cup of coffee throughout the day.
Improving Numeracy Outcomes
Scoresby Secondary College is proud to be working with Bayswater South, Carrington, Knox Park, Mountain Gate and Rowville Primary Schools in a collegiate project to raise student numeracy outcomes. Together we are using the latest research on student learning and global best-practice to focus our instructional practices that are known to have the greatest impact on school improvement.
This week Principals and numeracy leaders from each of the schools conducted an analysis of student numeracy data from primary to secondary to develop strategies to minimise impact on student learning confidence and outcomes between primary and secondary college.The group of schools have identified shared goals and targets and developed an action plan which has included
- teacher observations of best practice
- teacher exchange experiences between schools
- teacher participation in professional learning online with Jo Boaler, Stanford University
2018 Uniform
In 2018 all students in years 7-12 will be required to be in the new Scoresby Secondary College uniform. A full list of uniform requirements and visuals will be distributed with re-enrolment kits in term 4.
Please check the details in the new requirements very closely, especially in regards tojumper colour, jackets, dress and skirt length, shoes, school bag and jewellery.
SunSmart
In accordance with the Department of Education and Training’s SunSmart Policy hats were made compulsory in the Junior School in terms 1 and 4. I would encourage Senior School students to also purchase a College hat to wear during recess, lunchtime and periods of outdoor activity. Our College aims to protect students and staff from excessive UV exposure to help minimise future skin cancer risk. Without a hat, students must be undercover to avoid the damaging UV rays.
Term 3 has been hard in terms of our unpredictable cold weather and illness and like many workplaces as a number of our staff and students have been impacted. I thank parents who informed us of student absences through our absence hotline and followed up with notes and medical certificates upon their return to school. When students are absent for illness and are unable to complete work, it is important that extensions are applied for through the relevant subject teacher or in the case of a prolonged illness, having a conversation with the relevant year level coordinator. Homework club runs after school between 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Resource Centre should any student require assistance to catch up or complete homework in or a quiet area with teacher support after school.
2018 Enrolments
We are continuing to receive enrolments for next year across all year levels. If you know of anyone who is still considering Scoresby Secondary College for next year, it is important that they complete an enrollment application to finalise our staffing numbers for 2018. I would also request that if anyone is moving out of the area or not returning next year to please contact us. Student allocation to electives for years 9 -10 and VCE subjects for Years 10 - 12 is currently underway. All students will be notified of their subjects and final materials charges in term four.
College Council Parent Member Vacancy
We have a College Council parent member who is unable to complete their term as a parent representative. We are therefore seeking expressions of interest for a Scoresby Secondary College parent to fill the vacancy from October until next College Council elections in February next year. Please contact the General Office if you would be interetsed in filling this temporary vacancy.
Thank you
On behalf of Scoresby Secondary College, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the community for the support and messages of condolence that have been provided to students, staff and families who have had recent family member losses.
Gail Major
Principal