Principal's Post 

Welcome Back

Welcome back from the summer break and especially to all those who have joined Ringwood Secondary College for the first time in 2018. I hope that you enjoyed a relaxing time and you're feeling refreshed and ready to take on the learning challenges of 2018. 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 280 Year 7 students and their families.

In particular I would like to draw your attention to some key improvement focus areas. There has been a lot of research undertaken in recent years which highlights the skills,  attributes and behaviours that will allow you as young people to thrive when you leave school. This is encapsulated in words like- Character, Collaboration, Creativity, Citizenship, Critical thinking and Communication. Known as the 6Cs we will be adopting further approaches for your learning that ensures you have increased opportunity to take responsibility for your learning. Student progress reports will reflect how our students are progressing against these learning behaviours.

Further in 2018, there is a college wide focus on reading and especially in improving understanding when utilising non fictional texts. Our teachers are keen to ensure student learning growth is maximised in literacy.

The third area of action around which student learning can become more visible is in being clearer about what it is that each student is meant to be learning. We have in place an instructional model that will particularly highlight learning intentions and create regular opportunities for students to check in with teachers, to gain the necessary feedback for learning improvement.

I hope that each student's learning journey for 2018 is characterised by significant personal learning growth and success.

Our College Production for 2018, “The Addams Family” has been announced and auditions will commence shortly.

By the time that you have read this newsletter we will also have concluded The House Swimming Carnival at Aquanation too.

VCE Season of Excellence 2018

I am delighted to inform the school community that two of our students from the VCE Class of 2017 will have their work  exhibited in this years Top Design Exhibition at the Melbourne Museum.

Congratulations to Grace Wilson - Visual Communication Design and Elysia Bovill  - Media/Photography and Print Layout on this momentous achievement.

I would also like to acknowledge the excellent support provided by their teachers, Mr Kevin Lewis and Miss Sam Asbury respectively.

Staffing in 2018

As is always the case at the beginning of a new school year there are a number of new and returning staff and we particularly welcome them:

• Ms Jess Hilet – English as an Additional Language
• Mr Chris Szeligiewicz  - English
• Mr Hernan Alonso – Science and Maths
• Mr Bun Tong Ung – Maths and IT
• Ms Bonnie Yu - Mathematics
• Mr Anthony Del Sureto – Accounting and Commerce
• Mr James Moors - Maths and IT
• Ms Nicole Perry - Drama and Dance
• Mr Kane Gardiner - Science
• Mr David Clements - Physical Education
• Mr Peter Stephens - Business Management and Commerce
• Mr Aaron Rowlands - Sports Trainee
• Ms Jacqui Godfrey - English and Humanities
• Ms Nicole Solomon - Health and PE
• Ms Alison Crawford - English
• Ms Victoria White – Music and InterGreat
• Ms Penny Palmer - Media and Art
• Ms Melissa Muller - Media and Art
• Ms Vera Sumanta – Language Assistant Indonesian

Congratulations to Ms Anna Urbano on her appointment as Head of the Junior sub school too.

Australia Day Awards

I was delighted to learn of the success of members of our community in the recent City of Maroondah awards.

The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Bounce into Mental Health Carnival – an event developed by Ringwood Secondary College, to increase awareness of support services available at the school and beyond for those affected by mental health issues. The event also promoted the understanding and use of positive psychology and other techniques to increase wellbeing amongst students and staff. Congratulations to Ms Karen Hallam and the team of students and staff who lead this important work.

The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Georgia Read, a current Year 12 student, for her significant contribution as an ambassador and volunteer in the areas of cyber safety, mental health, disability, gender acceptance and childcare. Georgia has received many awards honouring her achievements, including a Maroondah Youth Award in 2016 for her work in campaigning against homophobia in schools. This year Georgia will also become Ringwood Secondary College’s inaugural Wellbeing Ambassador, a position created specifically to recognise Georgia’s hard work in this area over the past five years. Congratulations Georgia, we are very proud of your efforts on behalf of so many others.

Student travel to and from Ringwood Secondary College

The college asks that all students ensure respectful and appropriate behaviour especially when travelling on public transport.

We are always concerned about student safety and 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 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 regularly enforced. Often it is easier to drop children nearby and allow them to walk a few hundred metres. 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 2018

Nominations are now open for three parent vacancies on our college council. If you are an enthusiastic parent interested in getting more involved and having a say in what our college is doing, or know someone who is, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for people who are committed to improving the educational outcomes for all our students.

Effective 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. Parents find their involvement satisfying and may also find that their children feel a greater sense of belonging.

A change in our council composition in 2018 will also result in the co option of a student member as a community representative.

If you would like to find out more information, please give me a call at the College. Nominations close on Tuesday February 20 2018 and forms are available from the school reception or via email from Karen Carden.  kcarden@ringwoodsc.vic.edu.au

Michael Phillips

Principal