From the Principal

Welcome to Term 2. 

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we are on, the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation and pay my respects to elders, past, present and emerging and to those reading this newsletter. 

The term began with our annual ANZAC day ceremony. It was attended by the whole school community and many dignitaries. For some, this was their first time, and they were extremely complimentary of our students.  Our College Captains, Tara Singh, Maiana Cameron and Kai Titcher were Masters of Ceremonies and performed exceptionally.

Students have settled into Term 2 very quickly, enjoying the extracurricular activities offered such as: Sporting Squads, camps and excursions. VETis Construction Pathways, HeadStart and Hands on Learning have been operating for a term and are very popular with many of our students. The Resilience Project has been focussed on Respect, Empathy and Gratitude. 

Our values of respect, achievement and community are as relevant today and they were when we first identified them in 2018. They are displayed in every classroom and on each building for all to see. 

The ultimate aim for all students is for everyone to find success. Success with their academic studies and the extracurricular activities they participate in. To assist all students, the teaching staff will focus on ensuring all students are equipped for each class. Students will be reminded to bring all materials to each class and the expectation is this will occur for each class. Without classroom materials, students find themselves in a position where they cannot learn, or limited learning occurs.

I am certain, you will support the College by reminding students to bring the required materials to each class, including a fully charged laptop. Please also assist us by reminding our young people, there is to be no mobile phone use during the school day, including purchasing food at the canteen. 

NAPLAN for all Year 7 and 9 students has begun and the behaviour of our students has been exceptional. Students are taking the tests seriously and we look forward to their results. 

The Student Attitude to School survey will also be completed in the next couple of weeks for all students. This is an extremely important survey as it helps to inform our future planning. Students in CONNECT will discuss the Attitudes to School survey and student forums will be conducted by our College Captains. The purpose of the forums will be to hear student voice. Captains will then present findings to staff at a whole school staff meeting. 

Work has also begun on the Senior School Reform. Our community will be invited to the annual course information evening early next term, 19th July. The new Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways certificate will be explained, and preparations will begin for partial implementation in 2023. 

Thankyou for being part of our school community. The last couple of years have been challenging for all. Last term was the first term we had with face-to-face teaching since 2019. Our students are settling into life at Mornington Secondary College with routine and structure. 

We will continue to provide assistance and support for all students so they may focus on success.

Linda Stanton