From the Executive

Transition

Term 4 is traditionally the time when the Learning Diversity team begins to plan for coming school year, with a particular focus on the oncoming Year 7 cohort. Not to be deterred by the impact of COVID on what has been the ‘norm’, we have been able to facilitate the transition to secondary school for a student who requires additional support through the Jumpstart Extended Transition Program. This program is designed to assist students to navigate the unfamiliar environment of secondary school. Over the last two weeks, we have held two sessions. Where the Learning Diversity Team engaged the incoming students in a range of orientation activities. The activities are designed to provide students with greater insight into some of the organisational aspects of Year 7, as well as to meet key people, such as their  2021 Year level Coordinator.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the whole team for their efforts in welcoming and engaging with the attending students. Special thanks go to Mrs Sharon O’Shannassy for coordinating the sessions. Thanks also to Michelle Symss for her work on the documentation for the Program. The young men will certainly feel more relaxed when they attend the Year 7 Orientation Day on December 7th.

Our current students will also be engaging in a week of transition activities next week. This is a wonderful initiative which will reduce some of the uncertainty about the who and what of returning to school. Additionally, it will enable the teaching staff to meet their students and to be able to effectively plan for the start of the 2021 academic year.

Film Club News

The Film Club, which meets weekly during lunchtime, continues to provide students with an opportunity to socialise while sharing a common interest in all things cinematic. The Club, which was the initiative of Mr Shaun Akkermans, a member of the Learning Diversity team, has been running for several years and continued despite all the challenges of COVID. During this time, a senior student, Kieran Rahilly, started a regular remote movie night which was a wonderful way for students to remain connected with their friends despite the social isolation of COVID regulations.

Earlier this year the Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave ran a short film festival aptly titled “Create While You Hibernate.” During lockdown and as a bit of incentive for the Film Club students to get creative and remain stimulated while stuck at home, Mr Akkermans alerted the students to this festival, encouraging them to participate and showcase their skills.

Two students, Orlando Perri and Aditya Krishna-Moorthy submitted films and they are to be congratulated for the effort they put into creating their short films. Mr Akkermans, and indeed the school community, is extremely proud of these young men and in particular to Aditya who’s film “Stick-Man” will be screened alongside 14 others at Belgrave Cameo Cinemas on November the 29th at 2:00 pm.

You are encouraged to view Aditya’s films via this link http://www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au/peninsula-film-festival.html

Mrs Anne Johnson

Learning Diversity Coordinator