From the Leadership Team
Culture is Critical
Each year without fail there will be a story on the front pages of a Melbourne newspaper decrying the antics of Year 12 students on their last day of schooling. Usually we read about an incident involving students at the school with the journalist concluding that the school has an issue with its culture. While I get no joy reading such reports and feel deeply for the Principals who need to go into damage control, the articles remind me each year of the unequivocal importance of the need for a positive school culture.
The development of a great culture is a critical component to the success of any school, or organisation for that matter. Other key components are strategy and the best people with the abilities to execute on that strategy. Cultural excellence is not sufficient on its own, however, it is an essential part in becoming a great school or organisation.
Below is an email I recently received from a bus driver who drives Kilvington students to and from school. It speaks volumes about the manners and behaviour of our students, and the culture that exists at home and in the school.
Hi,
Further to our discussion today, I would like to once again, express my admiration of the way these students interact, not only with me, but more importantly with other passengers, both young and old, on the bus. They are engaging, respectful, courteous, and happy young people. These young people need to be congratulated on the way that they conduct themselves. They are a credit to their parents and school.
Sport Training
Kilvington's sport program continues to grow and develop. This year, teams have performed very impressively with a number going on to win a flag. The students and staff should be congratulated with the character they have shown on the court or field and for their successes.
I am delighted to inform you that next year sport training will be considerably ramped up for Years 5-12 students, with afterschool year level training sessions offered for all students. At the time of writing the following arrangements are in place but are subject to change.
Y10 -Y12 students will have sports training on a Monday; Y8 - Y9 students on a Tuesday; Y2 - Y4 Sports Club and Y5 - Y6 on a Wednesday; and, Y7 on a Thursday.
Remembrance Day
Today we celebrated Remembrance Day with a lovely service on The Green attended by students and staff. Lest We Forget.
Year 7 2017 Parent Information Evening
On Tuesday night, parents of students entering Year 7 2017 gathered in Dalton Hall to hear about next year’s Year 7 program, and meet key staff and other parents. It was wonderful night full of warmth and sharing. Given current enrolments, next year we will again have four full Year 7 classes running, with an excellent gender balance.
Orientation Days
Please note that to support our students and families make the transition to a new year level and, for many, settle into a new school, we are holding Orientation Days this coming Tuesday 15 November (Junior School P-6) and Wednesday 17 November (Senior School Years 7-10).
Thank You to our Volunteers Event
Our School could not deliver a number of services and events if not for the commitment and efforts of our volunteers. They play such an integral and important role in our community and on Tuesday 22 November we will show our appreciation at a ‘Thank You to our Volunteers’ night at the School. Please contact Deb Duce for more information.
Celebration Night
I trust by now that Kilvington families will have received an invitation to this year’s Celebration Night which is on Friday 2 December at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, Clayton, commencing at 7.30pm. This is one of the most significant events on the Kilvington Grammar calendar and it is expected that all students from Years 3 to 12 will attend. It will be a wonderful evening of celebration and I look forward to seeing you there.
Tickets are available next week.
2017 Senior Student Leaders
Over the last couple of weeks the Student Leaders for 2017 have been finalised. Congratulations to the students who participated in the process and to the following students who have been successful in gaining a leadership role for the next 12 months.
School Co-Captains Charan Naidoo & Lauren Rowley
School Vice Co-Captains Peter Yu &
Ally Doyle
House Captains & Co-Captains
Barrett Ryan Harding & Aaron Kale
Burman Izzy Cook & Sarah Hedger
Fethers Hannah Bahn & Alanna Owen
Fysh Izzy Clarke & Sheriza Thuraisingam
House Vice Co-Captains
Barrett Jasmine Fassoulis &
Bryce Jurgensen
Burman Harrison Broughton &
Jade Redman
Fethers Maree Lymbouris & Nick Kantzas
Fysh Josh Boghikian & Jemima Price
Academic Leaders & Co-Leaders
English Sophia Zikic & Aidan McShane
Science Jade Redman & Jasmine Fassoulis
Humanities Harrison Broughton
Art Nikki Tinker
Languages Moriel Smolyar (J) &
Aimée Coquillat (Fr)
Christian Leader Liannah Diacaris
Debating Leader Vishnu Krishnamoorthi
Music Leader Noah Dixon-Sole
Productions Leader Anneliese Croker (Front Stage) & Kyra Von Stiegler (Backstage)
Robotics Leader Lydia Sharpe &
Jaslyn Truong
Sport Leader Callum Morgan
Student Mentor Leader TBC
Tech Crew Leader Caitlin Woods
Jon Charlton, Principal