ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' REPORT

REPORT

STUDENT BUDGETARY PARTICIPATION

The School Council performs a number of important functions, one of which is to frame the College’s budget. As part of this process, the Council makes important decisions on investing in resources that will benefit student learning. In recent times the Council has, for example, invested in new instruments for the music program; it has purchased Lego equipment (with compatible software) used to study robotics in Control Technology, it invested in new commercial-quality food processors for students to use in Food Technology and it has provided a new multi-purpose undercover playing surface.

A new initiative for 2016 has now brought student voice into this critical decision-making process.  The governing School Council have determined that, starting from 2015, Junior and Senior school councils will each be allocated an annual budget of $5000.  Each student council has proposed and planned different ways this money could be used at the school; the final decision about which proposals ‘get up’ has been made by the students through a democratic process, with each student entitled to vote on the proposals put forward by their council. Voting closed on Friday 28 August, and it was terrific to see almost all students participate.

This new element of the College’s budgeting process is designed to promote student voice in the College community and provide an authentic learning experience about democracy and civic participation.  We look forward to presenting the successful programs/investments to the members of School Council as we prepare for 2016.

PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT CONFERENCES

Thanks to all parents and students for their attendance at this week’s Parent-Teacher-Student interviews. These discussions provide valuable information and insight into the progress of each child and are seen as a high priority by all staff.  We hope that these conversations, interim progress reports and the feedback provided via learning tasks on Compass assist parents and students to reflect on the work completed so far in semester two, and to set goals and plans for the remainder of the academic year.

DISCUSSING LEARNING WITH YOUR CHILD

When discussing with your child their academic achievement at school and the feedback provided on Learning Tasks (and through progress reports and Parent-Teacher-Student interviews), it is critical that parents and students look beyond grades and scores. We encourage all students and their parents to instead reflect on each child’s academic progress and growth; a student’s intelligence is changeable, and focussing on growth has a very positive impact on student learning. Hard work and a willingness to persist when facing academic challenges are the keys to success for all students, and emphasising learning progress rather than grades/scores is a simple - but powerful - way to support student learning.

VALEDICTORY DINNER

The Valedictory Dinner for the graduating class of 2015 will be conducted at the Palladium at Crown on Monday 19 October. Tickets can be purchased now (online via Compass); ticket sales close Thursday 17 September. We look forward to celebrating your child’s achievements at this wonderful event.

CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps & sporting activities, for students in Years 7 to 12.   If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (e.g. Health Care Card) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF.  Application forms are available from the Bursar’s Office. Last day for applications is Monday 14 September.

PARENT FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Many families have now finalised paying subject fees for 2015. Thank-you so much for your ongoing support in this regard; the School Council believes parent financial contributions are critically important, as the funds allocated by Government are insufficient to provide the high-quality education we strive to deliver. Your support enables the College to provide better resources for student learning, such as the new classrooms recently completed as part of the Library refurbishment and extension.  Families with outstanding fees for 2015 are encouraged to contact the Bursar to finalise payments or negotiate a payment schedule; statements have been posted out by the Bursar’s office recently. Families in financial difficulty should contact Mr Evans to discuss alternative payment arrangements.