From the Principal Class Team

Year 12 Camp

Year 12 students attended the highly anticipated Year 12 Study Camp on Thursday 9  and Friday 10  February at the University of Melbourne.

The  camp prepares students for the demands and expectations of Year 12, and promotes and broadens their experiences in a range of study habits designed to support them to achieve their best.

The activities organised for the 2 days link to the key themes of wellbeing, effort and academic success.  Day 1 saw the students and staff brave the  heat and  participate in a range of team building activities outdoors. This was followed by an intensive English workshop focusing on the key outcomes in the VCE course, as well as activities related to the text study and Personal Development Skills projects in VCAL.   This was followed by a delicious dinner on Campus and a walk to Melbourne Central to watch the movie Lion. Students connected with the film's themes of hope, perseverance and the importance of family .

Day 2 began with a nutritious breakfast followed by sessions on wellbeing and mindfulness – essential for students to cope with the demands and stresses they might encounter during this final year of schooling. Staff  and alumni then led tours of two university campuses, RMIT City campus  and Melbourne University, allowing students to gain some insight into what each university has to offer in terms of career pathways.

The camp finished on Friday after a motivational presentation by best-selling Australian author Archie Fusillo, who spoke to students about the value of stories in shaping our lives and connecting people, irrespective of backgrounds. His focus on immigration resonated with the students who had their own stories to tell and his strong connection with family was very poignant. He encouraged students to believe in themselves and work hard to achieve their goals.

The camp is a fun and engaging way for students to get into the mindset of Year 12 whilst developing the skills and confidence to deal with the pressures of the final year of secondary school. Our students approached the meticulously organised program with enthusiasm and commitment, both important qualities which will help them to achieve their goals this year.

Thank you to the senior sub school team for their organisation, all presenters and facilitators of workshops as well as the many staff who attended and supported students to maximise their time at the camp.

Photos

A reminder that school photos can still be purchased. The most cost effective way is through Compass. Students have also been given information about other ways to purchase them. All payments need to be received to the General Office by 'catch up' photo day, which is Wednesday 1 March. On this day any family who would like a sibling photo taken can have this done at recess.

Consent & Payments for Excursions

A reminder that consent and payment for excursions can also be done through Compass. Please refer to the information letter all students received. If you have any questions please call the General Office.

Progress Reports

Term 1 Progress Reports are coming up. Reports for Year 7 to 11 students will be available on Friday 10th March. Reports for Year 12 students will be available on Friday 17th March. Parents can access them through Compass. We encourage you to read these reports with your child, and discuss any areas identified for improvement.

Punctuality

We are having a 'blitz' on punctuality.  Classes start at 8.55am and students need to be at school no later than 8.45am.  Please assist us with this.

Students who are repeatedly late will be required to attend an interview with a member of the Principal team.

And finally......

Thank you to all parents and guardians for the great support you have given us to ensure a positive and smooth start to the school year, particularly in terms of making sure that your child is prepared for learning with books and equipment, in full uniform, and attending each day.

We appreciate the excellent partnership we have with you, and the positive impact this has on your child's learning.

Principal - Ms Kerrie Dowsley

Assistant Principal - Mr Ian Crocker

Assistant Principal - Ms Losh Pillay

Assistant Principal - Mr Craig Jennings