School Council
Report
It’s been another amazing year for Castlemaine Secondary College. The College has undertaken a detailed review of our strategic plan, our academic results have improved steadily on previous years and we have completed the design for the second stage of our building plan. The Council is extremely proud of our students and staff and we believe we are well on the way to becoming the best and most exciting secondary colleges in Victoria. Below are some thoughts in more detail, and we look forward to another bigger and brighter year in 2016.
Building Program: In 2010 the leading teachers, principal team and college developed our Building Master Plan, based on the educational philosophies and frameworks needed to prepare our students for a new and changing world. After a detailed review, the framework was adopted and has been used to design the four key precinct areas – Wellbeing, Engineers, Artisans and Performance. With support from community partners, State Government, and the education department, we are starting to build the Engineers Precinct which is the second new building in our Master Plan. Our educational framework has been acknowledged as ‘ground-breaking’ by educational experts.
Strategic Planning: Victorian state secondary schools are required to review their strategic plan in consultation with the education department every four years. This year the College and its Council actively sought assistance for this process. We engaged a facilitator and community member to work with Council. Natalie Moxham and John Reid worked closely in defining the goals and community engagement processes and ran an online survey, three community forums and one-on-one interviews. The College has received feedback from the education department and school council associations that our process was one of the best developed, widely engaging, and rigorous processes of any school in Victoria. The outcome of the Strategic Planning activities will inform and set the high level programs for the school through to 2019.
School Council: Our current Council includes: myself, David Woodgrove (President), Beth Mellick (Vice President), Barry Sutton (Treasurer), Ellen Madigan, Sam Johnson, and newly elected members Debra Watson, and Dean Bridgfoot. School representatives are Principal Mary McPherson, Kellie Showell, Cole Waters, and Peter Saltmarsh. We are fortunate to have such a fantastic group of dedicated people whose many hours of hard work, ensures our College delivers the best education for the young people in our community.
Our Students: The Council would like to wish the graduating students the absolute best for their future and hope that they will keep in touch with the College in coming years. For those who have joined us in 2015 we hope that this year has been an enjoyable transition from your previous schools. For all students at the school, the Council will continue to work hard to make sure the College offers you the best education it can possibly provide.
We are now looking forward to 2016 that will see the Engineers Precinct due for completion in October, the design for the Artisans Precinct under way and consolidating to a single campus at Blakely Road in 2017.
Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas and restful end of year break.
On behalf of the CSC Council
David Woodgrove
Chinese students visit to CSC – February 2016
Host families needed urgently! Castlemaine Secondary College has been asked to host Chinese students participating in an exchange program run through the YMCA, South Korea. The College recognises the value of these programs in providing cross cultural experiences for our student.
We are expecting approximately 40 students and 4 teachers who will visit our school for a period of three weeks in early February. In order to facilitate this program, we are seeking the support of our school community by asking families to homestay 2 students for that period. It is preferred that the 2 students share their own room. Evidence of Working with Children’s Check will need to be provided. Volunteer checks are free of charge and forms are available at offices on both campuses.
An activities program will be provided for the students on either Saturday or Sunday of each weekend for the duration of their stay. Families are not expected to participate in these activities. You will be expected to provide 3 meals per day. Remuneration will be provided to help cover the costs.
If you are willing to host students can you please contact Kirsten McKay on 0412 325 985 or email mckay.kirsten.k@edumail.vic.gov.au as soon as possible.