Principal's Report
Farewell Class of 2017
Last week brought to a close the 13 years of formal schooling for our class of 2017.
To recognise this significant achievement, our Year 12 students were the guests of honour at a whole school assembly and Valedictory Night.
Our Year 12 students also took the time to celebrate the completion of schooling with a celebration morning here at school in which they dressed up in costumes, completed a 'lap of honour' of the school during class time and attended a morning tea with teachers.
I congratulate all of our graduating students for reaching this significant milestone in their life and encourage them to carry the values and fond memories of the College into the future. Completing secondary school is an achievement that only 80% of students in Victoria are able to obtain. Government information reveals that the benefit of finishing secondary school results in an average of an additional $800, 000 in lifetime earnings compared to a student who leaves school prior to Year 12.
Musical Performances
At the end of last term, I had the pleasure of watching our music students perform at the Annual Musical Soiree & Spring Concert. The Soiree event sold out in record time this year, which is a credit to the professionalism of the teaching staff and dedication of the music students who are able to deliver entertaining and highly skilled performances.
Only two weeks later, our Stage Band replaced the comfort of the Performing Arts Centre to play in hot and windy conditions at the Bonbeach Farmers Market.
In the first week of this term, our Choir was paid to perform at a function for the Victorian Government's Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning.
In addition, the music students have been requested to play at a number of local primary school Christmas functions and markets.
Parent Opinion Survey
Last term, approximately 100 parents completed an online survey organised by the Department of Education about Patterson River Secondary College.
Overall, the results from the survey were very pleasing.
The following proportion of parents responded in the positive (including neutral):
99% (e.g. 1% Negative) Physical Environment 'clean & tidy'
96% Support from the School
95% High Expectations for Success
91% School Pride & Confidence
Areas for Improvement
82% Teacher Communication
84% Student Motivation Support
I was surprised that our lowest performing area was Teacher Communication, especially considering that in recent years the College has moved towards communicating with parents in a more constant manner (e.g. Compass) and moved away from end of semester reports and parent teacher interviews being the main form of communication.
I would like to hear from parents regarding their experiences with communication from teachers to help ascertain whether there are any issues that we need to look at improving. Please email me at dew@prsc.vic.edu.au
International School Accreditation
Patterson River recently gained accreditation to become an International School which will allow the College to enrol small numbers of students from overseas.
This will bring a range of benefits to our school, such as exposing our students to different cultures and an understanding and skills relating to global citizenship. The College is now seeking expressions of interest from families who would like to host students on either short term or a long term basis. Find out more, please contact our International Student Coordinator Mr Northey (nor@prsc.vic.edu.au)
Hands On Learning Program 2018
In addition to the inclusion of a new program for Year 12 VCE students, which will develop a range of skills and knowledge associated with study, revision & health, the College has decided to implement a Hands On Learning Program in 2018.
This program will focus on engaging small groups of students from Year 7-10 in one of two focus areas:
- Horticulture
- Building Projects
Students involved in one of the two projects will spend one day per week out of their normal classes developing a range of skills.
The Horticulture group will be closely linked with the Down's Estate, assisting with the development of a community garden and re-vegetation of the old farm paddocks.
More information regarding this new program will be available early next year.
Biomedical Innovation Showcase
On Monday 30th October, I had the pleasure of joining 30 students who attended the Biomedical Showcase and Graeme Clark Oration feature Nobel Laureate Prof Harold Varmus.
The showcase was an excellent opportunity for students to look at the future of medicine, in particular the role of advanced robotics and 3D printing.
Mr Daniel Dew
Principal