Principal's Report
An Exciting Start
It is with great pleasure that I take the opportunity to write my first Principal’s report for the College newsletter. I was appointed to the role late last year and since that time, I have put considerable thought into what I would do in my first few months as Principal and throughout the first year. My aim particularly in term 1, is to build as many positive relationships as I can, with staff, students and other members of the school and broader community. To meet and learn from students, parents, staff and other community members, I am visiting as many classes as I can, spending time in the yard at recess, lunch, and at the end of the day. I am also communicating with parents, neighbouring primary school Principals and other key stakeholders as often as I can.
Everything I read about Wantirna College before I began, my experience on a tour of the College and my interactions with the leadership team and members of College Council has has shaped my belief that becoming Principal at this school is a tremendous honour and opportunity. Inheriting the leadership of a school that has a demonstrated track record of quality learning and teaching, innovative and engaging programs and excellent facilities, is an enviable position for a new Principal. When you add a dedicated and caring staff, along with curious and aspirational students, you understand why I am now in a position that leaves me appreciating how lucky I am! And with that, I must again take the opportunity to thank Sue Bell for her dedication and leadership at Wantirna College over many years. An influence that will continue to be felt for many more years to come. I can’t wait to experience the exciting challenge that the next 12 months will bring.
Welcome
I would like to welcome all the new students and families who are beginning their time at Wantirna College. I encourage you to get involved in the school community as much as you can and encourage you to engage broadly with students and teachers.
Our Year 7 students are beginning their secondary school journey, and having visited a number of their classes I know that they are off to a positive start and are really looking forward to the Year 7 Camp next week. There has been a great deal of interest and enthusiasm for other opportunities this term including; the swimming sports, student leadership elections, summer sports round robin, lunchtime activities, peer support and auditions for the College production of Legally Blonde.
I also welcome our new international students from China, Vietnam and Japan. These students will not only be getting to know a new school, but also new homes and a new city. I know the challenge for them must seem daunting at this stage, but I am confident the school will provide them with the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
New Staff
A big welcome also to the new staff who joined us this year. Some returning from family leave, some moving from instrumental music to the class room and others brand new. We know our students and staff will help smooth their transitions.
Danielle Grotto- Maths
Gene Easton-Information Technology
Tamara Gavakis- Maths
Aaron Hawton- English
Samantha King- Humanities
Katrina King- Later Years Catalyst Programs
Emily Peach-Science
Nathan Rogers- Leader of Sport
Vicky Rumble- Leader of Art/Technology
Michelle Lam- Music
Daniel Van Bergen- Music/Science
Lachlan Barratt- Music
Janine Sanderson- Science
School Council
In the next couple of weeks I will be communicating information in relation to the process for the school council elections. The information will include positions that are vacant, the nomination and election timeline and process. You may wish to consider whether you have particular skills and experiences that may benefit the Wantirna College Council. I would encourage anyone considering nominating who requires more information or with questions about the process to read the information that is distributed or to contact me.
STEP UP program success
Last year we ran an extended Step Up program which has allowed our VCE and VCAL students to hit the ground running. The feedback from students in the program last year was overwhelmingly positive as was the attendance rate. Speaking to students this year, they acknowledge the success of the program in setting them up for a flying start to 2018.
VCE Results 2017
Congratulations to all our VCE students on their achievements last year. In particular our 10 VCE students who are on the Honour Roll for achieving ATAR ranks of over 90. Special congratulations to Joseph John who was the school dux with an ATAR of 98.7 which places him in the top 1.3% of all year 12 students.
Each of these students received their first choice offer of a university placement. We will be recognising their achievements at the Honour Roll assembly next week.
Honour Roll
Joseph John (Dux)
Engineering (Honours) Monash University
Sam Brasher
Information Technology/Arts Monash University
Gabrielle Cameron
Global Studies Monash University
Sarah Dobson
Primary Education (Honours)/Science
Monash University
Bethany Hall
Biomedicine University Of Melbourne
Shirley He
Primary and Secondary Education (Honours)
Monash University
Crystal Tee Pei
Psychology (Honours) Monash Uni
Isabel Yu
Biomedicine, University Of Melbourne
Helen Zhang
Biomedicine, University Of Melbourne
Yewudai Zhu (Annie)
Science, University Of Melbourne
Outstanding Teaching
The quality of teaching and expertise at Wantirna College is well recognised in Victoria. Already this year Mr Geoff Shaw has been invited to present to VCE Legal Students teachers at a State Conference whilst Mr Phil Newnham has been invited to represent careers teachers at the Parlimentary Inquiry into Careers Education. We are confident that both teachers will represent the community well.
Kevin Murphy
Principal