From the Principal Class

Dear Viewbank Community,

Today marks the end of what many feel has been the longest term ever! 

I have worked onsite throughout most of this latest lockdown and I cannot wait to have our students back. To replace the empty spaces with the energy and optimism of our youth and to begin the important work of re-engaging our students and supporting their return.

I have spent some time thinking about our College, our purpose and how we best serve you, as a community.  As a College, we have been planning some new and exciting changes to our school structure, with the aim of connecting our students to their teachers, peers and the wider community.  We will announce some of these changes early in term 4.

The ongoing work will continue to be how we harness the successes, failures and what we have learnt from Covid and remote learning and leverage these in future.

VCE students:

We applaud our senior students and the way they have continued to meet the challenges of 2020.

Our Year 12 students have completed a written practice English exam, which will provide great feedback in preparation for the final exam. Teachers are also preparing revision session remotely over the holidays, so we encourage students to access these.

The GAT will be held on Wednesday, October 7th. This exam is a very important part of the way VCAA moderates internal assessments and student exam performance in each study. I cannot stress enough that students need to give the GAT their best effort.

Next term:

With most major events on the calendar unable to go ahead because of physical distancing measures, we are still looking for ways to welcome students back, get students together and celebrate their effort and resilience throughout 2020. 

We will provide updates early next term.

I want to thank again the Level and Wellbeing Leaders for the ways in which they have kept students connected.  We have had MasterChef competitions, STEAM week opportunities, photo competitions, the (staff) Masked Singer competition, trivia competitions and others.  There are some Council holiday programs that have been advertised through the Teams page.

Congratulations:

I would like to announce the winners of the ‘Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards’ for 2020. This award is supported by the Australian Defence Force and is a recognition of students who have excelled in the areas of leadership and their contribution broadly in the College.

This year, Sandra Lompoliuw (Year 10) received her award for her work with the SRC Diversity group, her commitment to self-improvement and supporting others.   She was the Middle Years Diversity Captain in 2019. 

An SRC Leader and involved in activities with the diversity area both in an out of school. An exceptional student and supportive class member.

A passionate advocate for the wellbeing of her year level during the challenges of the pandemic through her open and honest communication with the level leader.

A hard working student who has achieved several academic endeavour awards for her efforts during Semester 1 across a range of subjects.

Chelsea Del Romano (Year 12), is the second recipient of this award.  She has worked extensively through her time at Viewbank with the Sustainability group and has been a great proponent for the initiatives the group has been working towards.  On receiving her award, her first thought was to donate some money back to support the installation of solar panels in the College - a true indication of her character and her passion.

As Sustainability Leader at the school during the 2020 pandemic, Chelsea has shown much initiative and drive.  She has been active in organising meetings with her fellow student leaders and teachers to plan and implement ways to engage students during remote learning. She has been active in implementing her strategies to reduce waste at the school, coming up with ideas to encourage teachers to use less paper and to promote the use of non-disposable masks.      

Well done to both Sandra and Chelsea!

Tuning in to Teens

Finally…

Have a relaxing break, away from screens. 

Visit the virtual library and read a great book – my first priority! 

We hope that Melbourne will move through the Steps for reopening quickly and that we can engage as a whole community soon on a more personal level.

Take care, stay safe.

The Principal Class Team

Sharon Grimes, Principal

John Munro, Assistant Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal

Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Darren Murray, Assistant Principal