From the Principal Class

Term Two at Viewbank College has again proven to be one of our busiest. Students and staff have been involved in an array of activities (camps, exams, NAPLAN, conferences, production – just to name a few!). Involvement in these activities helps to support and enhance a positive climate for learning both in and out of the classroom.  I would like to acknowledge the work of our staff in ensuring our programs run smoothly and provide learning opportunities for all students. 

The tutor program and support for targeted students in all year levels has been a highlight of the past two terms. These teaching professionals have worked with students individually and in support of the learning program to assist students in their learning growth. The impact of COVID has been felt community wide and the support of these teachers have been vital to help with bridge some gaps in learning for our young people. 

We thank this team for their work and wish them all the best for future endeavours.

Thank-you to:

Lily Fagioli 

Jane Archer

Sue Ann Barber

Karen Le Lievre

Di Allan

Emily Notley

Dion Coulson

David Reid

Thank-you to the following staff who have filled short term contacts this semester. Their ability to step in and skillfully run with the teaching and learning program has been impressive. Again, we wish them all the best for the future and thank them for their hard work.

Thank-you to:

Veronica Unkles – Food Technology

Nicholas Kelly – English

Zoe Bai – English/Humanities

Gunjan Gosain Oberoi - English

There are also a number of staff members taking leave and new appointments for the beginning of Semester Two. This does mean there will be some changes to the timetable for students. Updates will be able in Compass in the last week of the holidays. 

Ruth Perkins – will be moving to work with team introducing the VCE/VCAL/VET senior certificate at VCAA. Ruth has been a member of staff since 2010 working in the Technology and Health Domains.

As a Leading Teacher, Ruth proved to be an invaluable member of the leadership team demonstrating her passion for student pathways and personal development. She re-energised this area of the College. We will miss her, but we know that she will add tremendous value to her new team at VCAA. Thanks to Ruth also, for her contribution to College Council over the past few years. 

Amanda Watson – is taking leave for the remainder of this year. Amanda has contributed immensely to the College as a Level Leader (Year 7) and also as the Director of Teaching and Learning. Her work and passion for the performing arts at Viewbank College has also not gone unnoticed! We wish Amanda all the best with her move to Adelaide to be closer to family and start a new chapter in her life.

Darren Murray – will be on leave for Term 3 and he is taking some well-earned long service leave next term after stepping into the Acting Assistant Principal role for start of this year. We want to thank him again for stepping in and supporting the Principal class team with such commitment, reliability, and wisdom.

Spencer Nelson – is taking up a position as a music teacher at St Helena. Spencer has worked closely with the Jazz and Funk Bands at the College over the past 4 years. We wish him all the best stepping into his new position teaching instrumental music.

Kris Tsorlinis – will be retiring after 36 years of service to public education. Kris starting as a teacher assistant at Watsonia Tech before attaining a teaching position at Greensborough College in 1991. After 14 years at Greensborough, Kris arrived at Viewbank College and has remained until now. Kris has worked predominantly as a member of our Humanities domain and particularly enjoyed teaching in the junior years. She has spent semester 1 on long service leave, considering her teaching future and came to the decision that retirement suits her very well! We will celebrate Kris’ service as a community next term.

The senior leadership team have been working diligently to put into action the Viewbank Market Day to be held at the school grounds on the 7th of August. We look forward to this community celebration and hope to see many people supporting the student led initiative to raises funds and awareness for the organization Minus18. 

Production rehearsals have been well underway (with a small hiatus during lockdown). The passionate and dedicated cast and crew have been diligently working hard but having fun in the process. During the second week of the holiday’s students will be spending their days at school to fine tune what is tipped to be another magnificent performance from our performing arts and music students. The production “Chicago” will run from the 28th to the 31st of July.

Student safety is of paramount importance to us at the College. There have been a number of ‘close calls’ and incidents in recent times involving students unsafely exiting the College. Students need to be actively paying attention and using the appropriate crossings to exit the school. Parents should not be parked illegally in no standing zones as this can lead to unsafe congestion. In order to keep everyone safe we ask that our whole school community think carefully about moving home at the end of the day.

We know lockdown 4.0 took its toll on staff and students alike. The holidays come at a good time for both to reset and come back fresh for the start of Term 3. Middle School students will have the opportunity to experience new subjects in the elective and art/technology domains. VCE students can expect another busy term with the culmination of years of hard work coming together as the move through their final areas of study. Although meant to be relaxing, sometimes holidays can be a difficult time for families. Below are details for some health services who may be able to assist during this time. 

On behalf of the Principal team, I wish our students and staff a relaxed mid year break. Thank-you for all of your work and enthusiasm in what has been a long semester. We look forward to welcoming everyone back safe and happy for Term 3 on the 12th of July. 

Viewbank College House Scarves 

Help keep warm this winter 🥶🥶 by getting one of the new Scarves that have the updated house logos! Now available with our uniform suppliers! 

Check out these photos to see what they look like on...

Viewbank beanie’s are also now available!

Principal Class Team 

Sharon Grimes, Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal

Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Darren Murray, Acting Assistant Principal