From the Principal Class

Four weeks into Term 1 and we continue to see and feel real positivity from our students towards attendance and learning.

We had an amazing day at the whole school swimming carnival this week! 

Our student attendance was up on previous years and students participated in swimming events, diving, water polo and bocce competitions. 

House spirit and pride was definitely on show. 

Congratulations to Terra for taking out overall House points.

Other activities and events are also in full swing. 

Our clubs are up and running and students are really enjoying the variety of clubs to get involved in. 

Interschool sports and round robin tournaments are underway.

We held a very successful Year 12 families breakfast and a Year 7 Parent Welcome Evening. 

No matter where your student is in their secondary journey, it is wonderful to connect with parents and consolidate the important partnership.

Congratulations Lisa White

A huge congratulations to Lisa White (who left us at the end of last year) for receiving a DATTA Victoria Teacher of the Year Award (The Secondary Educator of the Year Award). 

Lisa and Veena Nair were responsible for implementing a new Year 7 Art Design Program in 2022.  Lisa was recognised for this innovative work.

Each year, DATTA Vic celebrates the hard-working, committed and creative Design and Technologies teachers who work in schools throughout Victoria.

Lisa is always ready to adapt and innovate. She took the arts program to a new high at VBC by embedding technologies in her work. For one project for Yr 11 students, she partnered with Dr Onisha Patel, a leading medical researcher and artist to bring the International protein database project to Australia. This led to the first ever Australian entry into the European Protein Database Competition, with two of the student projects being published in their prestigious calendar and a place in the virtual exhibition. Lisa co-developed the Yr 7 Art/Tech program where students use art and technology skills in a project-based learning program with a focus on sustainable development goals.

A huge congratulations to Rachael Bor for coming runner up.

A big pat on the back to the whole team!! It is great to see our teachers & students getting recognition for their innovation and work.

College Council elections:

Please note that parents will be asked to vote for two new parent members on College Council. 

A link will be posted to parents/carers on Compass on Monday 27th February. 

These parents have an important role in providing oversight of the finances of the College, as well as reviewing and approving Department and local policies, our educational performance and the general operation of camps and excursions. 

Most importantly they represent the wider community. 

Please take the time to read their short statements in support of their nomination and vote!

Voting will close at 2pm Friday 3rd March, 2023.

Attendance:

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”.

Attendance at school and participation in learning is the most powerful indicator or success at school and future success. This generation of students will need to be agile, need to adapt to changing work opportunities and will be facing more global challenges.

Launch is a subject that directly addresses these things – that is aiming to build the competencies our students will need to face an uncertain economic and technological future, environmental  and political challenges and be the entrepreneurs of the future who are capable of meeting these challenges.

Please do not excuse your child from Launch. 

These are important competencies that we are building to set your student up for the future.

Please speak with your child about things such as lateness (starting to creep in) and getting to classes on time during the day. 

We are chasing students up, but lateness not only means the student is missing learning time, but they are disrupting the flow of the lesson and the learning of others.

Please speak with your students’ House Leader or Head of House if you have any concerns or need any support.

Department of Education - International Student Program promotional video

We were thrilled to have DET film their International Student Program promotional video at the College featuring our ex International Student, Bill Yuan (Yr 12 - 2022).

Keep a look out soon for another one which will be filmed at Viewbank College next week! 

Chief Exam supervisor

We are currently seeking a VCE Examination Chief Supervisor.

This position supports the administration of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) General Achievement Test (GAT) in June 2023 and over an approximate four week period in October and November 2023, ensuring the fair and consistent conduct of examinations in an environment that enables students to perform at their best.

Successful applicants will need to have strong organisational and time management skills, high level of attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The positions are remunerated according to the prescribed VCAA Exam Supervision arrangements and are engaged for approximately four weeks of work with varying hours in that timeframe according to the examination timetable (Hours are generally 8am to 530pm).

Pursuant to VCAA requirements, the Chief Supervisor cannot be:

• Closely related to or associated with any students undertaking a VCE Unit 3 and 4 study in 2023
• Teaching or tutoring any student in a VCE Unit 3 and 4 study in 2023
• Closely related to or associated with any person engaged in teaching, tutoring or coaching any students undertaking a VCE Units 3 and 4 study in 2023, or any school personnel engaged in organising or checking external VCE assessment materials on behalf of a school in 2023
• Currently or recently employed by Viewbank College in any teaching (including CRT) or administrative capacity.

Special Requirements:

• The successful applicant will hold valid Working with Children Check or Victorian Institute of Teaching registration.
• Training will need to be conducted and organised for at least one afternoon this term.

The VCE General Achievement Test (GAT) takes place on a single day in June and the exam period covers approximately four weeks in October/November. Supervisors need to be available for administrative tasks and supervision during these times. The Chief Supervisor must also be available to prepare materials for courier collection during these times which is collected from their place of residence.

Please submit your expression of interest by 5pm, Friday 3rd March including a CV with at least 2 referees to anna.crosswhite@education.vic.gov.au

Parent Payment Policy

Please find attached the College’s Parent Payments Policy.  

Please do not hesitate to contact the College if you require further clarification.

Sharon Grimes, Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal

Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Anna Crosswhite, Assistant Principal

Penelope Cleghorn, Assistant Principal