From the Principal
Dear Parents,
It’s timely for me to inform you further about our school’s current and ongoing key focus – to provide a safe and engaging learning environment for your children.
As a result, we’ve been spending the last term or so implementing a new approach to culture, conduct and classroom management that better responds to the learning and social needs of today’s teenagers. They grow in a world that’s very different to the world we grew up in … and we need to adapt to the way that it’s growing them.
This doesn’t mean:
- we’re lowering our expectations. In fact, this newsletter will inform you of some of the ways we’re raising them.
- That we’ll solve everything instantly. It’s going to take the whole staff some time to change the ways we teach, but we’re already having some staff report some really positive results.
- That we won’t have mistakes made. Students are still going to make mistakes – and sometimes they’ll be big ones.
What it does mean is that we have a plan for how we’ll be consistently dealing with them. If you’d like to know more about that plan, please contact me.
To get started, there are three ways we’re raising the bar at Mornington Secondary College:
Raising the bar on Student Conduct and Classroom Management
We’ve realised that the first change when encouraging better student conduct standards needs to be made by the staff. So, you might notice your children reporting that we’re teaching differently, speaking differently and solving problems differently. We’re using what’s called a restorative response and I’ll be informing you further about that in time.
I would like to refer you to the ‘Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy’ found on our website. This is a Department of Education policy. In this policy, it states,
‘On occasion it may be necessary for College staff to photograph, film or record students when necessary to:
- fulfil legal obligations, including to:
- take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of reasonably foreseeable harm to students staff and visitors (duty of care)
- provide a safe and suitable workplace (occupational health and safety law)
- for identification purposes, when necessary to implement discipline and/or behaviour management policies.
Mornington Secondary College does not require consent from parents/carers or students to photograph, film or record students for these reasons. However, when Mornington Secondary College photographs, films or records a student for any of these purposes, staff will only collect and use such images in a way that is reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances’.
This means, when speaking with students, it is important to address them with respect and by name. If a student refuses to provide a name or walks off on a teacher, the teacher has permission to take a photo to gain their identity.
Raising the bar on Mobile Phones
In line with the Ministerial policy formally issued by the Minister for Education, all Victorian students are not permitted to use mobile phones at school. We will be enforcing that expectation in the most supportive way we can. All students will be expected to place their mobile phone and ear pods in a locked locker every day, where it stays until the end of the day. If any student is found using their mobile phone and/or ear pods they will be confiscated. Students are not allowed to listen to music using ear pods.
The only head phones to be used are wired when students access Edrolo.
The mobile phone will be placed in a plastic bag with their name and will be stored at the General Office. Students may collect their phones at the end of the day by showing their ID.
It's a stand we need to take in order to have all students feeling safe and ready to learn. As a result, students and families should know that suspension will result if there is refusal to meet this expectation. I strongly suggest a chat with your child about this.
Raising the bar on Communicating With Parents
We’ve also realised that working with parents to raise standards is important and that we can do this better. You may notice an increase in notifications to parents about problematic behaviours like lateness to class, not having equipment, leaving the room (an example of this is even when students constantly ask to go to the toilet and then take far too long to return), inappropriate language, out of uniform, plagiarism and instruction refusal. Your support in speaking with your child if you receive these notifications is genuinely appreciated. Hopefully, you don’t get any!
You may also notice that we’re communicating more with you about our work both through newsletters and on social media too. We hope you’ll appreciate having a better understanding of why we lead the school the way we do.
What’s this all about … really? It’s about acknowledging that we honestly can’t achieve that safe and engaging learning environment without:
- Being genuinely firm about our standards, while also being as fair as we can in supporting the meeting of them. I’ll bet that the best teacher you ever had at school was both firm and fair. That’s our aim.
- Involving you in the process.
We’re really looking forward to a new era of collaboration at MSC. There’s plenty more information to come.
Warm regards,
Linda Stanton
Principal
Important Dates
MAY
24/05/23 - 26/05/23 | Year 7 Camp - The Summit
29/05/23 | Year 10 Vaccination
JUNE
01/06/23 - 8/06/23 | Exams and PAT testing
08/06/23 | Year 12 Fancy Dress
09/06/23 | Staff assessment and reporting - Student free day
12/06/23 | Kings Birthday Public Holiday - Student free day
15/06/23 | GAT day
20/06/23 | Course Information Evening
23/06/23 | Last day of Term 2 - School ends at 2.30pm
JULY
10/07/23 | First day of Term 3
Note: As you will be aware the 9th of June is a student free day to allow staff to complete assessments and write reports. The front office will also be closed on this day as we are performing a network upgrade which will disable phones and the internet for the day.
Middle School
Dear Parents and Guardians
Again, can I thank you for talking to your child about be prepared and ready for class which means that for all classes (unless advised otherwise) students take with them:
- Exercise workbook
- Pens/pencil
- Laptop
- Textbook
Students arriving to class on time and with the correct equipment allows the teacher to commence teaching the class immediately. We want your child to have the best education possible. Interruptions and disruptions to class time because students have left items in their locker delays the learning of the class. Being organised and prepared is certainly a precondition to learning at school.
The Year 7 students are at camp and Ms Reeman has been in contact saying that the students had a great first day. They return Friday and like any camp, they will be tired. But it won’t be long before they feel energetic again as Year 7 have sport next week.
I have just returned from visiting “The Cottage” to see the Hands-on Learning students in action. I am really impressed and excited about their vegetable and herb gardens which are progressing nicely. I was watching the students’ digging holes for new fencing near the vegetable gardens and then I went into the kitchen and students were organising their lunch menu. Outside Jade was painting the beams and others were preparing soil. Mr Pirrie was holding the drill and starting to work on the fence. It was great to see such positive interactions.
Next week, Year 8 students sit their PAT testing which focuses on Literacy and Numeracy. We can use this data as a reference point for the student development in these areas. By using this data, teachers have a better understanding of the starting point for each child and can personalise the learning.
In this newsletter, Ms Rattue will be informing you about the recent Year 8 students versus teacher’s basketball match. You will soon find out which team was the overall winner!
Nicole Boland a member of our Wellbeing team has been working with around 24 girls in Year 8 in a program called the “Warrior in Me.” It has a focus on resilience and the girls engage in learning about being brave and making good choices. The girls also engage in some physical activities such as boxing. Julia from Year 8 says that “we get to learn new things and we learn how to defend ourselves physically and mentally. We also get to share problems with each other and work together to resolve any issues. I really like the program.”
Yesterday after Year 8 assembly, the students then had a little bit of time to write teacher appreciation notes. This is a lovely idea and links to the college values of respect, achievement and community.
Year 9 students had an assembly yesterday afternoon. The assembly was all about course selection and the process. This is a really important time for Year 9 students as they consider subject choices and link it to their career action plan.
Wishing you a great week.
Denise Leggett
Middle School Assistant Principal
Senior School
To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,
We’ve reached the halfway mark of the term and during the week, the last group of senior school students had an assembly with me where we reflected on our successes, our areas for improvement and the basic expectations of Senior School students at Mornington SC.
In short, we want every student to be the very best version of themselves. There are some non-negotiables that come with this. They are:
- Attendance - the bedrock for successful outcomes. Years of analysing VCE data outcomes has shown a direct correlation between being in class and success. It’s obvious but it is true.
- Pride in personal appearance and the uniform is something that helps students get in a ready-to-learn state of mind.
- Bring learning materials to every class (charged laptop, pens, books).
- Being a positive participant. The less time that is spent on classroom management by teachers, the deeper & richer the teaching and learning can be.
- Seeking assistance regularly. Almost all successful VCE students make mistakes and have gaps. They just make them earlier (before assessment tasks) and address them by seeking assistance (either in class, after class or by email/Teams).
To that end, you may note some changes in the coming weeks in terms of the communication from the College to you. We want to build effective 3-way partnerships between students, teachers, and families. You will be alerted when students are not meeting the basic expectations (see the principal’s report for more detail) and there will be increased accountability. We make no apologies for having high expectations for senior students. I look forward to you being more informed about what is happening in the school lives of your child/young adult and thank you in advance for the work you will do supporting them in meeting our expectations.
Highlights/upcoming events for each year level in the last week:
Year 10
Year 10 students are about to embark on their first exam period. Ultimately, it is important that students try their best during this time and learn the expectations of the Exam Hall so they can feel prepared and ready for what they can expect going forward in a VCE-ATAR Pathway. More information will be provided to the students by their classroom teachers in specific relation to their subject's exam and the focus will be on revision in the lessons leading up to the first exams on June 1st.
We wish all our students the best in this endeavour and if they have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the Year 10 team.
Year 11
Our Year 11 ATAR students have been busy with completing their SACs. Subject study sessions are being run during our Wednesday Connect class. University Information Sessions are being held every Monday at lunch time to address any queries. Exam preparation tips and strategies are being presented to students to prepare them for their mid-year exams in week 6. Our VM students are continuing with their school-based subjects, TAFE and work experience. The ARCLow and ARC Legend awards are running well with students nominating students who show our school values of Achievement, Respect and Community.
Year 12
The General Achievement Test (GAT) will be taking place on June 15 for all students enrolled in a Unit 3/4 VCE subject. The GAT has been split into two sections, Section A is a Literacy and Numeracy general knowledge exam and Section B is a broader general knowledge exam.
All required students need to attend to complete the GAT.
GAT DATE: Thursday June 15.
GAT Section A – Literacy (Writing and Reading) and Numeracy
Location: Mornington Secondary College Learning Centre and Robert Herbert Gym
Required attendees: All VCE ATAR unit 3/4 students and Year 12 Vocational Major students.
9.00am–9.15am Reading time
9.15am-11.15am Writing time
GAT Section B – General Knowledge and skills
Location: Mornington Secondary College Robert Herbert Gym
Required attendees: All VCE ATAR unit 3/4 students
1.15pm–1.30pm Reading time
1.30pm–3.00pm Writing time
The GAT provides students with useful information to add to their applications for jobs and study options, whilst also being used by VCAA to assist with moderation of results and in the case of emergency absences from exams, provide a derived examination result. It is very important that students do their best in the GAT, this will be their data that they take with them.
A sausage sizzle will be provided on the day between the two exams.
2023 VCAA GAT student brochure
In other news, the 2023 VCAA end of year exam timetable has been released for students. Please follow this link to see when they have been scheduled. This information will help all students studying unit 3&4 classes this year.
Nick Evans
Senior School Assistant Principal
Progress Reports
This week all students are being asked to complete a self-reflection on how they are approaching their studies in each subject. Within the activity we have asked students to write why they have marked themselves at a certain level so they can then use this information to create a goal for the next five weeks for each subject. We believe that students working in this way helps them to take greater ownership of their learning and helps them to see how they might improve. Teachers are also in the process of completing progress reports for students.
Can we ask that parents please discuss how the students have rated themselves on their progress checks and the goals they have set for each subject.
The criteria are:
Prepared and on time
• Arrives on time to lessons.
• Brings the required equipment. Positive participant in class
Participates positively in class activities.
• Follows classroom behaviour expectations.
• Is respectful to all.
Works to improve
• Takes on challenging work.
• Acts on feedback.
• Puts in effort.
Completes and submits tasks on time
• Classwork, home learning and performance tasks are up to date.
• Work submitted on time.
Kind regards,
Mike Parker
Assistant Principal
Staff profiles
Jake Uhlenberg
My name is Jake Uhlenberg and I have been working as a Secondary School teacher for over 5 years now.
I began at Mornington Secondary College this year as a Leading Teacher in charge of the Year 10 cohort of students while also primarily teaching English.
I enjoy that my job here allows me to interact with so many incredible students which I hope to support in any way I can to help them achieve success.
I wanted to be a teacher as I finished my own time in high school and so have dedicated myself to emulating the great teachers I was exposed to in my time as a student.
I love film and cinema, however my role as an English teacher has caused me to ruin a lot of films for myself by overanalysing the themes and ideas.
I hope to work with as many members of the MSC community to support the students towards their ideal pathways and goals.
Jennifer Rolls
My name is Jennifer Rolls and I have been teaching Secondary School since 2005. I spent 14 years teaching in West Gippsland before returning to the Peninsula to spend more time with family. I worked as a Casual Relief Teacher at Mornington Secondary College for a period before taking on a one-year teaching position in the Art department in 2022, followed by this year in the Year 10 Coordination Team.
My teaching methods include Drama, Media, Photography and Art and I have previously taught VCAL Work Related Skills. This year I am teaching VCE Vocational Major Personal Development and VCE ATAR Media. I look forward to the rest of this year with the Year 10 cohort, working to support them in seeing the year out successfully and enjoying themselves along the way.
Parent Financial Contributions
We would like to remind parents that the College still relies on voluntary financial contributions from parents so we can offer your child the best possible education and support.
Your contributions make a huge difference to our school and the programs we can offer your child.
This year we have collected $2277 in donations to fund our first aid area. All donated funds are used to equip the area with first aid consumables and equipment.
A huge thank you to all parents that have donated to this fund.
Student Mobile Phones and Ear Pod Ban.
Student mobile phones are banned during school hours. This is a Ministerial Order issued by the Minister of Education under section 5.2.1(2)(b) of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic).
The definition of a, “mobile phone” refers to mobile phones and any device that may connect to or have a similar functionality to a mobile phone such as smart watches. This also includes communication peripherals such as headphones and ear pods.
The consequences for mobile phone use will be: (in class/in yard)
- Student found using mobile phone or ear pods will be asked to hand the phone or ear pods into the General Office until the end of the day.
- Students will be given a card with a number on it. At the end of the school day, students will hand the card along with their student ID card to the General Office and they will receive their phone and or ear pods.
- If a classroom teacher confiscates a mobile phone or ear pods during class, the mobile phone or ear pods will be placed in a plastic bag with their name and will be stored at the General Office. Students may collect their mobile phone or ear pods at the end of the day by showing their school ID.
- Year Level Coordinators will keep a record of students sent to the office to follow up. Parents may be requested to collect the phone if there are multiple breaches.
- Mobile phones are not to be used at the Canteen
If a student refuses to take the phone or ear pods to the general office, an external suspension will apply.
The student mobile phone ban will begin when the locker bell sounds each morning and conclude at the end of the school day, 3.10 pm.
All students have been issued with a combination lock for their locker so mobile phones can be stored securely.
Please see below links to our Mobile Phone Policy available on the school website.
VAPING
In the last two weeks the Year 7 cohort have had a vaping incursion undertaken in their Year 7 Health class.
The incursion covers the following;
- What is in a vape?
- Nicotine and addiction
- Health risks of vaping (both short/long term)
- Advertising of vapes - how they target young people
- Laws in relation to vaping
- Skills in how to say no to being offered a vape
- Where to get help and or more information
As part of their drugs and alcohol unit in Health later this term, the Year 8 students will also be educated in vaping.
As a school, Mornington Secondary College, has a total ban on vapes and vaping. Students caught with a vape will be reprimanded according to school rules. You can read the Education Departments Smoking and Vaping Ban at the link below. https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/smoking-vaping-ban/policy
Indoor Court Hire
Indoor courts available for hire.
If you are interested please enquire for availability Phone: 5970 0203
or Email: hirers@mornsc.vic.edu.au
Year 8
A Year 8 students vs Year 8 staff basketball game was held with the staff winning 25-16.
The game was a lot of fun with students and staff giving it all with lots of laughs and good natured tussles for rebounds.
This event was organised and run by our Year 8 Connect Captains.
Year 11
On Monday and Tuesday of this week the Year 11 Environmental Science students conducted independent investigations to determine the health of Tanti creek. Students collected data on litter; vegetation diversity and the invasion of weed species; water quality using chemical indicators to determine dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, acidity and alkalinity; and water quality using water bugs as biological indicators.
Students will analyse the combined data to determine the overall health and ecological integrity of the creek and present it in a scientific report.
Kylie Wiersma
Environmental Science
Year 12
Year 12 Business Management students got their hands dirty making chocolate truffle balls last week. The students are studying Operations Management and used their prac lesson to see how the three elements of the operating system work in practice. They then applied the concepts of CSR, materials management, quality management and technological developments to their product to propose ways a business could become more efficient and effective. The activity is a great way for our Year 12's to see how the concepts they've learnt in class can be applied in real life practice.
Kim Rattue
Business Management
Wellbeing
Positive Quotes for the week
To all involved in the "Digital Technology'' program at Mornington Library for older people, it is a fantastic initiative for both the elderly and students alike.
Many of us elderly people live alone and life becomes an organised routine, but its not all about computers. It's like having friends and the students are really engaged, patient and polite....Thanks Again......David.
I was at your school doing some kitchen maintenance work today and on my way out noticed the Walk of Remembrance you have at the front of your school. I am a veteran of the Navy and was so overcome I pulled over and walked along reading the names of local fallen servicemen. Well done to your Principal and school for creating the Walk of Remembrance and showing respect to service men and women. Tom McClarity
WHY WE LOVE TEACHERS
To a teacher who can compare?
All the time and all the care
They have lessons to teach
Always new goals to reach
They teach through the day
And plan through the night
They work so hard to get it just right
Teachers have but one regret
The students they just cannot forget
But there is always one or two
Who remind them why they do what they do
They challenge and they motivate us
They inspire us on to fulfill greatness
Short or tall
Young or old
Teachers are worth their weight in gold
By Jon Gibson
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