by Isabella Phillips, , Acting Principal

Welcome to Term 3. I hope that you all had a restful break and are ready for a busy term.

Learning Focus

Teachers have been focussing on Writing Across the Curriculum and Student Voice and Agency. Professional Learning time this term has been allocated for teacher collaboration to continue developing curriculum unit plans and Common Assessments. This term our teachers will again participate in the Lilydale Network Shared Practice professional development, sharing best practice with other schools, including our feeder primary schools, on Assessment and Student Voice. At the end of last term, Semester Reports were posted on Compass. Continuous reporting is an opportunity for students and parents to receive ongoing feedback on students’ progress.

All students are now completing reflections on their reports, exams in their SELF classes and refining their Career Action Plans.

Voice of 8

Last week students in Year 8 participated in the Voice of 8 Program, which has been designed by students and facilitated by teachers. This program enhances student voice and agency, with students choosing which areas they want to focus on and designing projects based on these. Projects included Drama, Creative Writing, Film Making, Music, Steam (Science Technology Arts, Maths and Sport) and Gardening and Building. The positive engagement throughout the day is a reflection of the excellent planning by both teachers and students. This program will continue throughout Semester 2 and student forums will provide feedback and opportunities for future planning.

Music Camp

From Monday 15th July to Wednesday 17TH July, students involved in the Music Program attended the Music Camp at the Oasis Centre in Mt Evelyn. Students participated in workshops and rehearsals and were treated to performances by special guests.

Feedback from the students is that it was an enjoyable and productive camp where students developed their performance skills. Thank you to our dedicated staff led by Mr Ferre for their work to ensure that the camp was an enjoyable experience.

Year 10 Formal

The Year 10 Formal was held at The RACV Club on Friday 19th July. The theme was “Winter Wonderland.” Thank you and well done to the Formal Committee for its hard work and planning under the guidance of Ms Kinder and Ms Gaudion, who ensured that a wonderful night was had by all. The students looked amazing and the Formal Committee did an exceptional job in decorating the room.

Industry Tours

Year 10 students who are interested in finding out more about industry are currently involved in industry tours, where they visit various TAFE colleges to gain an understanding of the offerings available.

Careers Information Night for Middle and Senior School 2020

The Middle School and Senior School Information Night will be held on Thursday August 1st for current Year 8, 9 and 10 students. All students and their families are invited to attend. There will be formal presentations in the Performing Arts Centre, followed by an expo where students can gain more information about subject offerings and pathways.

Course counselling sessions will be held in the following week for students, accompanied by their parents.

Course Selections are due on the 16th August.

We look forward to seeing you on the night as we continue your student’s education journey together.

Student Success

Congratulations to Michael Stephens in Year 10 who won first prize at the Bravado Film Festival for his film on youth and alcohol. Michael beat a strong field to claim first prize. He has a passion for media and has a bright future in this field.

Farewell Ms Gaudion

I take this opportunity to farewell Ms Michelle Gaudion who is going on Family Leave.

Ms Gaudion has been an inspirational leader for both students and staff at Middle School. Her passion for supporting young people is always impressive. We wish Ms Gaudion and her family well at this exciting time.

We welcome Ms Emma Steeper as Middle School Learning Leader for Semester 2. Ms Steeper has settled in very well to this role.

We look forward to a great term.