by Rosina Fotia, Principal
Learning Focus
Although we are almost half way through this term, the focus has definitely been on learning in the classroom. Teachers continue to meet regularly to develop and refine classwork to ensure that every child can access the curriculum at their level. The culmination of all this is NAPLAN. NAPLAN testing has now been completed and the testing period is closed. The College uses the NAPLAN data to determine where student growth has occurred and to identify concept and skill areas that need to be further addressed or incorporated into our curriculum design. NAPLAN results will be forwarded to parents later in Term 3.
Another important learning tool has been the Work Experience Program. This year over 90% of Year 10 students have successfully secured a place a Work Experience placement. This opportunity provides young people with another “taste” of life outside school in the hope that it assists with their future planning. Students worked in a wide variety of settings and each appreciated that their experience was a crucial component of their career planning journey.
Visit from Minister of Education and Murrindindi
Friday April 30 saw the official opening of Stage 1 Building Works. James Merlino, the Acting Premier and Minister for Education and Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Melbourne attended, along with approximately 40 representatives from DET and surrounding schools. Murrindindi graced us with his presence and opened proceedings with a smoking ceremony. DET took the opportunity to launch its Indigenous Strategy at this event.
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Misty Adoniou PD
Thursday May 20 was an organized PD day for faculty leaders and Mr Denny, Head of Curriculum. Eight staff from the College worked with Misty Adoniou. Misty is an educator with many years of experience teaching undergraduate and post-graduate teacher education courses in Language and Literacy. She is working to develop the capacity of leaders and through them all teachers, to hone skills in the teaching of writing. This focus directly aligns with the College Literacy Improvement Plan with particular focus on Writing and Writing across the Curriculum.
Curriculum Day
Friday May 28 was the scheduled curriculum day for this term. This day allowed teachers to plan for the upcoming examination period. Staff also undertook structured Professional Learning focussed on incorporating Sustainability into curriculum documentation, preparing for moderation of assessment tasks and completed training to improve our capacity to support students with special needs.
Athletic Sports Carnival
Spectacular weather greeted staff and students as they arrived at Proclamation Park on Wednesday May 24 for the annual Athletics Carnival. Student participation rates were at their highest level in many years and staff were kept on their toes in the staff/student competition. Congratulations to all students who participated and to the organising team led by Mrs Sonya Tamos and the P.E. Faculty.
Well done to Yarra house for their outstanding win and to all students who attended and contributed to a wonderfully successful day!
It’s NOT OK to be AWAY
Encouraging regular school attendance is one of the most powerful ways you can prepare your child for success—both in school and in life. When you make school attendance a priority, you help your child get better learning outcomes, develop healthy life habits, avoid dangerous behavior and have a better chance of graduating from high school and transitioning to further study, traineeships or full time employment.
When students are absent for fewer days, their results and reading skills often improve—even among those students who are struggling in school. Students who attend school regularly also feel more connected to their community, develop important social skills and friendships.
If you are having difficulty getting your child to school and would like some support, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant sub-school Learning Leader on 9735 1133.
