by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Another year has very quickly come and gone. It is difficult to believe that this is the final newsletter for the 2018 school year. It has been a very busy year and December has been no exception. While the College is busy preparing for the 2019 school year, many programs and activities have continued to be prepared and delivered to students still at the College.

Learning Focus

The focus on student learning has been unwavering at this time of year with students undertaking end of year examinations and many students completing their Individual Learning Plans in preparation for the upcoming academic year. In addition to this, students from Years 9, 10 and 11 have completed at least one week of the Step Ahead program where they have officially transitioned into the next school year. It has definitely been a busy and exciting time for all.

The Class of 2018

Farewell to the class of 2018. Your contribution to the College community, whether it be in the academic, sporting, arts or performing arts fields, has been much appreciated. Whether you move on to employment, training or further studies, College staff and Council would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success for the future.

Orientation Day

On December 11, we welcomed the 2019 Year 7 cohort to the College. Students and some nervous parents gathered in the Performing Arts Centre. There they were formally welcomed before students were whisked away to meet teachers, familiarise themselves with the College grounds and, most importantly, begin to develop new lifelong relationships. Our new students were the first audience for the College Junior School Production. They were treated to an outstanding performance written by Mr Peter McKenzie and ably performed by Junior School students. Congratulations and thank you to all students and staff who contributed to the success of the day.

Awards Night

The College Night of Excellence was held on December 10. This evening is the pinnacle of the academic school year for students in Years 7 to 11. Awards are presented for academic distinction and merit to students who have worked well beyond their expected levels. This year we also presented awards to students who have shown a strong commitment to the College values and contributed to the wider school community. Congratulations to all award recipients, your commitment to personal excellence and outstanding achievements are a credit to you all. I encourage you all to continue to strive to be your best.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Principal’s Award for consistently demonstrating achievement above the expected standard in alignment with the College values of Excellence, Respect and Responsibility:

• Year 7: Laura Dangaard
• Year 8: Sarah Rice
• Year 9: Abbey Harrop
• Year 10: Imy Popa-Jeske
• Year 11: Rebecca Nel

Community Outreach Week

As a part of end of year activities for students, the College introduced Community Outreach Week this year. The aim of this week is to provide students with an opportunity to give back to their community at a time when it needs it most. Students selected from a range of activities including: Supporting residents of aged care facilities; Clean Up Australia posts; primary and pre-school programs; as well as environmental duties at the school itself. Teachers and students prepared collaboratively and undertook each project enthusiastically. Well done to all who participated and congratulations to Mrs Phillips for her vision and hard work.

Reports

Parents/Guardians can now access End of Semester Reports online. The aim of the report is to indicate to Parents/Guardians the progress your student has made over this semester. The report will give you an indication of how well your student is progressing, reference their achievements and indicate areas for future development. Please do not hesitate to contact the College if you are unable to access your child’s report.

Junior School Production

Meowy Mew 2 and the Werewolves’ Revenge

The Year 7 class of 2019 were entertained by the magic of Peter McKenzie, the encouragement of Melissa Meara and the acting talent of the students from the Junior School on Orientation Day. The play, written by Peter Mckenzie, was the second in a series of adventures where Meowy Mew, Thelma, Ted, Delphi and Scraggy solve the mystery of the werewolves. The cast did an amazing job and followed up with another sensational performance for parents, staff and friends later that evening. Congratulations and thanks must be extended to all involved.

Building Works $8,000,000 spend

The design of the new sustainability hub, sports stadium and town centre are well underway. It is anticipated that the Project will go to tender during Term 1, 2019 with works to begin in Term 2. Visual representations of the works will be made accessible to the College community as soon as they are available.

First School Day 2019

The first day of school for students in 2019 is Wednesday, 30 January.

NOTE: VCAL students will begin formal classes on Thursday, 31 January. They will be formally welcomed to the school year by the Leadership Team on that day.

I would like to take this time to wish you all a very safe and restful holiday period. I hope that you take the opportunity to spend time with family and friends and look forward to working with you during the 2019 school year.