by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Learning Focus

Staff Professional Learning with a focus on Literacy continues this term. Staff have completed sessions on Independent Reading, Writing to Learn (WTL) strategies and Substantive Talk (ST) strategies for use in the classroom. The next phase will be a focus on Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC). This priority will provide consistency for students with regards how to complete writing tasks in specific subject areas.

REMINDER: REPORTING ON STUDENT LEARNING IN 2019

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve communication and feedback on student learning to both students and parents, Lilydale Heights College is making some changes to the way teachers will report on students’ learning progress in 2019. These changes are informed by a review we conducted in 2018 that included consultation with parents as well as research into best practice in Victorian secondary schools.

In 2019 teachers will report on students’ learning progress in the following ways:

• Progress Reports (now published in the middle of each term)
• Parent-student-teacher conferences (at the end of Term 1 and 3)
• Feedback on 2-3 Common Assessment Tasks (CATs) in each Year 7-10 subject each semester
• Feedback on School Assessed Coursework Tasks (SACs) in each VCE subject

End-of-semester reports

To summarise changes we have made in comparison to previous years:

• Progress Reports will now be published each term rather than just Terms 1 and 3. They have been moved forward in the term to allow any issues they raise to be addressed more promptly. The reporting criteria on Progress Reports has been changed (see below).
• Teachers will report on 2-3 CATs/SACs completed by students each semester including written comments on students’ achievements and areas for improvement or future progress. Teacher feedback will be visible to parents and students through the Learning Task function on Compass.

End-of-semester reports will no longer contain written comments. They will now include the same criteria used in Progress Reports and a summary of student performance on their CATs/SACs. They will continue to include attendance data, Victorian Curriculum Levels (Years 7-10), Unit Results (VCE), Outcome Results (VCAL), and Exam results (Years 9-11)

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent-Teacher Interviews provide an important opportunity for you and your child to discuss his/her progress and to build communication between parents and the College. Bookings for parent/teacher student Interviews are now open and can be now made through the COMPASS Portal. Interviews will operate on Thursday April 4th from 4pm – 8pm and then on Friday April 5th from 10am – 1pm. Interviews will be for 10 minutes duration. Bookings will close Wednesday April 3rd at 10pm.

Please note that no regular classes will be held on Friday April 5th. It is expected that students accompany their parents to the interviews and participate in the discussion of their progress and areas for improvement.

Grants

The College has been successful in gaining grants aimed at improving student access to resources and programs.

Bendigo Bank of Mooroolbark has provided $1,500 towards supporting the Duke of Edinburgh program.

Rotary Club of Lilydale has contributed $2,000 towards supporting families who need additional assistance with learning resources for their children.

The College thanks these sponsors for their support and formally acknowledges and appreciates their significant contribution to the College.

Ota Daiichi

Our sister school visitors arrived on March 15. They completed a tour of the school before joining their homestay students and buddies. Penne Evans has organised a range of activities for the students and teachers. This has included a visit to the Mayor of Yarra Ranges, teaching language at a local primary school and a special dinner for teachers from Ota Daiichi in the beautiful Yarra Valley.

Interact and Harmony Day

The College officially launched its Interact Club at a whole school assembly this week. Interact is similar to Rotary and is supported by the local Rotary Club. The students work to model Rotary Values through practical efforts. This includes supporting, raising awareness and funding raising on a local, national and international level. From now on, the SRC will be known as the SIRC. The first activity planned by SIRC was Harmony Day held on March 21. Harmony Day celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of Australia and promotes a tolerant and culturally diverse society. A wonderful day was had by all and the community, along with members of the Rotary Club of Lilydale, shared in school wide celebrations.

Year 7 Camp

Year 7 transition camp to Phillip Island is now complete. The Peer Support students joined the camp on March 14. Over 120 students attended. The camp was supported by teaching and ES staff and is a key part of transition activities for new students and teachers.