With the Term 3 break almost upon us I take this opportunity to acknowledge the terrific work of our staff and students to this point in the year.
NAPLAN & ATOSS Data
The college receives significant data from multiple sources throughout the year but during Term 3 data that is focussed on our AIP and Strategic Plan becomes readily available.
I am pleased to report that the literacy and numeracy data from NAPLAN is very strong and has shown continued growth. Our comprehensive school wide reading program, complemented by our tutoring support and accelerated programs is providing our students with the opportunities they need. This, coupled with our literacy and numeracy programs at Year 7 and 8, in addition to the scaffolded numeracy program and enrichment opportunities such as RAMP, REAP and STEP ensure we are providing cohort level targeted strategies.
The roll out of the Disability Inclusion reform has further enhanced staff capacity to provide targeted support at the class and individual level. Although this is in its infancy, and the work is extremely challenging and demanding, we are making terrific inroads for all our students.
The ATOSS data has shown improvement in all categories. This is very pleasing as we have invested significant time and resources into the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) which focuses on areas addressed by the ATOSS survey. Our challenge is to imbed these strategies, so they provide sustainable improvements year on year.
Year 12
I also take this opportunity to remind our Year 12 cohort that there is not long to go now and that this final push and commitment to studying hard, all the way to the finish line, will reap benefits later in the year. Year 12 is meant to be challenging, the sense of achievement by working hard and through difficulties is a terrific trait and habit to maintain throughout life. Well done so far. Keep up the terrific work!
School Council
This week, School Council had its second meeting of the term and the sixth meeting for the year. Many important governance decisions are made during these meetings and Council is committed to improving the college environment. Several minor works will take place over the coming weeks, and months, to further enhance the college facilities and surrounds so that we continue to provide first class facilities for our children. Encourage them to be proud of our school, environment and high-quality government education.
Capital Works
In more exciting news, the completion of the capital works program is almost upon us. We plan to be back teaching in rooms A1 – A5 for Term 4. The Year 7 area of the yard, adjacent to A Wing, is now once again accessible to students.
Staffing
On behalf of the school community, we wish Ms Marissa Aquilina all the best of luck as she takes maternity leave from the start of Term 4. There must be something in the water at Rosehill as we have several staff expecting!
A quick chat about reading……….
Recently I was fortunate enough to attend a conference where Dr Kirstin Ferguson was a keynote speaker. She is a very impressive individual and is often seen on TV or in the papers. I am reading her book, Head and Heart about different aspects of leading. For enjoyment I am also reading a novel by Terry Hayes – Year of the Locust. As I often say…encourage and support your children to read, get off their devices and spend time outside. With Spring upon us and longer days this is the perfect opportunity to send the kids outside to get some sunshine, vitamin D and enjoy Melbourne’s beautiful spring weather reading an exciting book!
Arthur Soumalias
PRINCIPAL
