The school has been a buzz with activity over the past couple of weeks. A main priority already underway, and about to commence across all target areas, is our tutoring program. Letters have been sent to parents/guardians of students identified as requiring additional support. This is support that has been promised by the Victorian Government and our school has been fortunate enough to receive significant funding to enable us to do so. This will be a rolling tutoring program with many students to receive support throughout the year. As we have a limited number of tutors, each will work with different year levels as the year unfolds.
Initially, we are targeting Year 9 students, Year 12 students (reading program) and some Year 8 and 10 students. Many Year 8 and 10 students are already receiving additional support through our Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Program (MYLNS). The tutoring program will complement this. Early next term, we will begin to provide additional support to Year 11 students and will be using study lessons (Monday and Wednesday period 1) to deliver this program.
We anticipate providing significant tutoring support for Year 7 students in the second half of the year.
I also take this opportunity to inform our parents that we continue to work with renowned literacy expert Adjunct Professor Misty Adoniou. Misty will be working with a large number of our English teachers on 11th March. In addition we have also secured the services of Terri Campbell, a literacy expert who will be working with our staff, literacy team and heads of department, to review, explore and enhance the way each faculty incorporates literacy teaching in their specific learning area. Terri will be working with us several times per term throughout the year.
Last week the VCE information evening was conducted virtually, and by all reports was well attended and very productive. Thank you to Mr Wallace, the senior school team and Elevate for running a successful event.
Upcoming events include our swimming carnival this Friday 5th March. We look forward to seeing our college community spending the day competing and enjoying each other’s company. Let’s hope the best house wins, Sapphire.
The Year 7 parent information evening is scheduled for Thursday 4th March at 6.00pm. Access details will be provided shortly.
Year 7 Camp will proceed in week 8, Wednesday 17th March – Friday 19th March.
Next week, Interim Reports will be available. Keep a look out for the opening of Parent Teacher Interview bookings soon after. I encourage all parents/guardians to attend our Parent/Teacher sessions. This will be a virtual event for Semester 1 this year.
This week School Council will meet to review our proposed Asset Management Plan which is the first step in the process of making the $10.204 million Capital Funding a reality. Once this stage is complete we will begin the process of appointing an architect from the departments accredited list. More exciting times ahead. Thank you to the parents who completed and returned the school facilities Matrix.
Friday 26th March is a big day in our Term 1 calendar with our Year 9 students planning, preparing and collaborating with each other and external providers, in readiness for the Year 9 Carnival. It is great to see students put their effort towards a great cause and raise funds for a variety of charities. Thank you to the staff and parents who are supporting our students through this process. We look forward to the activities they are preparing for us.
Finally, I would like to remind parents/guardians that if your child is leaving early for an appointment please log onto COMPASS and record the early departure. You may also write a note in your child’s diary. This is important, otherwise the classroom teacher will not release your child from class. They will check COMPASS or the diary for your permission and it is the responsibility of your child to inform the teacher they must leave early. Our office team have been instructed to not leave their desk for this purpose. Please plan ahead.
Arthur Soumalias
PRINCIPAL
