Welcome back to Term 2. It was fantastic to see our Year 11s and 12s return from school holidays refreshed and ready to go. I hope the parent/teacher/student conferences at the end of Term 1 provided useful feedback and information moving forward
Albert Einstein once remarked, ‘Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.‘ As we head into Term 2, it is important to remember that deep, meaningful learning often feels uncomfortable, and that’s a sign of growth. I want to encourage every student to be brave enough to challenge themselves this term. Tackle the harder problems, speak up in class even when you’re not 100% certain, and view mistakes as stepping stones to success. I particularly want to encourage students to take charge of their learning by seeking out and acting on feedback, allowing them to turn mistakes into learning victories.
ANZAC Day
On Friday 24 April, Senior School students attended an ANZAC Assembly to remember the service men and women who have made sacrifices for our country. Lucy G, a Year 11 student and Cadet, did a wonderful job of sharing how the meaning of ANZAC Day has developed during her time as a Cadet. We also heard from Major Sean Derbyshire, from the Joint Logistics Command of the Australian Defence Force, who shared his experience of being an ANZAC, and the importance of pausing and recognising this day. Our College Captains, Tejasvi S and Nicholas L did a great job hosting the assembly and Tai N did an amazing job of playing the Last Post and Rouse.
Summer/Winter Uniform Transition
This week was the last week that students could wear the summer uniform. The expectation is from now on that students are in full winter uniform, including ties. If a student is unable to be in full uniform they should bring a note from home, report to the VCE Office and obtain a uniform pass.
Year 11 Careers Expo
On Friday 1 May, Year 11 students and teachers attended the Careers Expo at The Melbourne Exhibition Centre. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to gather information from a wide variety of tertiary institutions, attend VCE Seminars and learn about the different options available to them post secondary school. Thanks to Mr Phil Newnham, Mr James Johnston, Ms Lisa Worthy and Ms Sunita Sewani for their support in organising this opportunity.
Every day counts
Did you know:
- Patterns of late arrival at school or missing classes are early warning signs of disengagement?
- Missing one day of school each week adds up to two months per year?
- Each day of absence has an impact on skill development and important social connections
- Poor attendance may be associated with future unemployment, criminal activity, substance abuse, and poorer health and life expectancy?
Top tips:
- We want to work in partnership with parents – act early if you have any concerns by contacting your child’s school and asking for advice and support
- Remember that every day counts
- There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes and their social connectedness
- Talk positively about school and the importance of attending every day
- Open and prompt communication with the school about all absences is a good idea
- Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term
- Seek help from the school if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and wellbeing. We want to work in partnership with parents to support student attendance and wellbeing.
Ms Lauren Kelly
Campus Principal – Senior School