MWSC College News – Issue 6

Term 2 – Welcome back

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. I am excited to have started my eighth year of service as your College Principal at Mount Waverley Secondary College this term. It is inspiring for me to be part of a learning community where teachers and students are passionate about doing their best and join together as a supportive team to unite in a spirit of cooperation and success.

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Fundraiser

Congratulations to Mr Danny Gwynne who raised over $13,000 for FightMND in support of Chris Ross, from the graduating class of 2007. Chris was diagnosed with MND in April of 2021. On Easter Thursday, Danny ran 4 marathons solo (170km), from midnight to midnight and he made it finishing at 11.20pm.

What an achievement Danny we are so proud of you! Thank you to everyone in our learning community who supported this great initiative.

Mount Waverley Secondary College’s Exemplary Sporting Program

We are very proud of our many sporting teams who represent our college admirably during competition against other schools.  People regularly comment on our students’ excellent behaviour and good sportsmanship.  Our sports program is going from strength to strength, and this is a tribute to our families who encourage in their children a love of sport and doing their best. Congratulations to all our students who participate in our college sports, district sports, zone finals and state finals, we are proud of the high participation rate of our students in sport.

I would also like to thank Mr Jai Newport and Mr Danny Gwynne, our Sports Coordinators, who oversee sporting programs across the college, and all of the staff who give up their time to coach and run practice sessions for sporting teams.

State Swimming Success

On Thursday, 28 April our champions of the pool headed off to MSAC to participate in the State Championships. It was another successful day, with our college scoring 2 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals.

Congratulations to Aleisha C who became a two-time State Champion on the day. She won the 50m freestyle as well as the 50m backstroke. Aleisha also won a silver medal in the 200m freestyle.  Hyuga W was amazing, winning a bronze medal in the 50m butterfly, while our medley relay team consisting of Hyuga, Julian, Isaac and Austin also won a bronze medal.

I would also like to acknowledge Riley O who swam his last ever race for our school. Riley has been an integral part of the school swim teams since he arrived in Year 9. This saw an end to what can only be described as a dominating term of swimming from Mount Waverley Secondary College’s finest!!

Thank you to Mr Danny Gwynne for accompanying our students on the day.

District Cross Country  

Our students have continued the Mount Waverley Secondary College tradition of participating in large numbers in sport by their active involvement in the school cross country event.  It is rewarding to see our students committing themselves to leading a life of fun and fitness through participating in sport whilst also learning the life-long skills and values of teamwork and good sportsmanship.

The District Cross Country event took place on Wednesday 4 May.  Mount Waverley Secondary College performed extremely well on the day with over 150 students participating. I congratulate all the students who competed and represented our college with pride.  Thanks to Mr Jai Newport and Mr Danny Gwynne for all of their hard work in getting the team ready for this event.

Well done to the following students who will now compete at the zone level on Tuesday 14 June:

Star Performer

Congratulations to Gemma M (year 9) and her team for representing Victorian U15 Girls Hockey, in the Nationals tournament recently.

Uniform Changeover Time

Just a reminder that all students should now be wearing winter uniform, which includes wearing the college tie. Please ensure that your students have the correct college uniform which is only supplied by PSW.  PSW has recently moved and is now located at 342 -350 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley (behind Officeworks).

Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal

NAPLAN

Year 7 students will be conducting NAPLAN testing next week from Tuesday to Friday. They need to ensure that they come to school with headphones, and a fully-charged device. Students have undertaken practice tests in the lead-up to these tests.

Uniform

Our two-week grace period for uniform has now finished. From Monday we would like to see all students in our Winter Uniform:

Years 7-10

• MWSC winter skirt (of modest length – no shorter than 5cm above the knee)
• MWSC green jumper
• MWSC green softshell jacket (optional).
• MWSC long sleeve white shirt or blouse with college logo
• MWSC college tie
• Either navy knee-high socks OR ‘Carlton’ navy Kayser opaque tights
• Navy scarf (optional)
• In cold weather plain white t-shirts without writing or logos are permitted under shirt/blouse

OR

• MWSC grey unisex shorts or trousers with college logo (available only from PSW – official uniform supplier)
• MWSC long sleeve white shirt with college logo
• MWSC college tie
• MWSC green softshell jacket (optional).
• MWSC green jumper  Grey socks (must cover ankle)
• Navy scarf (optional)
• In cold weather a plain white t-shirt without writing or logos is permitted under the shirt

Junior Campus Events

It has wonderful to have our Junior Campus students engaged with so many activities and events recently. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a range of opportunities to complement our educational program. Recent and near-future events include:

• Monash Tech School (7 & 8)
• State swimming
• Division Cross Country
• Damper Creek Excursion (year 7)
• Year 8 Wellbeing Presentation
• Junior Campus Tours (student leaders)
• Mount Matters
• Interact Club
• Year 8 Music Indigenous Artist Workshop

Junior Sub School Team

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Sarah Harris for her work as Year 7 Coordinator in term 1. Miss Dani Robertson has now taken over as year 7 coordinator for the rest of the year, alongside Mr Jamie Stroud. The year 8 coordinators remain Mr Jack Waters and Ms Georgia Mangano. I would like to also welcome Miss Misa Murphy to the team as Junior Campus Activities Coordinator.

Mr Matt Sheehan
Campus Principal – Junior School

Welcome back to Term 2

Welcome back to all students and parents to our second term of learning for the year.  This term always proves to be a busy term with sport, excursions, production rehearsals to name a few of the things that will be happening across this term in the middle school.  Our Year 9 students will be undertaking NAPLAN testing in May and our Year 10s will have a week of Work Experience later in the term.  Students in both Year 9 and 10 will have exams towards the latter part of the term and will receive a semester report, which will provide an indication of their progress and also help with future learning.

Holiday Works

Across the holiday period the ICT and Facilities Teams were busy improving the college.

The ICT Works undertaken included:

• Updating switches
• Firewall and server maintenance
• Checking security cameras system
• Backing up servers
• Imaging classroom computers
• Converting projectors to WiFi access
• Learning tasks and reporting work
• Improved printing for Admin staff
• Updating Papercut
• Moving computers and phones to new locations

The Facilities Team work on a wide range of tasks as outlined below:

• Painting including Careers, D11, Maintenance office and Library
• Fume cupboards serviced on both campuses
• Retaining wall built near Theatrette on SC
• Vertical Garden maintenance
• Glass replacement – Library, A4, A11, D11
• Supporting Suburban Rail Loop drilling on JC
• Installation of stainless steel bin enclosures
• Moving furniture between rooms and clearing out old furniture
• General garden and tidying up of both sites
• Supporting builders on STEAM Centre project

Thank you to our ICT and Maintenance Teams for their work.

STEAM Centre

Work on the STEAM Centre is well underway with our builders FIMMA preparing the site including excavations and re-routing various service like gas and water.  Our architects – BKK, project managers – Johnstaff, Victorian Schools Building Authority (VSBA) and regional staff are working alongside a team from Mount Waverley to support this exciting project.

STEAM Centre: Work is underway

Mr Ian MacLeod
Campus Principal – Middle School

VCE – 2022 Central Australia Trip

There is an online information session being held on Monday 9 May at 7 pm for all Year 11 and 12 students and parents who are interested in finding out about the planned Central Australia Trip. A Compass notification with link has been sent to parents and students.   Expressions of interest are due by Wednesday 17 May and can be accessed via the link which has been sent.

If you have any questions about the trip please contact me at the college (caj@mwsc.vic.edu.au ).

Year 11 Exams & Year 12 SAC Week

The exam timetable and SAC week are currently being finalised, information will be distributed to students shortly. Thanks to the Senior Subschool for their organisation and planning and to the teachers for their support of our VCE students.

Student Attendance

Could parents/carers log any student absences on Compass as soon as is practical. Compass is set up to send a message each morning at 10:45 am to the families of those students who are absent without notice. If you have any questions relating to attendance please call the General Office to discuss.
9803 6811 – Senior Campus
98879290 – Junior Campus

Attendance is particularly important for VCE students as there is a 90% attendance requirement to satisfactorily complete a unit and there are strict attendance requirements in relation to assessment tasks.

Summer/ Winter Uniform Transition

Please note that as of next week students need to be in full winter uniform. If any student is not in correct school uniform, they need to have a note and get a uniform pass from the Senior School Office.

Year 11 Careers Expo

On Thursday 28 April the Year 11 students and teachers attended the Careers Expo at Caulfield Racecourse. It was great to see the students talking to staff at different university and other providers stands, collecting resources and attending seminars on VCE.

Thanks to the students for their co-operation and excellent behaviour, thanks to the staff who attended and the Careers and Senior Subschool teams for their work in coordinating the excursion. In these COVID times there was a great deal of work that had to be completed before students and staff could attend.

Year 10 and 11 Applications for Northern Hemisphere Timetable (NHT) VCE

On Tuesday 3 May the college ran a virtual information evening on the NHT options for Year 10 and 11 students. Thanks to Ms Sarah Chase (Head of Senior School), Mr Matt Cara (Senior Subschool Leader) and Ms Asha Vazirani (Head of Middle School) who put together the presentation, organised the meeting and assisted in answering questions.

The presentation and information about how to apply has been sent through Compass. Forms are due back to the VCE office and students will be notified during the next few weeks as to whether they have been successful in obtaining a place in the program.

Year 10 and VCE Music Recitals

During the next few weeks our Year 10, 11 and 12 Music students will be performing to an audience of staff and parents. These will take place on; 12^th May (Unit 3), 19^th May (Year 10) and the 26^th May (Year 11). Thanks to all of the students for their hard work in preparing for this and to Ms Tijtje Ellis, Director of Music and our talented Music and Instrumental Music staff.

Reporting – First Semester

Reports will be distributed via Compass on Monday 27 June, the first day of the holidays.  The reports will contain detailed feedback on each of the Common Assessment or Learning Tasks or School Assessed Coursework, in the case of VCE subjects, completed by students and the grade for the semester exam (Year 9, 10 and 11 students). There will also be information on student learning behaviour and reporting on Victorian Curriculum progress where applicable. Please continue to check Compass to keep up to date with information regarding this.

Mrs Julie Cain
Campus Principal – Senior School

Welcome back

Welcome back to term 2, this term is a short but busy one in the Senior School with a number of events and activities taking place. Just a few of the big events happening this term include the year 11’s participating in the Careers Expo in week two, year 12s heading off to camp in week four and mid year exams/SAC weeks running in week  seven and eight before we roll over to semester 2 in week 9, the final week of term.  

We wish all the VCE students the very best with their studies this term and congratulate them on a great year so far.

Lockers back in use

Reminder that lockers are back in use as of this term. All students need to ensure that they are using the locker allocated to them and that they have a padlock on it. This also means that all mobile phones now need to be stored in their locker, not on their person. If any student is unsure of the details of their locker location or have forgotten the combination for their lock they can contact their relevant year level coordinator for assistance.

Northern Hemisphere Program

On Tuesday 3 May the information session on the Northern Hemisphere Program was held and it was a great turnout, thank you to those who did attend. If you were unable to attend and would like some further information about the program please use this link to the presentation.

If you have any questions please contact one of the following people who will be able to answer your questions:

Miss Chase (Head of Senior School): chs@mwsc.vic.edu.au
Mr Cara (Senior School Leader): caa@mwsc.vic.edu.au
Mrs Vazirani (Head of Middle School) : vaz@mwsc.vic.edu.au
Mrs Cain (Campus Principal – Senior School): caj@mwsc.vic.edu.au 

Application forms can be collected from the VCE Centre from Wednesday 4 May and are due Wednesday 11 May by 4pm, applications will not be considered after this date.

Ms Sarah Chase
Head of Senior School

Welcome back to Term 2!

We trust that you have had a wonderful Easter break and enjoyed some much-deserved time to rest, relax and catch up with family and friends – Not to mention ate plenty of chocolate!!!
We look forward to welcoming you back for an exciting Term 2.  There are many events that will be taking place this term in the Middle School, so be prepared as it is going to be a busy term.

A few reminders from us to ensure this term is positive and runs smoothly:

• Lockers

All students should now have a designated locker, please ensure that you use your lockers to store your bags and personal belongings in a safe space.  Bags will no longer be permitted in the classrooms.
If you do not have a locker, please see your coordinators as soon as possible at lunchtime so that a locker can be allocated to you.  You can bring your own combination lock or alternatively purchase one from the front office.  You will have to carry your bag with you until lunchtime.

• Uniform

Terms 2 and 3 are Winter Uniform terms.  Please ensure you are in the correct winter uniform tomorrow.  Combinations of summer and winter uniforms are not permitted.  If for any reason you are not in the proper full school uniform, please bring a note from home and come to the Middle School office for a uniform pass.

• Mobile Phones/Ear Pods

As per DET policies, mobile phones are not to be visible on school grounds.  Once you come into the MWSC gates please ensure you keep your phones in your bag which are then to be placed in your locker, this also applies to your ear pods.  The mobile phone policy will be followed through with in the event of visible phones or ear pods on school grounds.

• Attendance

Please ensure that absences are recorded on Compass on the day and for extended absences please inform the Middle School office so that appropriate support can be provided.

• Late to School

If you are running late to period 0 or period 1 classes, please ensure you go to the front office or the Middle School office to get signed in before going to your class.

• Northern Hemisphere Program

On Tuesday 3 May the information session on the Northern Hemisphere Program was held and it was a great turnout, thank you to those who did attend.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the following people who will be able to answer your questions:

Miss Chase (Head of Senior School): chs@mwsc.vic.edu.au
Mr Cara (Senior School Leader): caa@mwsc.vic.edu.au
Mrs Vazirani (Head of Middle School) : vaz@mwsc.vic.edu.au
Mrs Cain (Campus Principal – Senior School): caj@mwsc.vic.edu.au

Application forms can be collected from the VCE Centre from Wednesday 4th May and are due Wednesday 11th May by 4pm, applications will not be considered after this date.

• NAPLAN

Year 9 students will be sitting their NAPLAN assessments next week from Tuesday 10^th to Friday 13^th May.  In preparation for this can we please ask students to:

1) check if they are able to open and run the NAPLAN lockdown browser
2) bring in a pair of headphones, wireless is ok just for being used in the NAPLAN assessments
3) all MAC users need to update their browser, their current version will not work

If a student has any trouble, they can go to ICT to get it fixed. As always, if you have any questions, issues, or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at the Middle School office. We look forward to a great term together.

Ms Asha Vazirani
Head of Middle School

Reach Foundation

On Monday 2 May, half of our year 12 cohort attended workshops run by the Reach foundation. The workshop focused on building students’ confidence in their ability whilst taking away the inner pressure that can at times have a negative impact on getting the best out of themselves. The second half of the year 12 cohort will attend the Reach workshops on Monday 9 May.

Parent Webinar- For parents of Year 7 and 8 students

On Wednesday 4 May, Ms Aisha Paternott and Ms Danielle Mott presented a webinar to parents of year 7 and 8 students. The webinar focused on how we as a school community can manage our expectations of students in a “covid normal” world. If you were unable to attend the webinar but would like a copy of the powerpoint please email Danielle or Aisha.

Nutrition: Year 10

On Friday 6 May, Year 10 students will be attending a presentation in mentoring on the power of nutrition by dietician, MsTeri Lichtenstein.

International Nurses Day

On Thursday 12 May, it is International Nurses Day. We are fortunate at the college to have three wonderful nurses. Ms Stephanie Tang on the Senior Campus and Ms Jody Clooney (Mon and Tue) and Ms Caz Coady (Wed to Fri) on the Junior Campus.

New Mental Health Practitioner

On Monday 9 May, we have a new Mental Health Practitioner commencing on the Senior Campus. Mr Jason Mann – a social worker and previously a student counsellor at Chisholm TAFE comes to MWSC with lots of experience supporting young people in education. We look forward to him joining the Student Wellbeing team

New Inclusion Support Staff

At the start of term, we welcomed a new Inclusion Support staff member, Ms Kathy Ragavan.  Kathy comes to MWSC with lots of experience supporting students with additional needs. Kathy has settled in well with the inclusion team and we are thrilled to have her on board.

Mr Paul Graham
Student Support and Resources Manager

Ross Irwin Workshop

On Thursday 7 April, the college Stage Band had the privilege of partaking in a workshop with jazz great, Mr Ross Irwin.  Ross, in addition to being the creative director of All State Jazz, is a well known trumpeter and musician performing in groups such as The Cat Empire.  The band rehearsed three charts with Ross, who workshopped jazz concepts such as big band ensemble playing and articulation. This was a wonderful opportunity for out Stage Band who are busy preparing for both All State Jazz and Generations in Jazz.

String & Guitar Lunchtime Concert

On Friday 6 May, the String Quartet, Chambers Strings and Senior Guitar Ensemble performed in a lunchtime concert at the Senior Campus Fishbowl. The guitar ensemble played a special set sounding 1980’s Australian Indigenous Music and the string groups featured some beautiful traditional string repertoire. It is great to see students performing to audiences once again, and the college community is supportive of our young musicians. Thanks to all of those who came along. 

Matilda Orchestra Act 2 Rehearsal

On Saturday 30 April, the Seussical Orchestra rehearsal and recorded 22 songs of Act 2. The orchestra, made up of staff, students and alumni, worked hard to master the difficult score and recording backing tracks for the cast to use as a reference. We look forward to sharing this beautiful orchestra and show with the college community in July.

Upcoming music events Term 2

• All State Jazz Championships – 14th May
• Generations in Jazz – Recordings for submission 20th May & 23rd May
• Year 10 & VCE Recitals – Limited audience
• Matilda Sitzprobe (Orchestra and Leads) – 28th May
• Soiree Concerts – 14th & 16th June

Mrs Tijtje Keatley
Music Director

Welcome back to Term 2 from the Careers team.

Work Experience

Term 2 is a big term for Year 10 students, we are fast approaching our work experience placement dates (30th May – 3rd June) and students are busily finalising their placement paperwork. The Careers office is a hive of activity with students practising their communication, problem solving and negotiation skills.

During the work experience placement week, students that are not participating in the work experience program will be expected to attend school and participate in an on-campus alternate program.

Year 11 Careers Expo

Year 11’s attended the Caulfield Careers Expo last Thursday 26 April, it was great to see the event so well attended, with over 240 students attending and participating in the day. We are very happy with the great behaviour students displayed while representing our School.

Students enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Universities, Australian Defence Force, TAFE’s Ambulance Vic and Police (to name a few) and gather information about options available to them post VCE.

Year 12 Pathways

Year 12 students are busily meeting with the Careers team to chat about their 2023 pathway, it is always interesting to learn about their dreams and goals. As we move across Term 2 ,Year 12’s will learn about VTAC, University open days and webinars and early offers. It’s exciting times for Year 12’s as they continue their learning whilst visioning a life post MWSC.

Ms Joanne Hall
Careers Education Manager

On Wednesday 8 April, the terrific team of 26 Library Leaders came together to celebrate the new recruits finishing their term of training and receiving their official Library Leader badge.  Their contribution make the Library an engaging and vibrant place and has gone a long way to promoting the pleasure of reading.

Thank you to Mrs Julie Cain for helping with set up and pizza service and Mr Jacob Myers for recognising the students and acknowledging the importance of Libraries.  Thank you also to Mr Bill Thomas for taking photos and Mr Paul Graham for officially awarding the badges to our new leaders.

Congratulations to the 2022 Senior Campus Library Leaders: Ishmanpreet, Tisya, Andrea, Tasfiya, Ryan, Kiska, Nihitha, Rayaana, Yuan and Ashlyn.

Mrs Robyn Whitelaw                        Ms Andrea Daniels
Resource Centre Manager              Library Technician
Senior Campus

Year 12 Revolutions – History Trip