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 ninth 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 as a supportive team to unite in a spirit of cooperation and success.

ANZAC Sub School Assemblies   

Last Monday 24 April we held three sub school assemblies to recognise the importance of ANZAC Day. I spoke to the students and showed a video clip about the history of the day and our Business Manager Mrs Linda Westgarth spoke about her family’s history with the ANZACs. Both her grandfather and her husband’s grandfather fought in the First World War and Mrs Westgarth was able to talk about personal visits to the Western Front War Cemeteries as well as visiting the town of Villers Bretonneux in France.

Our College Captains Jocelyn and Vineth and Junior Campus Captains Rachel and Gemma also read the moving poems ‘In Flanders Fields’ and ‘The Ode’. We were also lucky enough to hear Mr Joseph Yu play the ‘Last Post’ and ‘The Rouse’ on the trumpet as we all observed a minute’s silence.

ANZAC Day is a day for all Australians, regardless of religion, racial background, or place of birth. It is a day to commemorate the bravery and self-sacrifice of past and present generations of Australians, so that Australia can be a place of freedom for all. Lest we forget.

ANZAC Service

On Wednesday 26 April our student leaders attended and participated in a breakfast ANZAC service which was organised by the Mount Waverley Rotary Club. The service took place at the Mount Waverley ANZAC Centenary Walkway. Thank you to all the students who attended along with Mr Myers, Mr Thomas, Mrs Mott and Ms Walk.

 Exciting News 

After two and a half years in the making our new Junior Campus oval was opened last Wednesday for all our Junior Campus students to now enjoy. The oval is synthetic turf which has an athletics track, a soccer field and multiple sporting pitches. This $1.5 million project was part of a self-funded college project, and I would like to thank Mr Ian MacLeod-Campus Principal for overseeing this facilities project along with Mrs Judith Walsh-College Projects Manager. I know our students will enjoy this oval for many years to come!

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 Jay 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 Friday 28 April our champions of the pool headed off to Melbourne Sports Centre (MSAC) to participate in the State Championships. It was another successful day, with our college scoring 3 gold and 2 silver medals.

Congratulations to Aleisha C of Year 9 who became a three-time State Champion on the day. She won the 50m,100m and 200m freestyle events. Aleisha also won two silver medals in the 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke.  Julian D of Year 9 also competed on the day and came 5^th in the boys 50m backstroke.

Thank you to Mr Jay Newport for accompanying our students on the day.

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 is now located at 342 -350 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley (behind Officeworks).

International Visitors

On Tuesday 2 May we hosted a group of principals (kindergarten, primary and secondary) from Hanoi, Vietnam. These principals visited our Senior Campus to learn about the Victorian Education System as well our curriculum and extra-curricular programs. Our visitors were very impressed by what they saw inside our classrooms and were very complimentary about our college.

On Friday 5 May Professor Ono visited our college from Meiji Gakuin University in Tokyo Japan. We will be hosting one of his students as a Japanese language assistant in June and I was very pleased to be able to continue this partnership.

These types of international visits are extremely worthwhile as we can make global connections and learn a lot from other educators across the world.

Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal

Junior Campus Oval

After six long months we were thrilled this week to finally receive our finished oval. Our students and PE staff have relished having a brand new surface to play on and we thank everyone for their patience as this project has been happening.

Rotary ANZAC Breakfast

Thanks to Mr Myers, Ms Mott and Mr Thomas for escorting a number of our student leaders from both campuses to the Rotary Mount Waverley ANZAC Day breakfast on Wednesday 26 April. Our students did a great job representing our college and it was a lovely morning in the park. Our partnership with Rotary Mount Waverley is one of our longest relationships, and we appreciate being part of this event annually.

Damper Creek Reserve Field Trip

Last week our year 7 students went to Damper Creek to practise their field-sketching skills. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful natural space to visit that is right on our doorstep. Thanks to all of the Junor School Humanities teachers for their organisation, and to our excellent students for their participation.

Getting to know…… Ms Nicole Griffin

How long have you been at MWSC?
11 years with a few months off here and there for maternity leave.

What is your role at MWSC? Previous roles?
For the last 10 years it has been organising backstage for the Production. This year I’m trying something new as Year 7 Coordinator.

What do you like to do outside of school?
I love all things nerdy! But I’m especially partial to board games and sewing. I really like quilting and cosplay but its hard to find time to do any of it with my two young boys.

Favourite thing about working at a school?
EVERYTHING! It is my happy place, I feel more myself in a classroom than I do anywhere else.

If you didn’t work in a school, what would you be doing?
If it were up to my dad probably engineering….but I feel like I would probably be working with special needs kids. With my brother, and son it is something that I feel really passionate about.

What kind of student were you at school?
Honestly, if I ever taught myself I would probably hate me. I was wayyyy to eager to do school work and to learn new things. So not only did I work ahead of my class but I also completed my sister’s work (who was 3 years above me…..). If this survey has highlighted anything it’s just how much of a nerd I really am!!

Mr Matt Sheehan
Campus Principal – Junior School

VCE Northern Hemisphere Timetable Information Evening
Monday 8 May (for Year 10 and 11 students)

Information has been sent to students and families interested in the Northern Hemisphere Timetable. The program provides an opportunity for students in Year 10 to commence a Unit One VCE subject in second semester and for students in Year 11 to commence a Unit 3 subject.

The link for the WebEx session is: https://eduvic.webex.com/eduvic/j.php?MTID=mf41581d0e76a3d74fb1f8dd35466e12d

Please check Compass and email either Mrs Julie Cain – Campus Principal – Senior School (caj@mwsc.vic.edu.au) or Ms Sarah Chase – Head of Senior School (chs@mwsc.vic.edu.au) if you have any questions.

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 4 May, 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 tertiary institutions and other providers, 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 co-ordinating the excursion.

End of Semester Reports

First semester reports will be distributed via Compass in the first week of the term break. The reports will contain detailed feedback on each of the Common Assessment or Learning Tasks or School Assessed Coursework or School Assessed Tasks, in the case of VCE subjects, completed by students. The grade for the semester exam (Year 9, 10 and 11) will also be included on the report. Information is also included on student learning behaviour and reporting on Victorian Curriculum progress (Years 7 to 10) where applicable.

Please continue to check Compass to keep up to date with information regarding this. Feedback for all learning tasks completed by students is available during the semester and includes the grade achieved and a comment and suggested strategies for improvement. Students and parents/ carers can check this at any time.

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
9887 9290 – 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.

Mrs Julie Cain
Campus Principal – 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 a very exciting and short 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 General Office.

Uniform

Terms 2 and 3 are Winter Uniform terms.  Please ensure you are in the correct winter uniform, this includes your tie!  Combinations of summer and winter uniforms are not permitted.
Long sleeved undershirts and logos should not be visible.  Hoodies and neck rolls are banned from the college and will be confiscated.
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 General Office or the Middle School Office to get signed in before going to your class.

Northern Hemisphere Program

On Monday 8 May at 7pm an online information session outlining the Northern Hemisphere program for 2023/24 will be held. This session will cover what subjects are offered as part of the program, the required skills and attributes needed to undertake an advanced placement/ enhancement subject, the possible impact on a student’s timetables and the application process.

We encourage all students and parents who are interested in applying for the Northern Hemisphere program to attend this information session.  Join link:https://eduvic.webex.com/eduvic/j.php?MTID=me2ca9048b3f8b498349ebfe0ef1cd322

If you have any questions regarding the NHT Program, 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
Mrs Vazirani (Head of Middle School) : vaz@mwsc.vic.edu.au
Mrs Cain (Campus Principal – Senior School): caj@mwsc.vic.edu.au

The Middle School team will continue to focus on student resilience, persistence and independence throughout this term as part of our commitment to ensure students are developing into global citizens and we look forward to working with all students and families to ensure a positive Term 2.

As always, if you have any questions, issues, or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at the Middle School Office.

Mrs Asha Vazirani
Head of Middle School

Rotary ANZAC Ceremony & Breakfast

Last week at dawn on Wednesday 26 April, a group of 40 students from Years 8, 10, 11 and 12 attended an ANZAC commemoration ceremony at the memorial walkway out the front of the Mount Waverley Library.

It was fantastic to have our students involved in a community initiative led by the Rotary club to mark the importance of ANZAC Day. The ceremony began with a wonderful bagpipe performance, the last post, minutes silence and rouse were observed and there were some wonderful reflections on what ANZAC Day means to a great number of people in the community.

We were lucky to have great weather for the ceremony which always highlights the importance of ANZAC Day and why it should be marked with such reverence and respect. Well done to the students who recited the Poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, Stanley L, Liliana E & Gemma H. Also a big thank you to the teachers who came to support throughout the morning, Ms Amy Walk, Mr Bill Thomas and Ms Danielle Mott.

Mr Jacob Myers
Head of Student Voice

Softball – Eastern Metropolitan Regional Finals (EMR)

On Tuesday 3 May, Mount Waverley Secondary College Senior Girls Softball played at the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Competition after winning the division round. We were faced with some tough competition, playing Brentwood and Balwyn Secondary College. We won against Brentwood SC but unfortunately lost to Balwyn SC.

All the girls put in their all on the day and played their best as a team. The top two teams from the EMR competition progress to the next level, which sends our team through to the state competition.

We would like to thank our coach Mr Myers for taking time out to coach our team and congratulate all the girls on their amazing efforts.

by Zoe M and Ishwari N  (Year 12)

JC Wellbeing 

https://www.trybooking.com/CHGMD

Welcome to May’s issue of Alumni monthly newsletter.  Read about the Class of 2003 upcoming 20-year School Tour Reunion.

If any Alumni can assist with Work Experience placements for our Year 10 students during the week of 19 -23 June, please reach out.

Your contributions and insights (stories, memories, and photos) have enhanced this monthly newsletter.  Keep them coming.

To view May’s newsletter click here: Alumni Monthly Newsletter Issue 4 – May 2023

We welcome any updates of achievements and celebrations, email me at alumni@mwsc.vic.edu.au

Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Alumni Coordinator

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and Mount Waverley Secondary College is excited to be participating. The Premier’s Reading Challenge application offers a range of exciting features including:

• access to a library catalogue (including book images and blurbs)
• a modern user-friendly interface
• rewarding students with badges as challenge milestones are achieved
• the option for students to mark books as a favourite, give them a star rating or complete a book review

The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 in recognition of the importance of reading for literacy development. It is not a competition; but a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 8 September 2023.

Children from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Children from Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 15 books.

All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers.

To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklist and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge

Mrs Robyn Whitelaw
Resource Centre Manager – Senior Campus

Last term 17 of our bravest VCE students completed a nine week course on self defense basics provided by Mr Nik Kourtessis from Fighting Spirit Goju Karate.

The ladies learned not only how to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations but also techniques to use in more serious situations, such as how to create space to avoid being threatened, how to break out of holds, the best ways to drag public attention to any situations, and how to create opportunities to escape safely.

Nik, who works at dozens of schools throughout the metro area, shared that he considered the group to be one of the best and most enthusiastic he’d had the pleasure of teaching.
~ Mr Peter Young