College Principal’s Report

Reconciliation Week
This week we celebrated Reconciliation Week across the college. All of our students were lucky enough to hear from Scott Darlow, an Aboriginal singer, songwriter, public speaker and educator last Monday 15 June. Scott was very engaging, and he gave a balanced view of historical events. He spoke about indigenous culture, and racial tolerance was well received and will ensure we continue to celebrate diversity and inclusion at our school. His FLUTE acronym is one that resonated with our students and staff; Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Tolerance and Empathy and this is an important message for all Australians.
During the week our Wellbeing team also ran activities for our students. Bidjara artist Ms Nikki Browne and her son Ronan came and shared their culture with our students in the form of weaving, jewellery, football, boomerang throwing and other activities. Thank you to everyone who got involved in these events.
GAT Exam
Over 400 students undertook the two-part General Achievement Test last Tuesday 16 June. This is a huge logistical task, and I would like to thank Mr James Johnston Senior School Leader for overseeing this event. Special thanks to our Chief Supervisor Mrs Trish Reid and her team of supervisors for their efforts. Our examiners again commented on the excellent behaviour of our students and the way they conducted themselves.
Year 10 Work Experience
It was wonderful to see our Year 10 students completing work experience this week.
Can I sincerely thank Ms Victoria Tortopidis, Careers Education and Alumni Coordinator for overseeing this program and organising all the documentation required to send our students into the workplace and Mr Phil Newnham our Careers Education Manager for his support. Special thanks to all the staff who called or visited our students whilst on their placements.
End of Semester 1
It has been a busy time with a lot to get through. I would like to thank all the teachers for the great work achieved last semester. Special thanks to the teachers who prepared their students for mid-year examinations. Many extra classes were held (some out of hours) and this demonstrates the dedication of the staff at this school. Semester 2 classes began last Monday 15 June.
Semester 1 Reports
Semester 1 reports will be available via Compass shortly. Please make the time to discuss your student’s progress with them, both areas of strength and areas for improvement. Congratulations to those students who achieved excellent results this semester.
Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences
Student/Parent//Teacher conferences are being held remotely for VCE students on Thursday 16 July (Week 1 – Term 3). These interviews will be conducted via Webex Meetings, and it is critical that your VCE student is in attendance. Please note these interviews relate to Semester 1 subjects only. As there are only 30 spaces for each teacher, if you can’t make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact teachers via email if you would like further feedback.
On Thursday 10 September we will be holding a whole day of interviews for Year 7-12 students.
Protecting against Diphtheria
There are diphtheria outbreaks happening in some parts of Australia, especially in regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. There have been no cases identified in Victoria to date.
Vaccination is the best way to protect against getting very sick from diphtheria. Everyone should stay up to date with their vaccinations.
Travel to higher risk areas over the school holidays
If your family is travelling to ahigher risk area, the Department of Health recommends that you:
- check your family’s diphtheria vaccinations
- consider getting vaccinated if you or your family have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the past 5 years.
You can check your diphtheria vaccination records:
- on your Medicare online account through MyGov or by contacting the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809
- on your personal health records, such as your childhood immunisation records
- by speaking to your GP, immunisation provider or Aboriginal Health Service.
You can also check if your family is up to date with other vaccinations before travel in Australia or overseas.
About diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious infection. It can affect the skin or the nose, throat and airways. In severe illness, it can affect the heart, kidneys and nerves.
It is spread through close contact with an infected person, through skin sores, or droplets from coughs, sneezes and saliva. Sometimes it can spread through contact with contaminated items such as towels or shared objects.
People who are not fully immunised have higher risk of severe illness. Pregnant women, children aged under 5 years and those with weakened immune systems also have higher risk.
Free diphtheria vaccinations
Vaccination is free for:
- people aged less than 20 years who need a catch-up vaccination
- refugees and humanitarian entrants
- pregnant women
- some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For more information about eligibility, refer to the Department of Health’s diphtheria booster vaccination campaign.
Vaccination is available at your GP, local pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service. Call ahead to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine.
Please note that there are no restrictions on travel to Northern Territory/Western Australia/South Australia based on vaccination status.
Find out more
For more information, refer to:
- Better Health Channel for information on finding your immunisation records
- Department of Health for information about free booster vaccine eligibility
- Your GP, local pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service
Happy Holidays
Have a well-deserved break everyone and enjoy time with your family and friends. Term 3 begins on Monday 13 July. I am on long service leave next term and Mr Matt Sheehan will be Acting College Principal in my place. Mr Ian MacLeod will move to the Junior Campus as Campus Principal during this time and Mrs Asha Vazirani will become the Acting Campus Principal-Middle School. Stay well, take care and I will see you in term 4.
Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal
































