2020/21 Staffing

Congratulations to Sam Owens who has won the ongoing permanent Maths teacher position, Jess Farrelly who has won the Numeracy, Science and Mathematics Leader, Biljana Elliott who has won the Literacy and Global Perspectives Leader and Ben Files who has won the Well Being Leader positon. 

Sonja Modlinski goes on leave from the finance positon in week 4 in Term 4, Carli Burnnard will backfill the finance position, Stacey Lambert will backfill student services, and Amanda Hartley will replace Stacey at reception.

Kirralee Baldock will continue to be on leave in Term 4 to continue her curriculum writing role for DfE. 

Year 7 into HS – Continuity of Learning Program

Last week we organised a day for the year 8/9 teachers to meet with the 6/7 teachers from our primary schools to workshop with our literacy consultant Dr Rosie Kerin.  Teachers discussed Literacy instruction across year 6-9 and began planning what that will look like ready for students in 2022. It was great to hear from the primary and high school perspectives and discuss how to create seamless transitions for students.

Student Free Day

During our recent Student Free Day teachers were involved in exploring classroom observations: Why? What? and How?  We looked at the benefits of deprivatising practice, owning your professional growth, reference to the Australian Performance Standards for Teachers and the range of department tools to support these processes.  SSOs attended training on skills for assessing, managing, and responding to risk behaviour, focusing on verbal de-escalation, prevention, and early intervention. 

Parent Interview Reminders

Again, I would like to strongly encourage your attendance at the upcoming student, parent, teacher interviews (see details in this newsletter).  These interviews are a great chance for teachers, students and their parents/caregivers to discuss student achievement, progress and goal setting for the remainder of the year.  Interviews are not only for students who aren't progressing as well as expected, they are just as valuable to discuss the learning and skill development of students who are already performing to a high standard.   We offer these interviews in term 3 to give time for students to put new goals and actions in place to improve results during the remainder of semester two.  Use the online booking system now to reserve your preferred time slots. 

Student Self Care

It is the end of Term 3 and, with only about 9 weeks to go until the last exam, the next few weeks are an essential time for year 12 students.  It is important to develop a good study plan, making the most of the time remaining, and taking the opportunity to work with teachers to assist in your preparations for final assessments.  However, having a balance between work and fun is extremely important so ensure that you also take time over these holidays to relax and enjoy yourself.

For all of our students, as you will not be at school for two weeks, your support structures may not be as readily available to you.  With this in mind, here are some excellent resources you can utilise anytime- whether it be during school holidays or not:

Phone Counselling
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Headspace 1800 650 890
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Online Counselling

www.kidshelp.com.au
www.headspace.org.au

Enjoy the break!

Mat Evans, Principal