PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Last week NAPLAN results were released nationwide. NAPLAN is of most value to staff to inform their teaching practices for both individual students and for cohorts. As educators, we know we are making a difference and this supports to refine our practices and provides an opportunity to assess if programs are working and redirects funding appropriately. Over the past two years, the College has undertaken a number of new initiatives in both literacy and numeracy and have invested considerably in teacher capacity in both these areas.
The results have shown positive growth in both literacy and numeracy.
In 2018 an extra 5% of our Year 9 students are in the top two bands of reading increasing the overall percentage to 15%
In 2018 an extra 9% of our Year 9 students are in the top two bands of numeracy increasing the overall percentage to 20%
In 2018 an extra 10% of our Year 9 students are in the top two bands of grammar and punctuation increasing the overall percentage to 25%
In 2018 25% of our Year 9 students received exceptional growth in spelling.
Being in the top two bands indicates that the student is well above the expected level for a Year 9 student with band 6 being the national minimum standard for this year level.
Congratulations to our students who have made the most of their learning opportunities and to the staff who have worked to ensure students achieve the best educational outcomes possible for our students.
Winter Concert
Congratulations to all the students and staff who performed at the Winter Concert on Monday 20th August. It was a fabulous night where students performed as soloists, in student ensembles and in a staff/student Jazz band. Each year the level of expertise grows amongst our student musicians. I particularly would like to thank Jaymie Cathie and Kyle Wahrenberger, both from Year 9, who were the announcers for the evening; a job they did very well.
Parent Teacher Citizens Association (PTCA)
Mooroolbark College is fortunate to have a great band of parents who form the PTCA. This group of dedicated parents continue to support the school in the events it runs for students. They play a key role in organising the Debutante Ball, have provided a canteen at both the Winter Concert and the Production as well as organising the Year 7 BBQ at the beginning of the year. On Sunday 16th September, they will be running the Bunnings BBQ at Chirnside Park. The money they raise is donated straight back to the school for the benefit of all students. I encourage you to support them and our students at Bunning, Chirnside Park. They have recently decided to add to the number of exercise stations, which are part of the fitness track at the rear of the school. I would like to particular thanks the following parents who make up the PTCA:
- Peter Phillips – President
- Deb Alsop – Vice President
- Mandy Hocking – Secretary
- Mickaela Gray– Treasurer
- Carol Wells, Kim Watkins & Tanya Horne – General Committee
The PTCA meet twice a term on a Tuesday night at 7.00 pm and are always looking for parents and members of the community to join them.
Update on Building Project
Since the news that we were receiving $7 million dollars to update our buildings, we have been working through the steps of appointing an architect to work with us over the next two years. After initially having informal discussions with students, staff and parents to provide a brief to the architects, we have recently had presentations to allow us to choose a final company. I would like to thank Jordan Daniels who as SRC representative joined the panel selecting the architect. Jordan represented the students remarkably well. During the next eight weeks, extensive community consultation will be taking place to develop the Master Plan for the College to ensure we are ready to start building in mid 2019.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
A reminder that on Thursday 20th September students are not required at the College on this day as they are to accompany Parents/Guardians to the interviews. Information is on Compass in relation to booking interview times.
Last day Term 3
Please note that the last day of Term 3 is Friday 21st September and students are dismissed at 2.30pm.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the College on 9727 8100
Ann Stratford
Principal