Principal’s Report
NAPLAN RESULTS
This week we received our NAPLAN results. Year 7 and Year 9 families will receive their certificates next week.
We have plenty to celebrate including:
Year 9 Numeracy – Students in the top 3 bands have increased by 15% since 2017. The introduction of the numeracy classes which are focused on mathematical thinking and problem solving have contributed to this result.
Year 9 Reading – Students in the top 4 bands have increased by 17% since 2017 highlighting the success of the College’s Independent Reading program at Years 7 and 8.
Congratulations to our Year 7s who have achieved outstanding results both in all literacy areas, but in particular reading and grammar and punctuation.
UPDATE ON BUILDING PROJECT
It is an exciting time for Mooroolbark College as it enters into the final phase of the planning stages for the building of the new Student Wellbeing Centre, Learning Centre and Administration Centre. We are expecting that building may commence later in 2019.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Congratulations to all involved with the College Production of Grease. This year’s production was a wonderful success with all students performing well and enjoying being on stage. This was a terrific opportunity for our students to perform, demonstrating the skills they have learnt. I would like to congratulate all the students on their amazing performances. Particular thanks to Peter Marz for his dedication and guidance to the students to put on a wonderful production. A big thank you to Sarah Rosendale and her assistant Olivia Burrows for their choreography skills.
Thankyou also to Jordan Van Keulen and Janet Whitby, for their hours of work in the music area. To Glenn Ford, Naomi Van Bremen, Kellie Preyer, Mia Sund, Trisha Silver, Sam Wilson, Nicola Mackey, Andrew Dingey and Matt Neil-Holland for their commitment to Mooroolbark College. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated staff and talented students.
WINTER CONCERT
Congratulations to all the students and staff who performed at the Winter Concert on Monday 25th 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 Lisa Gaudion for her organisation and to the following supporting music staff for their dedication to the students; Jim McGuffie, Ross Crowley, Steve Haggar, Jesse Turner, Erica Sykes, Jordan Van Keulen and Janet Whitby.
DEBUTANTE BALLS
The 55th and 56th Mooroolbark College Debutante Balls were held over the weekend of 16th and 17th August. It was a wonderful opportunity to see so many of our Year 11 students step up and participate in this great event.
Thank you to Zac Parr, Jodi Mathieson and Prue Bon for their superb organising of the events, making the nights very special for our students.
I would also like to acknowledge our special Guests of Honour, Mr David Hodgett MP for Croydon and Ms Bridgett Vallence MP for Kilsyth. Also to Lachlan Mann and Luke McCormick for their roles as College Guests of Honour at our Debutante Balls.
P.T.C.A. BUNNINGS BBQ
I hope everyone can support the Mooroolbark College Parents Association at Bunnings – Chirnside Park on Saturday 7th September. The Mooroolbark College Parents’ Association is a group of parents who meet monthly to support a variety of Mooroolbark College functions and activities. They recently purchased the outdoor exercise equipment for PE, a piano for the music department, supported the production and Winter Concert each year and whilst supporting our SRC. If you are passing by Bunnings, please drop in and buy a sausage.
YEAR 12 INFORMATION
With Year 12 students nearing the end of their courses, a number of our Year 12 students recently attended a presentation by Elevate Education titled “Ace your exams”. Students were given a large range of hints and tips on how to organise and manage their study session in the lead up to their final exams.
Year 12 students will also undertake an English Practice Exam on Thursday 19th September commencing at 9.30am in T Block.
On Monday 23rd September to Thursday 26th September during the first week of the school holidays, the Year 12 Practice Exams are being run for Mooroolbark College students. These exams give our students the opportunity to prepare thoroughly for their final exams in a real life examination environment. I encourage the students undertaking these exams to prepare and revise thoroughly and to use the experience to achieve their potential in the finals VCE exams.
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Year 7-12 Interim Reports will be available on Compass on Friday 6th September from 3.00pm.
A reminder that Parent/Teacher interviews will be held on Thursday 19th September between 1.00pm and 8.00pm.
Parent/Teacher bookings open on Compass at 3.00pm on Friday 6th September and close on Wednesday 18th September at 12.00pm
Students are not required at the College on that day but are to accompany their parents/guardians to the interviews on the day/night.
Parent/Teacher interviews are an important opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teachers. The teachers value the opportunity to speak with you about your child and work with you on any issues you may have.
LAST DAY TERM 3
Please note that the last day of Term 3 is Friday 20th 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