I am pleased to say we are past the half way point of this term and while Remote Learning has presented some challenges, it has not stopped Mooroolbark College students achieving excellence in a variety of different areas. Over the last few weeks, students have been involved in Remote House Assemblies which have allowed students to acknowledge and celebrate the many ways in which students have shown excellence this year.  

ACADEMIC AWARDS ASSEMBLY 
During this assembly, students who displayed academic excellence during Semester 1 were celebrated in front of their peers. Each student who received an award, had their name read out by their House Leader and their photo shown on a PowerPoint. Certificates will be received once we return to on-site learning. If you missed it, be sure to celebrate in their success by viewing their achievements on the school Facebook page.  

CROSS COUNTRY  
During Term 2, a Cross Country event was held on school grounds to allow students to participate in the event for 2020. Well done to all students who participated in the event and earnt House points for your House. A big congratulations to all students who finished in the top 10 for their age group earning extra House points. These students’ achievements have been celebrated at a House Assembly and also on the school Facebook page.  

A special mention to the two Red House students who came in 1st place for their age groups! 

           

Jonathan Mang Tung Dim            Sean Farrelly 

SCHOOL VALUES AND MERITS 
The number of merits being presented to students during Remote Learning continues to climb. Merits are being presented to students demonstrating excellence in one of our school values. Our school values are as important as ever and students have been participating in a home group activity once a week which focuses on one of the 4 school values and how we can be demonstrating our values while at home. With the increase in merits we have seen a large number of students earn Value Awards. Students who received a Value Award during the last 6 months have been acknowledge during a House Assembly.  

HOME GROUP 
A variety of activities are continuing in home group week to week. One of my favourite activities this term has been really getting to know the students through the ‘Student of the Week’ sessions. These sessions run once a week and see a few nominated students have a few minutes to present a ‘show and tell’ to their home group. I have learnt so many things about the students as they share some of their life with us through pictures or by having their camera turned on. I have seen a number of sports trophiescreative art pieces, pets, PlayStation games, baked treats and family photos.  

Also, our weekly Pulse Survey is continuing to happen once a week in home group to allow students to indicate how they are travelling through Remote Learning to their coordinator.  

MEET OUT SENIOR HOUSE CAPTAINS 

Name: Alex Linnie  

Favourite movie: The Goonies 
Favourite colour: Red (of course)  
What you like to do in your spare time? Reading and practising my netball shots.  
What you want to be remembered for as House Captain?
Someone that others can rely on and trust as well as know that i will be there to help whenever it is needed.   
Biggest challenge you have faced this year as a Captain? 
Come up with ways to keep people motivated and involved in house activities during this difficult situation.     
How are you staying connected to Mooroolbark College while working remotely?
Keeping touch with friends, attending and participating in home group and working with the other student leaders and staff to make our current situation easy and more enjoyable for our school community.   
Message to other students who may be thinking about applying to be a 2021 captain?
Believe in themselves and know that this opportunity is not something you would want to miss, as a captain you are able to work with a range of amazing people both staff and students and are able to learn more about both those around you and yourself. 

Name: Kaeli Farrelly  

Favourite movie: The Lorax 
Favourite colour: Green 
What you like to do in your spare timeGoing to the beach and going hiking 
What you want to be remembered for as House Captain? For being outgoing and having a bright personality.  
Biggest challenge you have faced this year as a Captain? Corona virus and staying motivated during the remote learning period.  
How are you staying connected to Mooroolbark College while working remotely? Keeping in touch with friends and participating in home group activities. 
Message to other students who may be thinking about applying to be a 2021 captain? Give it a go! It is an amazing experience and you learn so much and have a huge group of amazing people there to support you. 

Sarah Rosendale  
Red House Leader.