PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Term 3 has certainly not ended the way we thought it would. We hoped for a term where we would all be learning on site and our students would enjoy a range of great learning experiences. However, whilst not on site, the excellence in teaching and learning continued.
Thank you to our parent and student population who have reached out over the term to offer support and to thank our staff at Mooroolbark College. It is when our community works together that we achieve excellence.
On Thursday I had the pleasure of interviewing students for the 2022 School Captain positions. It is always such a rewarding experience speaking to students who have shown commitment to the school by expressing their interest in becoming School Captain.
Congratulations to the 2022 School Captains – Hayley Knight and Jackson Addicott.
During the first few weeks of Term Four, interviews will be taking place for Senior House Captains, Middle School Captains, Arts Captains, Sports Captains, Library Captains and Social Justice Captains. I wish those students who have nominated for these positions, all the best with their interviews and I look forward to announcing the appointments early in Term 4.
I would like to recognise the work of students and staff which have ensured we continue to undertake so many planned and rewarding experiences during Term 4.
This is the second year course counselling and information nights have been remote. Whilst it would have been nice to speak in person, being remote has allowed many more parents to be part of the course counselling experience.
Last week’s RUOK week was a huge success. I’m hopeful that the work the Home Group teachers have done throughout the week resulted in more of our community receiving an ‘RUOK’ message. Our Year 12 students also received special messages from their teachers and an RUOK treat.
The Winter Concert went on as planned and I would like to congratulate all the students who took part in it. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch the concert it is still available on line at http://fb.watch/805tFS73t7/. Thank you to the many people who viewed it on the night and provided such encouraging comments to the performing students.
Club 34 has been operating each Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes and has provided assistance and support to students with their studies from Years 7 to 12. Congratulations to the students who have been attending and seeking assistance with their work. This demonstrates our College goals of resilience and endeavour.
Thank you to Mr U’ren, who with the assistance of a dedicated group of staff and students, has been running the ‘Online Schoolyard’ this term. The atmosphere in the Online School Yard has been highly energetic and supportive of student wellbeing.
The library has been busy with the Premiers’ Reading Challenge, book week and now the Australia Reads promotion. The ‘Heroes versus Villains’ Home Group activities were highly successful and engaging and were appreciated equally by staff and students.
Over the past two weeks, information has been published on Compass and emailed regarding the vaccination program being rolled out by the Victorian State Government for secondary students. This information remains on Compass for parents and students to refer to over the coming weeks.
The General Achievement Test (GAT) for students studying a Unit 3 and 4 subject, has been rescheduled to Tuesday 5th October. At this stage we do not know all the arrangements which will be in place, so it is essential that students, particularly in Year 11 and Year 12, regularly review Compass Newsfeeds and check their Mooroolbark College email during the upcoming school holidays.
The College’s Year 12 students will be continuing their VCE practice exams during the holidays. These have been posted home to all students and a structured remote supervision arrangement has been developed and communicated with students.
Arrangements for Term 4 teaching and learning for all year levels will also be communicated via Compass and College emails during the school holidays.
I wish everyone a safe and relaxing school holiday break.
Regards,
Ann Stratford
PRINCIPAL