PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
A Normal Start to 2022
The start of 2022 has been relatively normal, which has been great for both staff and students. Just about all planned activities have gone ahead in a Covid safe manner. Excursions are going out daily, inter-school sports and camps are now back and running with students experiencing the wide variety of activities which Mooroolbark College offers.
Over the next few weeks, more traditional activities will take place, including the 58th and 59th Debutante Balls. This will allow our 2021 Year 11s to enjoy the experience which was cancelled last year. The Year 12 Outdoor and Environment Coastal Camp, Year 11 Geography field trip, Year 9 Advanced Sports Leadership rock climbing excursion and Year 7 Divisional Sport are all set to run as planned.
Breakfast club has recommenced on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in D12. Breakfast club will be relocated to the new Student Wellbeing Centre when it’s completed in time for Semester 2.
Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 7 – 10 are scheduled for Thursday 31st March. Years 7 – 12 students are not required to attend school on this day, but are encouraged to take part in the interviews to ensure a three way conversation exists between the teacher, parents and the students. These interviews will be held remotely only this term.
We hope to return to our normal House homegroups over the next few weeks.
As we enter the second half of Term 1, I encourage all students to make the most of the opportunities which are provided, including joining the College Production We Will Rock You, the National Story Dance Festival for Schools – Wakakirri, STEAM excursions and the other extra curriculum activities available.
The 2021 Valedictory Dinner has been rescheduled to Thursday 28th April. We are looking forward to hearing what our Year 12 students from 2021 have been doing over the past few months.
RA testing
Thank you to everyone who continues to test twice weekly with the RA tests, which are being provided. This provides a level of certainty for our school program – when we are able to detect Covid positive cases early. Students will be provided with RA tests to the end of Term 1 2022.
Please report both positive cases of Covid and close contact isolation to the College by ringing the College reception on 9727 8100. Teachers are regularly placing lesson plans on Compass for students to access work if they are away due to Covid related issues.
Communication between the College and Parents
Compass continues to be the communication method the College uses with parents and guardians. Information for parents is uploaded daily (or as required) into this portal. Some posts are also accompanied by an email. I encourage parents to download the Compass app, which is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
Parents can access work submission, upcoming learning tasks and attendance data daily in real time.
The College also has a Facebook page which you can follow: Mooroolbark College Official, which provides the community with up to date information about what is happening in classes and within the community. However, the College’s Facebook page is not monitored and therefore is not the appropriate way to ask questions or seek information. Please ring the College on 9727 8100 and reception will connect you with the most appropriate person.
Communication between the College and Students
Whilst students will still use Compass to access learning tasks, information contained in lesson plans, the College is continuing to use the TEAMs environment for communication between class teachers and students. In addition, students also belong to other TEAMs such as their House Team, Year Level Team and a Whole School Student Team. Students are encouraged regularly to check what is being posted on TEAMs.
Ann Stratford
PRINCIPAL