PRINCIPAL’S UPDATE
It is hard to believe the school year once again draws to a close, I would like to thank the community for their ongoing support of the College as we continue to strive for excellence to ensure our students have the best possible educational outcomes. This year has been an exciting one for the College with the completion of the $7 million building programs.
AWARDS ASSEMBLY
We are proud of the achievements of our students and this year have introduced ‘Student Award Presentations’ held at the College; displaying the continuous effort and contribution of our students to their own academics and to the community. The successful series of events held for our Year 10 and Year 11 students on the 30th November, Year 8 and Year 9 and Year 7 held on Friday 9th December was a testament to their hard work and dedication as well as the diligence and talent of our staff.
EXAMS
I would like to congratulate all Year 10 and 11 students for completing their end of year examinations. This is an important stepping stone for students and it also a terrific learning experience for all involved.
VALEDICTORY DINNER
On Thursday, 17th November, we said our final farewells to our Year 12 students. The Valedictory Dinner was a wonderful night where each individual was recognised for their time at the College.
Congratulations to the following students who received Awards on the night.
Art People’s Choice Award – Shaylah Haywood
Doug Fraser – Rhys Thomson
Future Innovator – Rhys Thomson
Long Tan – Emily Reid
Ampol All Rounder – Jackson Addicott
HOUSE AWARDS
BAAN: Emily Reid
Hayley Knight
DARRANG: Rhys Thomson
Sheridan Rancie
BIIK: Jessica Voigt (only 1)
NGAWAN: Jackson Addicott
Daniel Petrella
MCPA
I would like to thank the MCPA for the wonderful support they have given to our students over the past year. The members under the leadership of has enabled the College to purchase a number of resources to support our educational program including a significant investment in the College’s fitness track which will be installed in the new year, musical equipment and bike education equipment.
YEAR 7 2023 ORIENTATION DAY
Our Orientation Day for our new Year 7 2023 students is on Tuesday 13th December. This is an exciting day when we get to welcome our new Year 7s. In advance, I would like to thank our Friendship Ambassadors for being part of this special day.
BEGINNING OF 2023
The College has two Professional Development days at the beginning of 2023; they will be on Friday 27th January and Monday 31st January.
Students in Year 7 & 12 VCE/VCE-VM will commence on Tuesday 31st January 2023
Years 8, 9, 10, 11 students commence on Wednesday 1st February 2023
COLLEGE PHOTOS
In 2023 the College photos will be taken on Monday 13th February 2023 (TBC). More information will be sent to families early next year.
REPORTS
Parents/Guardians can access reports through Compass from 3.00pm on Tuesday 20th December 2022.
CHANGES FOR 2023
There are two significant changes for the Mooroolbark College Community in 2023.
DAILY STRUCTURE CHANGE
The first change will impact on the daily schedule with the College moving to a 5 period timetable with a start time of 8.44 am and finish time of 2.55 pm. The day will begin with Home Group followed by Periods 1 and 2. Recess will then be followed by Periods 3 and 4. After lunch the day will finish with Period 5. The periods will reduce to 57 minutes (currently 70). This arrangement will bring further flexibility to the teaching and learning program and provides for additional face to face teaching time in both Year 11 and Year 12.
UNIFORM CHANGE
The second change is in regard to the College uniform requirements. After extensive consultation with students, staff and the College Council all students will now be required to wear grey tailored school pants or tailored school shorts if that is the uniform option they choose for day wear. This will be immediately implemented for Year 7 2023 with a transition period of two years for current Years 7 to 11. By 2025 it is expected that all students will be wearing grey shorts and school pants (if they are choosing this uniform option). Students can still choose to wear the College tartan skirt or College school dress. The white polo/shirt with the College logo, school jumper, school rugby jumper and College jackets remain unchanged.
The only change to the sports uniform is the replacement of leggings with plain blue track suit pants. Additional styles of logoed shorts are available through PSW, the College’s supplier of school uniform. I would encourage families to visit PSW to try the new sports shorts options which have been assured by students are far more comfortable. The sports uniform can only be worn during PE/Sports periods and on specific sports days such Athletics/Swimming/Cross Country carnivals.
It is expected that all students wear the correct school uniform daily including polishable school shoes. Track suit pants are not part of the uniform (other than for PE/sport). We understand that on occasions that uniforms can get unexpectedly dirty or become in need of repair. In this situation, students must bring a note from home in order to get a short term uniform pass from their Home Group Teacher or House Coordinator.
I would like to wish all our students, parents, teachers and community a very Happy Christmas and a safe New Year. I look forward to welcoming you all back at the beginning of the 2023 academic year for another full year at Mooroolbark College.
Ann Stratford
PRICIPAL