Principal Report

After five weeks of the 2018 school year, I hope everyone has settled in well, with routines well established. By now, many students will have Common Assessment Tasks (CATS) submitted and preparation begun for other major assessments.

We held the first General Assembly for 2018 on Thursday 15th February. There were many highlights. Arpub Peters, a member of the Wurundjeri community conducted a Welcome to Country to begin our year. We introduced a new tradition of welcoming our new year 7s house by house into the assembly to some appropriately selected ‘coloured’ songs. Our Middle School Captains where introduced and inducted along with our two new Arts Captains. We enjoyed a performance by Tianya Oliver-Peel and Aysher Dryden and finally I had the privilege of handing out ten Principal Awards.

Staff are currently in the process of writing interim reports. These will be available to parents/guardians to access via Compass on Friday 16th March and parent/teacher interviews will be available for booking from this date. Parent/Teacher interviews will take place on Thursday 22nd March. Students are required to accompany parents/guardians to the interviews. Please take the opportunity to discuss your child’s interim report with them prior to booking parent/teacher interviews.

Thank you to the PTCA for supporting the College by running the annual Year 7 BBQ. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to our Year 7 parents with their students. Many parents then took the opportunity to attend the ‘Compass Parent Training’. Mr Dane Keogh ran a very informative session for parents/guardians.

I would like to encourage any parents/guardians who may have misplaced their Compass login to contact the College. Compass is our main form of communication with both parents/guardians and students so it is essential that parents/guardians and students log on regularly. I also encourage parents/guardians to use their own login and not simply use their child’s login. The login provided to parents provides different functionality to student logins.

Our Year 7 students attended a three day camp from February 26th to 29th, at Forest Edge Camp in Neerim East. I had the opportunity to spend Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning with the students and staff on camp. The behaviour and level of participation of the Year 7 students was outstanding and they are to be congratulated. It was wonderful to see so many Year 7s making new friends, challenging themselves and enjoying the activities provided for them. Thank you to Mr Lorkin for his organisation of the camp and Mr Donald, Mr Nichol, Mr Carroll, Mr Van Keulen, Mr Parr, Mr U’ren, Mr Seabook, Mr Bell, Ms Grey-Smith, Ms Rosendale, Ms Edmonds, Ms Briggs, Mrs Whitby, Ms Meyer, Ms Bell, Ms Coghlan, Ms Crea and Mrs Van Der Ende who attended the camp and provided such an outstanding experience for our students.

OPEN NIGHT

A reminder that our Open Night will be held on Thursday 26th April at 7.00pm. We invite current and new parents/guardians to come to our College and find out about the fabulous opportunities that are available to the students who attend our College. Students will be dismissed at 1.00pm.

Ann Stratford
Principal

Year 7 Forest Edge Camp

A contingent of 185 students and 21 staff ventured out to Neerim for our Year 7 camp to Forest Edge. As usual, there was lots of excitement as we boarded the buses and headed for 3 days of action-packed fun in beautiful sunny weather.

River sledding, raft building, mountain boarding, high ropes, initiative games, bushwalking, flying fox and scavenger hunts were just a few of the daytime activities. It was great to see so many of our students pushing themselves, working together, encouraging one another and simply enjoying each other’s company.

A key theme of the camp was the importance of being nice and respectful to everyone you meet and the value of developing life long positive relationships. Camps provide yet another step toward developing independence, which as we discussed on camp is a vital ingredient toward becoming a resilient and confident adult.

In addition, an enormous thank-you to the following staff members for the caring, hardworking and positive attitude they displayed throughout the camp. Our College should be very proud we have teachers of this calibre in the school: Mr Donald, Mr Nichol, Mr Carroll, Mr Van Keulen, Mr Parr, Mr U’ren, Mr Seabook, Mr Bell, Ms Grey-Smith, Ms Rosendale, Ms Edmonds, Ms Briggs, Mrs Whitby, Ms Meyer, Ms Bell, Ms Coghlan, Ms Crea and Mrs Van Der Ende.

 Click for photos

College Captain

Tiani Welch-Phillips

School Captain 2018

What do you hope to achieve this year in your role?

This year I plan to make a difference in the school by better improving positivity and inclusiveness within our school. I would also love to further improve my skills as a leader by involving myself in as many school and community events as possible.

Who is a leader that you admire and why do you admire them?

I admire Nick Vujicic’s courage, strength and his positivity. Even though he has no arms or legs he spends his time encouraging and bringing words of truth and love to people who need it. He is a man of great faith, and isn’t afraid of who he is. He knows his purpose in life, and uses his disability, and his passion for speaking to show people that they too can overcome their own struggles in life. He is clear example of how to go about life in the most positive, and joyful way. He has four children and a beautiful wife, who love him.

 What are some of your goals for the future?

After Year 12, I want to go to university to study a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education. I would also love to go overseas and volunteer a helping hand to countries who need support, whether that’s educational support, food and water or help in building homes. I’d also like to get involved in the community more and see what I can do.

 Final sentence for readers

‘Love myself I do. Not everything, but I love the good as well as the bad. I love my crazy lifestyle, and I love my hard discipline. I love my freedom of speech and the way my eyes get dark when I'm tired. I love that I have learned to trust people with my heart, even if it will get broken. I am proud of everything that I am and will become’

Johnny Weir

Open Night Thursday 26 April 2018

Mooroolbark College warmly invites prospective parents and students to join us for our Open Night on Thursday 26 April 2018.
You will have the opportunity to tour and discover the campus, listen to a formal presentations and enjoy light refreshments while meeting staff and students. 
We look forward to seeing you on the night.

Students will be dismissed at 1pm on April 26th in preparation for the evening.

College Swimming Sports

The College Swimming Sports will be held on Monday 5th March at Croydon Swimming Pool - a heated outdoor venue in Hewish Road Croydon; phone number is 9294 5630. 

All students are fully included in the College program and are expected to attend; no alternative program is running back at school. 

Students will be bussed to and from the pool from 9am and will be returned by 3pm, being dismissed upon arrival back at school. Parents/Guardians are asked to ensure appropriate sun protection is provided including drinks, sunscreen and hats. The canteen will be running throughout the day at the venue. 

Students are encouraged to come dressed in clothes with colours supporting their particular House. 

PTCA News

The PTCA is holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 6th March at 7pm in the “B” Block  Staffroom. New Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend, as it is a great opportunity to socialise with new and current parents. It also gives you the option to  represent your family, as part of the College community. The PTCA does a superb job supporting the College through the organisation of events and providing timely and valued advice and feedback about the College as well as some fundraising. We encourage you to think about attending a meeting.

Year 9/10 Volleyball

On Tuesday 27 February, our Year 9 / 10 interschool Volley ballers (2 x boys’ teams and 2 x girls’ teams) played in the round robin day at the State Volleyball Centre in Dandenong.  All four teams improved immensely over the course of the day and showed amazing teamwork and sportspersonship.  Our A boys team eventually finished equal first in a 3 way tie, however ended up 2nd on a countback for the amount of sets won overall. Congratulations to all players on a great day.

Mr McCormick and Mrs Harris

Click for photos 

Duke of Ed – Wheelchair Basketball adventure

Our Year 9 Duke of Ed team had an amazing Wheelchair Basketball experience last week.  We were inspired by our presenter, a double amputee, who amazed us with motivational stories and messages of how to have an extremely positive attitude and be grateful for everything we have.  We were then able to experience some of what life may be like in a chair and play a game of Wheelchair Basketball, which was difficult, but a lot of fun.

Mr McCormick

 Click for photos

Upcoming Payment Due Dates

Year 9 Tasmania Tour Balance (now overdue)                    Thursday 15th February
VET Material Fees (now overdue)                                       Friday 16th February 2018
Year 10 Central Australia Camp Instalment 2                     Thursday 1st March 2018                              
Year 10 Central Australia Camp Balance                            Thursday 22nd March 2018
Year 11 Debutante Ball Deposit                                           Thursday 22nd March 2018           
Instrumental Music Lessons Semester 1                            Wednesday 28th March  2018      
Parent Payment Plan Instalment 3                                      Thursday 26th April 2018
Year 11 Debutante Ball Balance                                          Thursday 17th May 2018

Calendar Term One 2018

College Office Hours

MONDAY- THURSDAY: 8.15AM- 4.00PM

FRIDAY 8.15AM- 3.30PM

Calendar

TERM ONE

March

2nd Newsletter

5th House Swimming Carnival (Croydon Pool)

6th PTCA AGM 7pm

6th Education Committee Meeting

12th LABOUR DAY 

16th Immunisations 

16th Reports available to parents

19th Central Camp Info Night 7pm T Block

20th Council meeting 7pm

22nd Parent Teacher Interviews
        Students required to accompany Parents/Guardians to interviews.

25th Tassie Camp Group A & B (till 29th)

29th Last day of term school finishes 2.30pm

30th GOOD FRIDAY

TERM TWO 

April 

10TH – 19TH Central Australia Camp

16th Term Two begins

25th ANZAC DAY

26th Students dismissed at 1pm.
       OPEN NIGHT from 6pm

MAY

1st Education Mtg 6pm
& PTCA 7pm

4th Newsletter

8th Resources Mtg 7pm

15th College Council Meeting 7pm

15th NAPLAN Language Convention

16th NAPLAN Writing

17th NAPLAN Numeracy

18th Immunisations 

18th NAPLAN Catch Up

22nd NEVR Performance (evening)

25th SORRY DAY

25th HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL

27th MAY- 3th JUNE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 

30th SRC Free Dress Day

31st May Concert 7PM

JUNE

1st Newsletter

4th -15th Yr 10/11 Exams

5TH PTCA 7PM

5TH Education Committee 6pm

4th – 8th Yr 7-9 Maths Exams

11th QUEENS BIRTHDAY

15th REPORT WRITING DAY

19th Council Mtg 7pm

22nd Yr 12 blood drive

25th -29th WORK EXPERIENCE

29th Last day of Term Two 2:30pm finish & reports available 

Community Circle

Mooroolbark College is committed to supporting our local community, below are notices from our community:

 Ringwood Saints Baseball 
Maroondah Council Online Safety information session
Montrose Soccer Club 
Keyassets Children's service provider 
Tennis for Life 
Kilsyth Football Club
Kilsyth East Netball Club
Croydon Cricket Club
Entertainment Memberships
Chirnside Park Auskick 
Curves Gym Offer
Danielle Sargent Photography
Anglicare Victoria

 Ringwood Saints Baseball 

Want to play a fun, active sport in a safe environment? Play baseball this winter.

Junior 'come and try' and registration day, Saturday 17th March (2pm-3.30pm)

Proclamation Park, Sylvia Grove, Ringwood

Click for details 

Maroondah Council Online Safety information session

Commit to your child's online safety and hear from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner on empowering young people, parents, and carers to manage online issues.

Wednesday 7th March, Free (but bookings are essential) 

Click for details 

Montrose Soccer Club 

Limited spots available for Gala Players 5-7 years old (girls and boys) , under 8-9s, 10s, 11s, 15-16s boys.

visit our website http://montrosesoccerclub/

Click for details  

Keyassets Children's service provider 

FOSTER CARERS NEEDED If you have thought about foster care, please get in touch and ask the questions you have always wanted to. Ring: Key Assets 1800 932 237 or 1800 WE CARE Email: info@keyassets.com.au Web: canifoster.com.au or keyassets.com.au What will happen: Interested families would receive a brochure, information and no pressure! 

Tennis for Life 

Manchester Heights Tennis Coaching

Click for more information 

Kilsyth Football Club 

Each year we are looking for new family’s to come and join our Family Friendly Football Club

Click for details 

Kilsyth East Netball Club

Are you or your child keen to join a netball club that is focused on FUN and TEAMWORK with low player fees!?   Then Kilsyth East Netball Club is for you!

We are looking for players aged 6 (prior to end of year) all the way through to Open age group. We welcome players of all ages and abilities who are keen to make new friends and enjoy a team sport at a great family orientated club.  We train and play at Pinks Reserve in Kilsyth. 

All players are welcome to come down to a training session to have a trial and see if they would like to join!  We are also keen for coaches, umpires and volunteers to help out. 

Please call President Sara Barber on 0408 997 228 or Secretary Kirra Charlton on 0439 851 921 for more information or email us at kilsytheastnetballclub@gmail.com

Click for details 

Croydon Football Club

Each year we are looking for new family’s to come and join our Family Friendly Football Club so come along with their child to have a look.

Click for details 

Entertainment Memberships

Support our fundraising by buying the 2018 Entertainment Membership. 

Entertainment Memberships are filled with hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do, and you'll be helping our fundraising at the same time!

Buy from us NOW!

Click for details 

 Chirnside Park Auskick 

Are you interested in Auskick for 2018? 

Click for details 

Curves Gym Offer

Offering ladies a $1 joining fee, giving ladies a great opportunity to come and see what our facilities are.

Click for details 

Danielle Sargent Photography

Looking for a photographer to capture special memories of the family, newborn, glamour, portfoilio or event?  Contact Danielle Sargent 

Click for details

Anglicare Victoria

Due to circumstances beyond their control, some children can no longer live with their birth family. Their experiences have left them frustrated and confused about where they belong. The children need to feel part of a family that can provide them with love, encouragement and support. Can you help them?

Click for details