Mooroolbark College Newsletter – February 2020

CALENDAR DATES;

MARCH

2^nd – Retake Photos
2^nd – MCPA 7pm
2^nd – Tasmania Tour Information Night 6pm
3^rd – Central Australia Information Night 7pm
3^rd – Community Relations Meeting 4.30pm
3^rd – Education Committee Meeting 5.45pm
3^rd – Resources Committee Meeting 7.00pm
6^th – Student Free Day
9^th – Labour Day Holiday
17^th – College Council AGM 6.15pm
          College Council (Extraordinary) 6.45pm
          College Council Meeting 7pm
19^th – Parent/Teacher Interviews
27^th – Last Day Term 1 – 2.30pm Finish

APRIL

14^th – Term 2 starts

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

The Swimming Carnival was held on Monday 17^th February. It was an amazing day with students enthusiastically participating in an array of events.  

I would like to thank Ryan Exon for his organisation of an excellent program. I would also like to thank all the staff for their enthusiasm and support on the day. Congratulations to Yellow House who took out the Swimming Trophy for 2020.

Congratulations to the students who have progressed to the Division Swimming Competition. I wish them every success for their upcoming events.

STUDENT FREE DAY – 6^TH MARCH

Our first student free day will be held on Friday 6th March.  It is a Lilydale District event which means the following schools will all have a Student Free Day:  Mooroolbark College, Yarra Hills Secondary College, Mt Evelyn PS, Montrose PS, Kilsyth PS, Mooroolbark East PS and Rolling Hills PS and all the staff will be working together.

YEAR 7 CAMP

Our Year 7 students attended a three-day camp from 24^th – 26^th February at Forest Edge Camp in Neerim East.   I am very grateful to Trisha Silver who led the camp. I also thank the teachers who committed themselves to ensure the camp ran smoothly and the students had an outstanding learning experience.

CLASS SURVEYS

Over the next 3 weeks the teaching staff of Mooroolbark College will be asking students to complete surveys regarding the learning experience in class. Each staff member is surveying 3 classes and the surveys will be conducted electronically through the PIVOT platform. Students will be sent a link via their Mooroolbark College email address. The College will be using this information to inform the College’s professional learning for the future.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

On the 13^th February, we held our first General Assembly for 2020 and enthusiastically welcomed our new Year 7 students.   Traditions are very important in a school and it was beautiful to see the tradition of welcoming our new Year 7s into the school in such a positive manner being embraced by the College.   

MCPA

The Mooroolbark Collage Parents’ Association is holding its Annual General Meeting (A.G.M) on Monday 2^nd March in the Study Centre commencing at 7.00pm   The MCPA is an important part of the College and they play in integral role in the College. We are always appreciative of their support and encourage you to be part of the MCPA where you can make a difference.   I therefore urge you to come along to the A.G.M.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Please note that the Parent/Teacher interviews will be conducted on Thursday 19^th March commencing at 1.00pm and concluding at 8.00pm. Students are not required at the College, however should accompany parents/guardians to the interviews.

Further information will be forwarded to you in regards to booking interview times with teachers. Interim reports will be posted on Compass at 3.00pm on Friday 13^th March.

ANN STRATFORD

Principal

INTERSCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

The Year 9 & 10 Boys and Girls took out the Intermediate Volleyball titles! We had 5 teams represent the College at Maroondah Division Volleyball and both A teams have progressed through to the Eastern Region championships later this term. Well done to everybody involved!

SENIOR VOLLEYBALL

Senior Volleyball went out on the 13th of February. It was great to see all students working together in their teams and improving their skills through the day. Teams endeavoured till the end, with the Boys team losing the final in a spectacular 3 set match. Well done to all!

Lachlan Mann

Head of Health and Physical Education

On Friday our Talented Sport Program assisted at the Montrose District primary school swimming carnival. A big thanks to @School Sports Victoria for allowing our students to be part of what was such a successful carnival.

What a fantastic experience! Students battled the bush, rivers and skies at our adventurous camp. The camp is nestled in magnificent native bushland, bordered by a fresh flowing river and towering eucalyptus gums. Activities included bushwalking, ropes courses, trampolines, river sledding, mountain boarding and, of course, the Year 7 favourite, the flying fox. The group showed resilience in the face of wet weather, participating in an inter-house competition and games. What a great opportunity for our Year 7 cohort to challenge themselves whilst forming new friendships.

Year 7 Reflection – Year 7 Camp
“I liked most of the activities we did and I liked how many activities we got to do.  We didn’t have free time the whole time and were out doing things. I also made a couple of new friends because in my activity group I didn’t have my friends in it, but it gave me a chance to make new friends. Even at the cabins when we were having free time I hung out with lots of new people including my friends that I had before I went on camp. My favorite activity would probably be the zip line and overall I think camp was pretty good. 
Abbey G

“Year seven camp was really fun as we did lots of amazing activities such as flying fox, high ropes, low ropes, water slide and water sledding. We also had really good food, for dinner on the first night was pasta and salad and for the second night we had schnitzel and vegetables. Camp was amazing.”

Hamish M

On the 17^th February, we hosted our annual swimming carnival at Croydon Memorial pool. Mother Nature was on our side with the sun shining and perfect conditions to host the event. The venue was flooded in a sea of blue, green, red and yellow. Each house was heavily represented in the events throughout the day. It was especially encouraging to see the incredible number of students in the walking lane, water polo and dance contests.

Congratulations to all swimmers who participated and were awarded vital points for their house. We witnessed outstanding results with plenty of students taking away multiple blue ribbons and booking their spot in the 2020 Mooroolbark College swimming team.

I would like to give a massive thank you to all staff who assisted with officiating, supervising and taking part in the events on the day. I look forward to our athletics and cross country carnivals later in the year.

Ryan Exon
Interschool Sport Coordinator

Immunisation forms have been distributed. If you have not already done so please sign and return the form by Monday 16^th March.
Immunisations will be held for Year 7 & 10 on Thursday 16^th April 2020.

Central Australia Tour departs on Saturday 21^st March and students fly back on Monday 30^th March. Final payment is due 5^th March 2020.

Tassie Tour departs on Monday 23rd March and returns on Friday 27^th March.

Installment 3 of the 2020 College Levies Direct Debit Payment plan will be deducted from your account on Thursday 16^th April.   Please ensure funds are available and if you need to update your card details please contact the College on 9727 8100.

On Friday 27^thMarch, last day of Term, students are dismissed at 2.30pm.

Open Night will be held on Thursday 23^rd April, students dismissed at 1.00pm