Welcome back to our students and families for Semester Two. We trust that everybody had an enjoyable break.
Semester Two commenced with a celebration of NAIDOC Week. This annual event was officially to be held over our school holidays, so festivities were held over into Term 3. The highlight was a smoking ceremony held in front of the library on 13 July. Whilst this was a windy and damp sort of day, there was plenty of enthusiasm from staff and students to take part in the ceremony. The pleasing smell of eucalyptus smoke filled the space and caused many to reflect on the history of this land.
The Year 8 into Year 9 Parent Information Evening was held on 27 July. It was very pleasing to see students and their families filling the PAC for this important event. Attendees gained an understanding of the process for selecting subjects for year 9 in 2027. In addition, the new school policy regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence was explained and game of thumbs up/thumbs down was played in order to consolidate the concepts of ethical and unethical use of these new tools. Whilst this is a challenging space and will no doubt evolve considerably in the years ahead, it is pleasing to see the school community engage with the issue in a positive manner.
Many Junior Sub School students have been involved in the MAC production of ‘Popstars: The 90s Musical’. Performance took place in week 3. Students were on stage, back of house and providing all sorts of support and encouragement. Staging a musical is a huge undertaking and all involved should take enormous pride in the performances. Congratulations, it was a wonderful show.
Students and families should be aware that the Victoria wide ban on mobile phones in school now also applies to headphones, of all descriptions. These items will be confiscated, and a parent or guardian will need to collect them from the General Office.
Please stay warm over these next months, as it is all too easy to get sick and miss school. We wish all our students and families a successful Semester Two.
Mr Craig Moore – Junior Sub School Leader