From the Principal Class Team
Dear Parents and Families
Term 4 is always a strange time of the year; we are busy finalising one year, with exams, assessments, assemblies and formals; and, at the same time, we have an eye to 2023 through orientation programs for VCE and VCE Vocational Major (VM), Step Up later in the term for Years 7 to 9, and Grade 6 orientation. It is a time of intense planning for these programs, as well as in terms of our strategic directions as a school for 2023.
Congratulations to all of our students who have completed or are in the process of completing, exams and semester tests. We wish you well for your results. I also want to acknowledge the dedication and expertise of our VCE and VCAL teachers and support staff as they supported and guided our Year 12’s through their coursework, and for providing them with every possible opportunity to transition to a high quality pathway of their choice. Our heartfelt thanks to each of them.
Congratulations, also to…..…
Mr Victor Vu and his partner on the arrival of their baby boy, Rex. We wish them all the very best of health and happiness together as a family.
And to Wilfred Oo of Year 10 who has been accepted into the University of Melbourne Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program – Class of 2024. This is an outstanding achievement for Wilfrid as the University of Melbourne reported that they “received over 1300 applications and were highly impressed by the academic performance and community involvement demonstrated by students”.
The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program is an academic enrichment program designed to support high achieving Year 11 and Year 12 students. Students selected as Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholas will become part of the supportive University community and peer network through a tailored program of events and activities. These students work with the University over their final two years of secondary school to help these future leaders reach their potential.
A great deal of effort went into the submissions for applications and endorsements for this program by both the Year 10 students who applied and also Becky Annetts and Sean Ryan, the Middle Sub School staff involved. Congratulations to Wilfred on successfully applying and well done to the other applicants. These applications provide good experience for students and develop skills that are transferable beyond school.
Welcome……..
We are really pleased to welcome Mr Shane Ferlazzo to our school community as our newly appointed Maintenance Officer. Shane will commence work here on 5 December and brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in this field, We wish Shane well for his time at St Albans Secondary College.
We also welcome Angelique Imierowicz into the Individual Needs department. Angelique is new to the education sector and brings all the necessary skills to be an integral part of the team. We wish Angelique the very best during her time here at the College.
Facilities Projects
Our School Council is committed to ensuring that students and staff have access to the highest quality facilities in classrooms, offices, and in external spaces.
To this end, we continue to develop and fund redevelopment and renovation works across the school. Over the last few weeks, the senior Science prep rooms on the C Floor have been completely refurbished with better storage and safer chemical preparation facilities for staff and students.
Work will commence over coming weeks on renovating the Wood Technology room to create easier, safer access to machinery and tools for students; on construction of new garden beds, seating and shade; and on completing the outdoor chess sets.
We are also considering options for a renovation or rebuild of the Performing Arts Centre. Initial sketches and pricing for both have been developed, and we are investigating funding for this. As you can appreciated, it is a major project and is part of our medium-term facilities planning.
Class of 2022 Farewell
It was wonderful to have a final farewell for the Class of 2022 at Luxor Receptions Centre on Thursday 17 November. There was alot of dancing and celebrations as the students said goodbyes to their class mates and teachers. We would like to wish all the students the best in their future endeavours, whether this is education and training or employment. Also, good luck to the VCE students who will receive their results on Monday 12 December. Remember the Senior Sub School team and Careers team are here to provide support and advice to all the studens who may need it.
Exams, Orientation, Semester Tests and Reports
We are right in the midst of exam and orientation time at the College. Year 9 Semester Tests have just finished, and Year 10 exams finish next week. Year 10 students will commence Year 11 Orientation for both VCE and VCE VM on Thursday 24 November.
Reports for Years 7 to 10 will be available on Tuesday 13 December. As always, Year Level Coordinators will be in touch with families where there are concerns with these reports. If you have any questions please contact your child’s YLC.
Step Up and End of Year Activities
We are fast approaching the end of the year and with that comes a range of experiences for students, including opportunities to have a taste of their Year Level for 2023. The Step Up program will run from Thursday 8 December until Monday 12 December. All classes will operate on the timetable for their next year and will be provided classes that will give them some front loading to assist prepare students for the expectations and program for their next year.
Please note that Monday 12 December is the last school day for Year 9 students. They will finish at the usual time on that day.
Activities week runs for Years 7 and 8 over a 4 day program from Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 December. Students will work through a range of activities provided by Key Learning Areas, Wellbeing, The Junior Sub School and Careers. It is a traditional part of our calendar and provides opportunities to do some physical activities, be creative, think about future pathways, and take part in challenges and problem solving. We will provide some photos taken during these activities for the next newsletter.
End of Year Student Free Days and Dates
The following are student free days in Term 4:
- Thursday 17 November – Teaching Staff Professional Practice Day (student free day)
- Monday 5 December – Report Writing Day
- Monday 19 December – Curriculum Day
The following are the last day of term for each Year Level:
Year 11: Wednesday 23 November – dismissal 3.10 pm
Year 10: Friday 2 December – dismissal 1.30 pm
Year 9: Monday 12 December – dismissal 3.10 pm
Year 7 & 8: Friday 16 December – dismissal 2.30 pm
