Students Return for 2019 Academic Year

After a series of Professional Learning days, Departmental Meetings and teacher individual preparation, it was great to see the students return to the College over 4 & 5 February 2019. The new Year 7s settled in well and embarked on their 'Voyage' around the College as part of their orientation process. Feedback from staff, also through personal observation, suggests a most positive and organised start to the year.

College Open Night

The main enrolment evening for Year 7 students commencing in 2021 will be held on Wednesday 6 March 2019 in which each learning area will showcase their departments to the broader community. The focus will be on attracting Secondary enrolments for Years 7-12. We appreciate the efforts each department goes to in planning for this important evening. Feel free to make this event known to friends and family.

Year 12 Kick Off Day and Year 12 Ball

I recently attended the Year 12 'Kick Off Day' which was held in the Swan Valley. This day provided an opportunity for the Year 12 students to focus on their goals and strategies for the 2019 academic year. Group cohesion and teacher relationships were also fostered through targeted activities.

The Year 12 cohort is looking forward with much enthusiasm to the Year 12 Ball which is to be held once again at Frasers, Kings Park on Thursday 28 February. This is a significant event in the College calendar, and promises to provide some of the highlights for our year 12 cohort.

Year 12 Parent Information Evening

I recently attended the Parent Information Evening for all parents of Year 12 students on 5 February where parents were informed of the structures, terminology and delivery of WACE and General Studies courses. This was positively received by parents.

PK - 6 Parent Information Evening

Parents of students in the Primary years attended an Information Evening on 6 February where parents visited their child’s classroom to meet with the teacher, hear important aspects of the curriculum for the year and about the day to day operation of the Primary School, including curriculum delivery. I commend the willingness of the Primary teachers to stay late and ensure the transition of students into their classes runs smoothly and assist in relationship building with the parent body.

PK - 6 Parent Teacher Interviews – 11 & 12 February

Further to the Information Evening, this was followed by Parent Teacher Interviews over two evenings where parents booked individual appointments with their child’s teacher to discuss individual needs and learning plans. Again, I commend the Primary Staff on their cooperation and willingness to host these sessions.

These events have enabled teachers to establish a strong communication connection between teacher and parents, providing a crucial element of the teaching and learning process. Parents were also able to gain key information regarding the delivery of the literacy and numeracy programs, enabling greater understanding and support from home in these areas.

The Rite Journey Year 9 Parent Information Session

On 19 February I attended a Parent Information Session at which parents of Year 9 students were informed of ‘The Rite Journey’ initiative, where students are encouraged in their journey from children to young adulthood. This initiative is delivered as part of the Christian Education curriculum, with students exploring four main questions: Who am I really? How do I get on with others? Is there something more? What is my purpose? The program challenges students physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually with the aim of them becoming responsible, respectful and resilient young adults.

Planning for Academic Extension Pathways 2020

A review of academic outcomes and personal development programs will inform the planning and design of the Academic Extension Pathways Program, planned to be launched for the 2020 academic year. This is an exciting initiative, that will provide further opportunities for students to engage more enthusiastically in particular areas of interest and passion.

The four pathways or ‘Jewels in the Crown’ being developed are, a. STEM; b. Sport and Recreation; c. Music Performance; d. Christian Community and Ministry.

Details of this program will be progressively made available to the College Community as the structure develops.

Improvements in Student Learning

Another area of focus for the enabling of improvement in student learning is in the area of developing study skills, strategies, habits and routines, through age/stage of development appropriate instruction, teaching and mentoring. The first stage of this strategy has been to launch the ‘Red Tick Education Program’ to our Year 7 students early this term. Opportunities for staged access to this program will be made to other year levels including primary students and families.

Access Road, parking and access to Sports Centre

Access to the kiss and drive and car park off Shenton Avenue (Primary end) has seen some challenges due to the access roadworks. The Grounds Team have been instrumental in ensuring traffic flow continues and students can move safely through the area. I commend them on their work in this regard, very much appreciated.

Student access to the Sports Centre has also been challenging during Term 1 with Secondary students accessing the Sports Centre via a designated route through the Primary School. Students are to be commended on their responsible adjustments in this regard.

Solar Panel installation

The installation of over 1200 solar panels on the College roof space has progressed well over the holiday break. The panels are now connected, with full operation expected within this week. I commend our Business Manager, Mrs Lee Krug, along with Mr Andrew Burbidge, Infrastructure and Operations Manager, for enthusiastically driving this fantastic project and initiative.

Pre Primary Toilets

The construction of a small toilet block in the Pre Primary area is almost complete, with minor finishing works currently underway.  

Primary Play Equipment

The Primary Play Area is soon to be upgraded this week, as older unsafe equipment is replaced with new play stations. Please note that the planned building of the Primary Years Outdoor Adventure Playground is still on track, with construction planned to start as soon as possible following the completion of the current road project. Exciting times for our Primary students and staff.

Hopefully this communication is helpful to you, in being informed regarding some of the developments, initiatives and processes as they stand at the start of our school year. As always, I encourage you to continue to communicate with us regarding any clarification, observations or queries you may have and I look forward to this ongoing conversation.

God’s Richest Blessings

Daryl Pollard

College Principal