The Newsletter Friday 28th February 2025

PRINCIPAL REPORT

Swimming Sports – What a day!

What a magnificent day for our swimming sports! The sun was shining, the house spirit was electric, and the energy throughout the day was incredible. A huge shoutout to our Year 12s, who truly outdid themselves with their creative costumes and infectious enthusiasm. Their ability to bring all year levels into the spirit of the event was fantastic to see! Our staff once again put in an enormous effort, working tirelessly throughout the day to ensure everything ran smoothly — thank you to every one of you. A special mention to our sports team: Aidan, Tim, Jo-san, Travis  and  Georgia, who, bought the day together doing an outstanding job coordinating the event A massive congratulations to Green House for taking out the overall win. Well done to everyone who participated, cheered, and made the day such a success.

There will be a special assembly on Monday morning in the piazza at 9:00am to present the age champion and Mary Gaidies awards.

Naplan Later This Term

Students in years 3, 5, 7 & 9 will undertake Naplan tests later this term. As we get nearer to this testing period commencing on March the 12^th, students in these year levels might begin to discuss the testing period at home. Please ensure that you encourage your child/ren to do the best that they can on all the tests. The individual best efforts of each child are all that we can ask for and this will help us as a school with our planning and teaching.

Meeting Our New Children

 Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting our Foundation children to see how our newest students are settling in. And what a fantastic bunch they are! What a wonderful enthusiastic group they are; so ready to learn and excited about all the new and exciting things they must master to grow into great readers and learners.

If I had to describe how proud I felt to see these students standing in front of both the Junior and whole school assemblies sing “We are Australian”. We’re so excited to watch this group grow and thrive — we know they have an exciting journey ahead.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is again very popular with our students. We are up and running 5 days a week from 8:15 to 8:45. Damian has been flat out providing spaghetti or baked bean jaffles, milk, toast, cereal, fresh fruit and fruit cups. It’s great to see so many students fuelling up their brains for learning first thing in the morning.

SunSmart

With the extreme summer heat, we should all be more vigilant about being SunSmart. Students in F-6 are required to wear their hats at school and students without hats will need to spend lunch and recess time under the shaded ‘hat tree’. Sunscreen is available in classrooms. Please make it part of your child morning routine to pack their hats.

Late Arrivals 

Unfortunately, I have already noticed that some students are arriving late to school every day. It is important that students are on time and ready to learn at 9:00am. Being late impacts the learning of both your child and every other student in their class. If you need help to ensure your child is at school on time, please contact the school so we can help support you and your child.

PUPIL FREE DAY'S/ PUBLIC HOLIDAYS  FOR 2025

Please see below the dates for the year  Staff Professional development days and Public Holidays on theses days Students are not required at school. 

PARLIAMENT IN SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Years 4-6 students had an incredible opportunity to be part of history as they participated in the Parliament in Schools program. For the first time ever, Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, visited our area, bringing Parliament directly to our school.

The session included a presentation by Hon Milton Dick MP and Dr Anne Webster MP, where they shared insights into their roles in Parliament and their daily responsibilities. Our students also had the chance to dress up as the Serjeant at Arms and Speaker, participate in a vote on a "bill," and experience democracy in action – just like real Members of Parliament.

It was an unforgettable experience, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of this milestone in Australian civics education.

A huge thank you to Hon Milton Dick MP and Dr Anne Webster MP for making this opportunity possible and inspiring our students to learn about the important workings of democracy.

INTENSIVE SCHOOL SUPPORT

Our school will be participating in the department’s new Intensive School Support (ISS) initiative over the next two years. 

As part of this, our school will receive prioritised support from the area and region, and priority access to department-led programs and professional learning. 

As part of the program, we will have the support of an ISS Senior Leader (an experienced principal based in the region), complemented by advice from an independent school improvement specialist who will undertake an alignment review between our school’s Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) and the supports provided by the region and the department. 

This alignment review will include fieldwork at the school this term, including focus groups with staff and students, meetings with the school council president, and classroom observations.

Please contact Lyn Coulter, Rikki Johnson or Stephanie Fang if you would like to be part of the parent focus group.

JUNIOR CAPTAINS 2025

Congratulations to Jed MacIntosh and Austin Smith. The Boys were announced The Junior Captains at the F-6 Assembly.  It is an honour and a wonderful opportunity for them to develop their leadership skills while representing the school at assemblies and in the community.

HOUSE TEAM CAPTAINS

Our House Team Captains have been announced. The main role of a captain is to inspire and lead their team during the Swimming  Carnival, Cross Country and  Athletic Sports. Congratulation to  Blue House: Vilivaka Filimone & Nisha Whitton, Green House: Rachel Fotukava & Kali Hafoka  and Gold House: Nazareth Filimone & Elizabeth Chirchiglia  Captains.

SWIMMING CARINVAL

Thanks to everyone who was involved with making the Swimming Sports a success on Tuesday! Special thanks to the sports team  for  their organization of the day. Congratulation all of our students who competed and special congratulations to House and our age group champions. Thank you also to the parents, carers and grandparents who came out to support the students. To our  students who went on  to compete and represent the College  at Mallee Division Swimming in Mildura Well Done. Our Age Champions will be announced on Monday 3rd March.

SECONDARY INTER -SCHOOL SWIMMING CARIVAL 

Congratulation to Matt Phajongdee and Dylan Costa. Matt came first in both 50m breaststroke and freestyle, while Dylan came 5th in 50m freestyle and 8th in breaststroke. 

PAT CRONIN FOUNDATION PRESENTATION

Students in Years 7–12 listened to our guest speaker  Aidan Phelan, who spoke about  real-life stories about social violence, focusing on anger, aggression, choices, consequences, and conflict resolution strategies. Pat Cronin’s story highlights the worst possible outcome of social violence, encouraging students to make wise decisions. The program has been set up and hopes to help students manage anger, understand the long-term effects of their actions, and develop effective conflict-handling skills.

HAMISH JENNER

A school-based apprenticeship offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience while continuing their education.  Hamish Jenner has just been signed up by Robert Davoli to commence his Certificate III in Plumbing, attending school four days a week and working with an employer one day a week. This approach combines classroom learning with practical experience, helping students build technical skills and career readiness. For employers, it’s a valuable opportunity to mentor young talent and develop a skilled workforce tailored to their needs, making school-based apprenticeships a mutually beneficial arrangement gaining popularity among both students and employers.  Well done Hamish.

VCE VM AND VPC INDUSTRY VISIT

Students from the VCE VM and VPC class attended an Industry visit in Mildura on Wednesday the day began at Station 72 Mildura Fire Brigade where the students were given an industry overview the day began with an insight into the fire and emergency services sector. They then went through the day-to-day functioning of Station 72. They then heard about the Career Pathways & recruitment opportunities and processes for joining the fire brigade. This was followed by a site tour and equipment demonstrations, where students explored firefighting tools and techniques used during emergency responses.

The students then made their way to the Back Court Mildura, where they had a presentation on the Back Court Mildura’s operations, career opportunities, and recruitment processes. Followed by a facility tour showcasing the amenities and services offered, and an activity session where students engaged in practical activities. They were then given the opportunity for a Q&A session that allowed students to interact with staff and gain further insights into potential career options.

Thank you to Dale Harvey the School to Work Coordinator, from Northern Mallee Local Learning & Employment Network, for organising the day.

CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE BAKER

Stephanie was awarded the Peter Manolas Trophy at the Northern Mallee Sports Star of the Year Awards  last Friday night, in Mildura. The awards night,  celebrates the immense diversity of sports in the Sunraysia . The  event honours not only athletes but also coaches, volunteers, and administrators, showcasing the dedication and hard work of individuals across all ages and abilities. It's a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of everyone involved in the  sporting community.

OUR PLACE