Exam Week

This week has been exam week at the College.  Students from Years 9 to 11 have been undertaking end of semester exams. These exams serve a number of purposes.  Firstly, it is a gauge to how well students have been able to take on board and are able to apply the curriculum in their various subjects.  Secondly, and possibly more importantly for students in Years 9 and 10, it is a chance to practice and learn about the skills and habits required to complete end of semester exams successfully.  It is both an assessment and learning experience.  I hope that all students take the time to reflect on their exam preparation and execution in the next few weeks, and look at finding what they could improve next time this type of opportunity arises.

Webex Intrusions

I did mention last week about some unfortunate and extremely inappropriate intrusions into some WebEx classes during last week’s lock-down.  I am able to report that the Police are involved and are on track to identify the culprit through the work of the Education Department’s IT division and Cisco, the company that operate the WebEx Platform. While we are now aware of how the intruder was able to get in to the classes and are dealing with that issue. It is also important for all students and families to realise what information they are sharing every time they get online.  This is re-assuring in a case like ours, as it will allow the person to be caught. However, it is a little scary to see the spreadsheet of information that is recorded and available through service providers.  It will lead right back to your house or device.  So just be aware:- you are not anonymous when you are on-line, even if you are using a fake name.

Year 8 Rubicon Camp

Next Tuesday, our Year 8 students head off to Rubicon for their four day camp.  The itinerary looks jam-packed and I am sure all students will have a great time.  Please make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes.  

LMR Cross Country

The on again, off again, LMR Cross Country has been moved again.  It is no longer on the 18^th but has a day lightly pencilled in for 22 June.  This will be dependent on what happens with the lock-down in Melbourne, so please be ready for anything.  I feel for Larissa and the Parent’s Club, as this uncertainty does not make a big job any easier!

Long Weekend

I hope that everyone has some plans for the Long Weekend and are able to have a bit of a break. I think everyone – students and staff alike – are still suffering from some effects from last year and the latest lockdown didn’t help.  Hopefully, a short break and then just 9 days of school until holidays, will lift everyone’s spirits.

Semester 2 starting Tuesday

Just so that everyone is aware, Semester 2 officially starts from next Tuesday at the College.  There will be a new timetable for all students, and for many students, there will be some new subjects.  Staff have been very busy trying to compile end of semester reports which will go on into next week.  Proofreading and collation will take place during the last week of term and the holidays.  Reports will be available in the first week of next term.

Tony Hand

Principal

The Hands-on Learning team headed to the St. Arnaud Racing Club to help with track maintenance. The Racing Club had trials on Wednesday 2^nd June, and the track was in pristine conditions. Unfortunately, once the trials were completed the track needed some care to restore it to its former glory.

The Hands-on Learning students were keen to help out and to learn how an organisation like the St. Arnaud Racing club works. The students helped soil and seed any holes made by the horses. It was tedious but rewarding work. Whilst working, they enjoyed listening to Cindy O’Sullivan and Bill Knights educating them on track history and thanked Marilyn Knights for preparing lunch for them all.

The students are looking forward to helping out again, and thoroughly enjoyed their Community Project.

On Friday 4^th June, the Intermediate VCAL girls – Jessica Cassar and Amelia Graham, ran a ‘Cookies and Cupcakes’ fundraiser for Beyond Blue.

For years now, Beyond Blue has been doing as much work as possible to encourage people to learn about the symptoms and types of stress, anxiety and depression, which they could face or may already be experiencing.

In Australia, it's estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

In any one year, around 1 million Australian adults have depression, and over 2 million have anxiety.

Beyond Blue hopes to provide everyone, young and old, with information to recognize how depression, anxiety and suicide can affect people, and simple strategies to understand what to do if it happens to them, or someone close to them.

With the help of the students and staff a­t the College, the girls managed to raise just over $310.

Based on advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, schools in regional Victoria will return to face-to-face learning for all students from and including Friday 4 June. This includes our school.

Face masks

Secondary school students aged 12 or older must wear a face mask indoors at school, unless an exception applies. Face masks are required to be worn outdoors at school where physical distancing of 1.5m cannot be maintained.

Face masks are mandatory for all school staff and school students aged 12 or older when travelling to and from school.

Kind regards,

Tony Hand

Principal