From the Principal – 25 October 2018

Welcome back to Term 4!

As we start looking towards end of year events, we take a deep breath in the realisation of all the things that need completing before we wind up the year. For the students there are assessment tasks and examinations to complete. I know the Senior Staff and Heads of School have prepared the VCE students well and have spoken to the students about looking after their physical and mental wellbeing as the examination period approaches. Eat well, rest well and seek assistance from the wellbeing staff if you are struggling. Please could I remind families to encourage their children NOT to drive themselves or their friends to their VCE examinations unless necessary? The students will not be in a position to focus on driving.  Alternative arrangements should be made.

While all this is happening, preparations for 2019 are well underway. Orientation for Year 6 going into Year 7 is on Tuesday 30 October and I look forward to meeting as many Year 6 parents as possible. I have heard numerous tales regarding the readiness of the Year 6 students to move into Senior School. I am currently mentoring a Year 6 group in preparation for their PYP Exhibition and it is not only an absolute delight, but has served as an occasion to observe how ready these young people are to take on bigger challenges.

The Curriculum Directorate is working on a raft of new programs including opportunities for students to get their drone licenses, their pilot’s license, contribute globally, develop entrepreneurship tasks and take part in events of national significance.  It is a very exciting time. I invite families who believe they can contribute to any particular program, to please contact us this term as schools need to plan in advance for activities.

As you know, the revised wellbeing and academic growth structure that strengthens the House System has been released to the community. I warmly invite you to the next Principal’s Morning Tea at 8.45am on Tuesday 13 November in the Rosanove Auditorium Foyer, at which we will unpack the structure further. We will also run an evening community information session regarding the revised structure on Monday November 12 at 6.30pm in the Lecture Theatre at St Margaret’s. Please RSVP to Robyn Gilbertson on gilbertsonr@stmargarets.vic.edu.au  should you wish to attend. We believe the changes will strengthen the communication between School and home as well as the wellbeing and academic tracking of students.

The next Unicorn Series at 6.30pm on November 22 at the St Margaret’s campus ‘Happy to Learn and Learning to be Happy’ will focus on the links between wellbeing and effective learning and the broader community is warmly invited to that event. This event is co-badged with the Australian College of Educators and will follow a Casey Radio show on the topic on Friday 9 November at about 7.50am. I will remind the community that these events are one of the few opportunities parents, academics, teachers and students get to explore together matters that relate to learning and the development of young people.

I wish all our students and families a chance to exercise Courage, Curiosity, Respect and Character and have a great term.

Ms Annette Rome
Principal