VHHS Term 1 Success & Celebration

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We say it all the time and once again time has flown. Term 1, 2014 is all but over.

SUCCESS & CELEBRATION

A number of events have occurred this term which have been extremely successful and as such have given me (and others) a lot of pleasure.

  • Firstly the SACE results from 2013. The Stage 2 or Year 12 results are trending upwards in a steady and pleasing way. Since 2011 (which is when the New SACE began in earnest) the schools A& B grades have increased each year and the D & E grades have fallen. The median grade in 2011 was a C- and in 2013 it is a C+. according to the SACE Board these are significant upward trends. Once again this year the school will support further teacher development in areas that aim to improve these results even further.
  • The annual SPORTS DAY was a carnival of colour, participation was up on previous years and an increase in attendance was highly evident.  The students were happy and clearly enjoyed the camaraderie of the day. The student leaders are to be congratulated for the way in which they encouraged and supported House allegiance. The day was well organised by the HPE staff. Well done.
  • DOC program is once again a positive flagship for the school. On Friday 28th March we held a whole day program outlining the benefits of an on-site mental health approach. Over 30 schools and 60 participants attended this day with many approaching me at the end to congratulate the school on such a wonderful program. I have engaged in several radio segments since the day indicating a widespread interest not just at a schooling level. Colin Sibly (Counsellor) has engaged with national media. The Australian and Advertiser will both carry articles on DOC in the week beginning 7th April, not bad for a medium sized secondary school in a regional area.
  • The CANTEEN has been a runaway success. I have enjoyed several stints serving the students who seem to be really happy with the service and the selection. The Canteen Committee are keen to get your views on the Canteen at this early stage and will be seeking your views (staff, students & families). We look forward to hearing your views early next term.
  • Another exciting improvement for me has been in the area of STUDENT VOICE. I spent a great day in Adelaide with 20 of students from years 8-12. The students heard about how to be a leader, what qualities leaders have and how to influence their peers. The day was definitely geared towards young people and the message was applicable to me as well as the students. Mr Loughhead is leading Student Voice and I am now eagerly awaiting the results of the Year Level leaders, how assemblies might change, how students might inform decisions about the grounds and learning.

BYOD

It is extremely disappointing we have not been able to make BYOD operational as yet and for this we apologise especially for the inconvenience this has caused. We remain hopeful it is only a short time away. Mr Bennett, the IT staff and I have been working diligently with both DECD and DATACOM to overcome the issues. The delay seems to have generated some mixed messages being spread and I would like to clarify the school’s position.

  • While it would be excellent for all students to have a device it is not mandatory.
  • There is no deadline to have your own device.
  • We will let you know via SMS, Newsletter and website when we can start the BYOD program.
  • At present if a student brings their own device they are unable to connect to the school’s wireless however if they use a school laptop they are able to connect. There should not be students going offsite to access wireless.

Please contact Mr Bennett or me should you require any clarification.

ASSESSMENT & REPORTING

Currently teaching staff are preparing the (progress) reports which will give families a sense of learning progress being made by students. Early next term there is an opportunity for families , students and teachers to have conversations about student progress. These conversations are very important as it is an opportunity to get back on the right path and/or extend learning if necessary. This year I have asked Ms Haselgrove (Deputy Principal) to lead out a review of the school's Assessment & Reporting Policy. The policy has not changed since 2007 yet the curriculum and the way teachers are asked to deliver the curriculum in 2014 has changed considerably. Hopefully staff, students and families will take the opportunity to put forward ideas that could result in improvements to the policy.

In closing I wish all families a peaceful and restful break and look forward to a positive term 2 which starts Monday 28th April

Until Next Time .........

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