Principal's Pen
Farewell Year 12 2018
What a week it has been! The tears, laughter, pride, joy and celebration has been an experience unlike any other. I wish I was in Year 12 again to experience this the way our students at OLSCC have. It is a privilege and an honour to be a part of it all, although its remarkably sad to see them move on to greener pastures! The 2018 Year 12 class has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and I will miss their many quirky ways. We wish them all very safe celebrations and all the best for the future. We won’t see you as often, but you’ll always be welcome here!
Congratulations to College Captains
I am enthused by our new team of Captains at the College, as announced yesterday at the College Farewell for 2018 Graduates. The standard of applications, speeches and interviews were excellent, and all staff reported moments of excellence from this process. I especially look forward to our transition to our House Cup system for next year. Under the proposal put forward by Charlotte Crothers, we will have recognition of Sport, Culture, Spirituality and Academia, as well as an overall House Cup, embracing all aspects of College life. I am also excited to be working with the new Prefects and College Captains from Monday so as to set a clear direction for next year. In case you missed all the news, our student leaders for next year are as follows:
Student Representative Council
Year 6 - Loretta Carpenter, Ryan Champion, Jack Hall and Chloe Manteit
Year 7 - Chelsea Butler, Rohan Cartwright, Eli Harth, Samuel Luck and Amelia McNaughton
Year 8 - Charlie Boland
Year 9 - Chloe Donaldson, Alyssa Ferguson, Clare Griffiths, Claudia Henderson, Charlotte Kelly and Trent Young
Year 10 - Clancy Biggar and Sophie O'Connor
Year 11 - Margot Gleeson, Kacy Miaco and Breanna Tanks
Year 12 - Rory Ross, John Shorter and Zac Trcka
House Leaders
Mackillop
Junior - Olivia Burton and Xavier Gibson, Senior - Charlotte Crothers and Samuel Gillespie
McAuley
Junior - Braithern Crothers and Joshua Smart, Senior - Sam Cullen and Vivi Vadasz
Nolan
Junior - Bronson Barnett and Carla Nobbs, Senior - Jacob Duncan-Hildrew and Sarah McQuaid
Rice
Junior - Tiffany Ham and Emma Reed, Senior - Laney Schloss and Zoe Turner
Prefects
Mikayla Leahy, Jonty McDougall, Garet Mathews and Ariella Stephen
College Captains
Laura May and Lytana King
2019 Class Lists
Yesterday the 2019 Class Lists for Prep-Year 7 were released on the SchoolZine App (SZapp) and from this morning have been physically displayed around the College. As per previous communication, these lists have been carefully crafted considering the learning and social needs of all students. There is always some anxiety with the unknown of your child’s new class for next year, though it is important for parents to understand what the teachers consider when creating the lists, as there are many misconceptions regarding the formation of lists. Please note the following:
- No classes are streamed, at all. We do not stack naughty children in one class, and really smart kids in another. We base all of our placement on a societal model called “inclusion”. This model recognises that for our children to prosper in a diverse world, every child should interact with the diverse students that are at our College. It’s about creating range and balance in every classroom.
- Your child’s current teacher worked with other teachers of your child’s year level to make the class lists, taking into consideration your input. They were focused on learning and social considerations.
- Learning – class teachers look at the progress of students over the past year and consider their areas of strength and development and align that to the best fit class for the following year.
- Social – some children grow and learn best in different social settings, and sometimes, with or without specific other individuals. Once the individual needs for learning are considered, the teachers consider the groupings to make the best learning environment.
- Composite classes – we don’t stream kids up if they are achieving well, or down if they’re having difficulty with learning. Why? Because there’s no evidence to say that it makes any difference to student learning outcomes. There is a misconception that composite classes disadvantage kids. I have taught many composites, and am a product of 5 composite years in my primary education. Research also shows that it makes no difference to performance whether students are in a straight year group or in a multi-age class. It’s the quality of teaching and learning that makes the difference. NB. My son will be in Year 1 of the Prep/1 O composite next year.
Whilst I acknowledge the process for class lists is quite different this year to the past, it is directly in response to the community feedback given to the review committee in 2017. Our community asked for better decision making processes and greater forward planning. I know our teachers certainly appreciate the ability to forward plan for the benefit of our students next year, including “ Up Day” next Friday, and we trust your family is well supported by this also. If you have any concerns about your child’s transition to their class for 2019, please see either their current or future teacher.
College Communication
We have 2 primary modes of communication from the College. The first and foremost is that of SchoolZine. It does everything that Skoolbag once did, as well as hosts our absentee form, College calendar, Flexischools (online tuckshop), website and various other items. Without this app installed on your phone or device, you will certainly miss key events and information. If this is not possible for you, then all information can also be accessed through the College website or via email. To register form email communication, click on the subscribe button in the Schoolzine Newsletter landing page. Our other form of communication is via FaceBook. Here we post reminders as well as celebrations of the wonderful achievements of our College and community. Please ensure you are up to date with these modes of communication and keep your family informed – grandparents love keeping up with the College!