NL 02: 01 03 2013 - Ringwood Secondary College

Newsletter Number 2 March 01, 20123
PREFECTS INDUCTION 2013
Last week I had the pleasure of inducting our 2013 Prefects. This
important tradition highlights the significance of the role of our
student leaders and especially the key role our Year 12 students
play in the daily life of our college.
It was particularly inspiring to hear from Mark Bolton who was
himself a student at Ringwood in the mid 90’s. In his role as CEO
of Ladder an organisation that constructs housing for homeless
youth, Mark highlighted many important leadership qualities
and in particular the importance of service to others.
As a result of Marks input, we hope to utilise some of the opportunities
to develop a more comprehensive approach to Youth in
Philanthropy initiatives throughout the College.
UPCOMING COMMUNICATION
In the coming fortnight we will be contacting all families to advise
you of the introduction of an internet portal called Compass
School Manager.
The letter will explain how you will be able to access information
on attendance and student reports, book conferences with teachers,
provide permissions and payments for excursions and activities
and keep up to date with news relevant to your child(ren).
Each family will receive a letter via Australia Post on Thursday
March 14 or Friday March 15 confirming a username and password.
Access will be by selecting the Compass icon on the Ringwood
Secondary College website.
In keeping with the sense of occasion and the importance of forging
relationships, the College held its Prefect Induction Ceremony
on Thursday the 21st of February where 23 of our elected prefects
were inducted in the time honoured Prefects’ Book. Our guest
speaker, Mr Mark Bolton, himself a prefect of the College in 1996,
spoke of the importance of decisions, having a go and committing
to decisions. The importance of a ceremony of this nature can never
be overlooked in building year level cohesion and unity. A huge
thanks and congratulations to all the Year 7 cohort for being such a
wonderful audience.
Once again, the Dr Michael Carr-Gregg evening was well attended
by parents and students – his pragmatic advice and lifestyle tips on
getting the best out the VCE was well received.
Mr. J Barut
Assistant Principal
From Mrs Stathatos ..
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
The past two weeks have seen students settling into the routines
of their year level and making a terrific effort to improve their work
habits.
Work habits such as coming to class and submitting work on time
are crucial in maximising student outcomes. We encourage students
to maintain a high level of engagement with their learning
and to ask for assistance when they experience challenges.
Best wishes to all students representing the school on the World
Tour, leaving this weekend. I am sure you will all be great representatives
of your school and community.
From Mr Barut ..
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY.
Michael Phillips
Principal
The life of a VCE student is a continuum of SACs, homework,
study, preparation and commitment.
The College supports our students by offering them counselling,
mentoring and spaces to study and revise. Students have access
to the Senior Study Centre until at least 5.00pm every night! What
a fantastic opportunity for our current cohort to stay back after
classes at the end of the day and revise what they have learnt and
prepare for the next day’s classes.
On that note the MEC study day was an immensely successful day
where all our Year 12 students were taken through different workshops
on the best way to ‘study’…..an inherently difficult concept!
Workshops included Student Elevation, Time Management and
Study Sensei. Further, the Chief Assessor of the English study,
Mr Bob Hillman, provided a valuable insight on what constitutes
success in the VCE English examination. Students from all schools
were attentive to all the presenters and respectful of the occasion….even
new friendships were forged. The attending teachers
spoke highly of the exemplary behaviour and attitude. It was a
pleasure for all to attend.
UNIFORM
We would ask for parental support in uniform matters. Students at
this stage of the year are to wear their summer uniform.
Please note that Ringwood Secondary College does not accept
students wearing facial piercings. Thank you to parents for their
vigilance in this matter.
We encourage Middle School students to take on leadership opportunities
offered to them.
The Year 10 Common period, in particular, has been a terrific way
for students to discover what’s on offer. Best wishes to everyone
who applies for positions of leadership.
Mrs. E Stathatos
Assistant Principal
School Council Report ..
RTTF REPORT: JOE POLLOCK
• RTTF enrolment has increased in 2013 with around 60 VET Automotive
students, 60 VET Engineering students, 100 Information
Technology/Shared Technology/Cisco/Media students, 35 Automotive
apprentices (inc SBATs) and 7 Engineering apprentices.
• The automotive and IT/Cisco training facilities have been upgraded
– they are now excellent teaching and learning facilities.
• Joe Pollock to update RSC staff re RTTF changes.
RECURRENT FUNDING FOR RTTF FOLLOW UP: MICHAEL PHILLIPS
• Michael Phillips has had ongoing meetings with Minister Hall.
Council to write to DEECD to follow up.
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