North Eastern Victoria Region Youth Concert
I had the pleasure of attending the NEVR Youth Concert ‘Sonic Canvas’ at the Hamer Hall last week and was accompanied by Ms Kari Simmons our Business Manager. This event featured over 700 students from primary and secondary schools in the north-eastern region of the state coming together in a celebration of music and collaboration.
Congratulations to all our talented MWSC musicians 18 in total, who performed in various ensembles including the String Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Symphonic Orchestra. I was also thrilled to see some of our students’ artwork being displayed between acts. One of the highlights of the night was hearing Madeleine D of Year 12 sing a solo performance of ‘Winner takes it all’. What a showstopper it was and thank you to Mr Ray Liang, Alumni from the Class of 2016 who accompanied her on the piano.
The Symphonic Orchestra ended the night with three numbers. They were conducted by our brilliant Head of Brass, Mr Joseph Yu. Joseph is such a talented conductor and watching him conduct, is pure joy!
Thank you to Mrs Tijtje Keatley Music Director, Mr Joseph Yu and Mr Tim OConnor for supporting the students backstage on the night and Mrs Melissa Knowles who attended rehearsals during the day. Congratulations to all the NEVR instrumental music staff, teachers, students, and families who worked together to put on this night which celebrates how wonderful State Education is.
VCE Northern Hemisphere Examinations
I would like to thank Ms Jo Rogers, Head of Senior School, Mr James Johnston Senior School Leader and our Chief Examiner Mrs Trish Reid, and her team for the smooth way in which they ran the VCE Northern Hemisphere Timetable examination process from Monday 20 May until Friday 24 May. Our students were involved in Unit 4 Accounting, English and Biology exams. The examiners stated how well behaved our students were, which is a great credit to our school.
Reconciliation Week
Mount Waverley Secondary College celebrated Reconciliation Week over the past week. The theme this year was ‘Now More Than Ever’. This theme holds a lot of significance in how we as a nation should move forward in supporting First Nations People. Many activities for both staff and students were held which were organised by our Wellbeing Team. A very important day occurred on Sunday 26 May which was National Sorry Day and students were informed about the important significance of this day. This day is the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, and we all need to understand its importance in Australia’s wider reconciliation journey.
Our ILEARN Values in action
Our college values are ones that we hold dear and are for all members of our learning community to uphold. As per what is occurring in our state health system and in other sectors of employment, schools are finding it increasingly hard to cover classes when staff are away.
So far, we have done an amazing job with the hard work of our two Daily Organisers Mr Scott Smith and Mr Greg Campbell and our many casual relief teachers who we employ to help fill these gaps, as well as teachers who are taking extra classes and support staff who are picking up extra tasks.
I would ask parents and carers to realise the challenges we face and to think about the way in which you address a member of my staff whether it is in person, on the phone or via email during these challenging times.
We all want the same thing and that is to support your children in their learning, but we cannot control when people get sick or must be absent to care for their own children. Your support and understanding would be much appreciated and can be demonstrated in a respectful and caring way.
Senior Campus Bike Shed Security
Please note during the last couple of weeks, we have had a stranger enter our grounds and cut security chains off scooters from the Senior Campus Bike shed, which he then stole. Please note that our insurance does not cover any personal items bought to school, so your students may want to think about whether they find alternative transport or invest in stronger security chains whilst this is occurring. The police are investigating this matter.
Stay Well this Winter
Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from mid-April each year and is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of complications from the flu.
Keeping our school community well
Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:
- washing and sanitising hands regularly
- avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
- staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations
Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.
COVID-19 booster
The 2024 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.
Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness. You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID infection. Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2024 booster dose. You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.
Find out more
For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to:
Correction Day/Semester 2 Starts
Please note that Correction Day will take place on Friday 14 June, and this is a student free day. This day will enable teachers to finalise their Semester 1 assessments. Our Semester 2 classes will begin on Monday 17 June for all year levels which is the second last week of term. The VCAA GAT exam will be held on Tuesday 18 June and no Year 11 or 12 classes will be held on this day.
Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal