Domain teams met and planned courses, discussed homework expectations and continued the development of our documented curriculum.
On Thursday night we held the informed consent evening for Outdoor Ed students. Parents were taken through the expectations of Forest Hill students on risk adventure camps and the equipment they will need. The students again have an exciting year ahead.
The Swimming Carnival was well organised and a fantastic day. We only had to make 3 phone calls home for students without permission forms. This is much lower than previous years. The attendance was much greater than we have seen in recent years. Well done to all staff for engaging the students in this event. The students sent us a strong message today about what they value, and how they will respond to our direction setting. They love the Tribe interaction with staff and highly value the efforts staff go to in making the event a great day. The large number of students looked amazing in their Tribe colors and their participation in the event demonstrated the great Forest Hill pride. AWESOME!
On the day of the Carnival, the 4 staff who provide support for Salam did their training in how to care for him and we value the work they do highly. They are under significant pressure as his requirements are considerable. Well done to them for successfully completing this intense training and passing their exam.
We heard the great news that in this national year of readingthat the college 2011 visiting author Barry Heard has had his book 'Well done, those men' shortlisted for the National Year of Reading "Our story"- Check it out at the link below.
http://www.love2read.org.au/our-story.cfm
We sought feedback on uniform. This Monday a definitive position on all things uniform will be issued. Our community expect our students to be well presented and so do we. The policy will go to Council this coming Wednesday for their approval.
PL on Thursday focussed on ICT protocols and introduced our new Moodle.This is a Learning Management System to enable 24/7 access to a documented curriculum. It will enhance collaboration and hopefully transform the way we teach. The use of 21 st Century technology in class will eventually be more than storing word and powerpoint files electronically. However, we all have a range of skill sets and our PL approach to this will be differentiated. If your skill set allows you to place and use word and powerpoint files electronically, this is fantatstic. If it allows you to do more, that to is fantastic. It will at the very least reduce photocopying. We must model a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to learning. We cannot continue to photocopy reams of handouts. We also must work to reduce the load in students school bags. The mobile device and good use of Moodle WILL reduce the need for students to take home folders and text books. Spare a thought for the kids lugging heavy back packs each day. Some of thenm walk long distances to attend our school.
The sub committees of Finance, Public Relations and Facilities all met. PR is collecting all parents email addresses and mobile numbers. Distribution lists of cohorts can be developed and SMS messages of attendance can be sent each period or day with current mobile numbers. These will be collected/ checked for accuracy at the upcoming parent information sessions. The cash budget is nearing completion and will be ready for publishing soon. An incredible amount of work has gone into this. We have a clear picture of our finances and are now operating well within our means and focussed on developing resources for learning. Facilities are planning a targetted approach to the maintennance of our grounds and buildings and have been working on a plan for the year. This too will be complete in the next 2 weeks and as we take possession of our new soccer field, the task of landscaping it will begin. Exciting times ahead.
YLL's have been planning information sessions with their parents to set the tone for the year. They will go through attendance, uniform, homework and learning culture expectations. Year 10 and 11 will be collecting their netbooks at their information sessions next week. A lot of planning is going into the distribution of these.
Laptops are being re imaged and soon all year 8 and 9 students will have the new edustar image. The year 7 rollout of their devices will take place next week. Thanks to all staff whop have contributed to the work to prepare this. 1:1 is here and our challenge is to make the most of the teaching opportunities this provides. "Get moodling"
This weeks PL clip lasts 2 minutes and it focusses on using mobile devices ( Ipods, Phones, Android devices ) to enhance student learning. Enjoy.
http://youtu.be/DRMD67pW8M0
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