Another GREAT Week-6

Calendar dates

Term 1, 2014

College Assembly - Friday 21 March
Student Reports Go Live on Compass - Tuesday 25 March
College Council - Wednesday 26 March
Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews - Tuesday 1 April

Some useful links

FHC Website

Compass Parent Portal

FHC Moodle- Student Learning Portal

Remember you can use Compass to approve absences

Dear all, welcome to week 6 Term 1.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS OF THE COLLEGE

Next week our College Leadership team is working for a day offsite to finalise plans around our strategic directions for the year. These directions are all about improving student outcomes and link straight into teacher performance plans and professional learning. We do not take removing our leaders from classes lightly, however this planning is fundamental to our success and ultimately improving outcomes for students.

The year is to be one of narrowing the focus around what good teaching practice is. We have worked at understanding how to differentiate for some time now, and will be sharpening this direction towards a focus on creating challenging learning tasks for all coupled with clear feedback on what students can do and what they need to do to progress in their learning.

I look forward to seeing this work bear fruit as we continue our Principal Team classroom walkthroughs each week.
Our last week was very busy for staff with the swimming sports, middle years tennis and baseball, students auditioning for Debating Victoria awards, an excursion to Barwon Prison, homework and breakfast club continued to thrive and our Later Years Team put on another fantastic night for the parents of Year 10 students.

These events rely on having staff who are willing to go the extra mile and I am thrilled we have a staff team willing to do that. Our expectations of our staff are very high and I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the work they do to make your children's education a rich experience.

COLLEGE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

On Monday 3 March all students from the College set off to Nunawading Aqualink to participate in the College Swimming Carnival. Students have been appointed a Tribe and are requested to come dressed up in their Tribe colours for the day. The day was a great success with some colourful costumes and enthusiastic swimmers and supporters.

VCE THEATRE STUDIES EXCURSION

On Wednesday evening the VCE Theatre Studies class went to see Noel Coward’s ‘Private Lives’ at MTC’s Sumner Theatre.

For some it was the first play they have ever seen, for others it was the first professional production they had ever attended. All were blown away by MTC’s interpretation of the play. Highlights included the rotating stage, carefully choreographed fight scenes and detailed stagecraft designs. After a debrief during classes the students will undertake a Performance Analysis Outcome of this play.

LEGAL STUDIES BARWON PRISON EXCURSION

The year 12 Legal Studies class came face to face with murderers and armed robbers when they went on an excursion to Barwon Prison. With an early start at 7am they arrived at the prison at 8.45am and were told what the rules were as they headed through security. The students had to be cleared through metal detectors so they could make their way to the prisoners they were meeting.

The prisoners weren't hand-cuffed and they were close enough to make contact with. The students were able to talk to them about their crimes, the prison, prison life and the outside world. They learnt about the way prison and sentencing works as well as being made aware of the consequences that can occur for those who misbehave. Although the students didn't completely believe everything they were told, the prisoners were very upfront and honest about their crimes and the regrets that come along with them. It was a great learning experience for all staff and students involved.


RESILIENCE PROJECT.COM.AU

As part of the well being aspect of GROWTH, year 10 students were treated to an inspiring presentation from Hugh Van Cuylenberg.

As the cohort has been focusing on bullying prevention, the presentation was a fitting reminder that resilience is an attribute that helps to prevent this type of behaviour from occurring and from hurting those who are targeted. Hugh inspired students and challenged them to adopt positive psychology thinking;
-gratitude
-positivity
-empathy
-kindness
-mindfulness

 Students who are interested in hearing more about overseas opportunities are encouraged to access the website resilienceproject.com.au

BAD REPUTATION

Rehearsals are now underway for our 2014 school production “Bad Reputation” began.

The production, written and directed by Year 11 students Natalie and Jason, was auditioned a couple of weeks ago. Over 60 students have been cast into the show.

The first rehearsal had over 35 students in attendance and consisted of a meet and greet and a read through of the whole script.

 These rehearsals will continue every Thursday for Term 1 and will be increased in Term 2 in the lead up to the performances on the 4th, 5th & 6th of June. Keep an eye on Compass for rehearsal times and announcements for backstage assistance.