Principal's Report

Farewell Term 2 – ‘Great to Exceptional’ – ‘Jewel of the East’
It is satisfying to complete the second school term with no interruptions due to the pandemic.  Our school continues to go from strength to strength and it was marvellous to see your children’s diligence and focus over our exam period.

Our School Review has now been completed, and we are now working on a strategic plan for the future. Please read below for further information about the Review as well as many other news items.

School Review 2022 – ‘Great to Exceptional’
The dates for the School Review were as follows:

  • Panel Day 1: Validation Day: Wednesday 11 May 2022
  • Fieldwork Days: Tuesday 14 June 2022 and Wednesday 15 June 2022. This involved the School Reviewer with various focus groups – staff, students, and parents.
  • Panel Day 4: Tuesday 21 June 2022.

The School Review Panel was comprised of the following members: John Hunter (Accredited Reviewer),Éva McMaster (Senior Education Improvement Leader, Department of Education & Training North Eastern Victoria Region), Brett Moore (Principal), Nathan Chisholm (Principal Prahran High School - Challenge Partner), Wayne Craig (Former Principal and Regional Director of the Northern Metropolitan Region - Challenge Partner), Nicki Dear (School Council President), Merran Taylor (PFN President), Meg McLellan (Assistant Principal), Tom O’Toole (Assistant Principal), Debbie Whitehouse (Director of Business), Caroline Servadei (Leading Teacher), Dom Holloway (Teacher), Harriet Cooper (Teacher), Elisa Jones Arango (ES), Angela Hewerdine (Year 11 student), Sebastian Millan (Year 11 student).

Members of the School Review panel conducted observations and focus group meetings of staff, students, and parents.  The School Review investigations were guided by the following three focus questions:

Achievement
1.  To what extent does the teaching in the school address the individual learning needs of students?

Engagement
2.  To what extent do students have agency in their learning in classrooms across the school?

Wellbeing
3.  To what extent does the school address the wellbeing needs of all students?

According to the evidence, we have tracked extremely well as a school in relation to our three Strategic Plan goals for the period 2019 – 2022. The three goals have been:

  1. Raising achievement through consistent implementation of a powerful approach to teaching and learning;
  2. Enhancing active engagement in learning, and motivation to learn, through implementation of approaches that empower students and develop voice, leadership and agency;
  3. Enhancing learning growth by continuing to build the capacity of all staff in curriculum planning, pedagogy, and assessment.

As principal, I am exceedingly proud of our achievements as a school community.

School Strategic Plan 2023 - 2026 – ‘Ongoing Growth and Sustained Success’
The theme of the last Strategic Plan (2019 -2023) was From Great to Exceptional. The theme of the next Strategic Plan will be Ongoing Growth and Sustained Success. Day 4 of the School Review process enabled the panel to form the main substance of the goals for our next Strategic Plan. The substance of the three goals are:

  • Goal 1: To maximise achievement for all students
  • Goal 2: To enhance student agency in their learning
  • Goal 3: To improve student wellbeing and holistic learning growth for all students.

Targets, improvement strategies and actions for these Strategic Plan Goals will be developed in detail over the course of Term 3. The Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026 will be discussed at Education Sub Committee, approved by School Council, signed off by the Principal and School Council President, prior to being submitted to the DET.

‘The Path Forward’ at Ashwood High School – ‘Ongoing Growth and Sustained Success’
Our school brand is very well known and respected in the community.  Our school profile has been forged on the essential elements of The Path Forward at Ashwood High School.  As a united school community it is appropriate that we reflect on the five key elements of ‘The Path Forward’. Our commitment to ‘The Path Forward’ has led to our school’s turn around and success. Polishing the ‘Jewel of the East’ will be determined by our capacity to pull together around these following five elements:

  • School Motto ‘Vision Inspired Action’ and School ‘Vision’
  • School values – CHOIR
  • Four Pillars of our GREAT / Exceptional school
  • Four Priorities to realise the Vision
  • Educational Philosophy
    • ‘At Ashwood High School we cultivate critically aware, reflective, resilient, confident and independent learners for life. We create a community which provides a safe, secure, welcoming, and orderly learning environment. We believe deep learning is facilitated by outstanding teaching. This occurs when all learners are actively engaged in a variety of differentiated and challenging learning tasks that are academically rigorous. This is reflected in our students’ outstanding achievements. We value the whole person, and are committed to creating positive, adaptable and socially aware citizens of the world. We encourage our students to develop responsibility for their own learning, progress and behaviour. We foster collaboration and cooperation with shared expectations of success. Ashwood High School is committed to providing innovative teaching and learning strategies. We are dedicated to establishing supportive and authentic relationships to ensure our students enjoy learning and achieve their full potential.’                                                                                                
  • Motto and School Vision - The Path Forward at Ashwood High School – ‘Great to Exceptional’                                                                     
  • Four Pillars of our GREAT school:
  1. A strong emphasis on Academic Excellence
  2. A Sporting Excellence program
  3. A significant commitment to the Creative Arts
  4. Strong Community Partnerships – a focus on Civics, Citizenship, and Leadership.                         
  • Four Key Priorities to Realising the Vision 
  1. enhancing the student culture
  2. growing pride and achievement
  3. valuing staff and building capacity
  4. increasing positive parental and community engagement.
  • Our School’s Values – CHOIR

Enrolments – ‘The Jewel of the East’ ‘From Great to Exceptional’
Demand for Year 7 places for 2023 is at an all time high. Preference requests are still being finalised within the DET timeline. We have currently processed second and third round offers and now await the appeal process. Final numbers should be known in August 2022.

Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) Program – ‘Growing Pride and Achievement’
Demand for our Year 7 ACE class in 2023 will be highly contested with the likelihood of double the number of students taking an examination for 2023 entry at the school on Saturday 6 August 2022.  Registration for the test must be prepaid (online) prior to Friday 29 July 2022 via https://aus.edutest.com.au/D/?t=2NXS3I70  Successful candidates will be notified in August 2022 and a second round of testing may be offered. The ACE Program has been an important part of our School’s vision as a school of first choice.

Face-to-Face On-Site School Tours - ‘Increasing Positive Community Engagement’
Ashwood High School is also experiencing exceptional demand for school tours.  Approximately 50 families toured the school on Friday 10 June 2022. Prospective students and parents have sent letters of appreciation to the school, expressing excitement at the prospect of their child attending the school in the future.

Virtual Tour – ‘Increasing Positive Community Engagement’
During COVID-19 in 2020 the school wisely invested in a virtual tour. The tour has maintained its currency, with over 400 views in May 2022 alone. https://360.tspvic.com.au/ahs3147

Attitudes to School Survey – ‘Enhancing the Student Culture’
The Student Attitudes to School Survey was finalised on Friday 17 June 2022. The purpose of the survey is to obtain student opinion on the quality of the learning environment and connectedness to school. The results will be reported to the school community and form part of the Annual Report for 2022.  The attitudes and respect of Ashwood High School students is a source of pride for our entire community. 

Pupil Free Day – Report Writing Day – ‘Valuing Staff and Building Capacity’
A Pupil Free Day was held on Friday 17 June 2022 for the purpose of report writing.  Report proof reading will continue in weeks 9 and 10 and reports will be published on Compass on the last day of school for Term 2, Friday 24 June 2022. I would like to congratulate staff for their commitment to quality assessment and reporting.

School Examinations – Semester 1, 2022 - Growing Pride and Achievement’
Ashwood High School is focused on delivering high academic and social outcomes for students. The examination program ensures that we have disciplined and accountable teaching and learning. I am pleased with the quality of the professionalism and care taken by staff and students. The examination program reflects positively on the school when I am taking parent tours. The examination program occurred for Years 7-11 during the week of Monday 6 June 2022 to Monday 10 June 2022.  Thank you to Ms Peta Gannoulis, and all staff involved who ensured that this was a rigorous process.

General Achievement Test (GAT) and Practice GAT - Growing Pride and Achievement’
As part of The Path Forward, the school has placed a great deal of emphasis on improving student performance in the GAT. The GAT plays a role in the calculation of students’ ATAR scores. The 2022 GAT will be held on Wednesday 7 September 2022. The slightly later test date provides the time required to ensure the revised GAT is valid and reliable, and for teachers and students to understand the changes – with the test expected to return to its traditional June date from 2023. A Practice GAT is being prepared to be undertaken in Week 4 Term 4. This practice GAT will enable VCE students to obtain valuable experience in the expected rigours of this exam, as well as exposure to the style of questioning.

Subject Offerings 2023 – CAPs, VCE, VET & VCAL Programs – ‘Growing Pride and Achievement’
I am pleased that the alignment of the two mini schools that was implemented in 2022 (and designed in 2018) has led to subject blockings that better align Year 10 subjects with the structural conditions for successful studies in the Senior School.  The school’s curriculum is based on providing a guaranteed and viable curriculum in conjunction with the school’s overall resources. Greater flexibility in the subject blockings provide greater opportunities for student choice.  The school believes firmly in student engagement and academic excellence being driven by student voice and agency.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Changes for 2023 - VCE Vocational Major (VM) – ‘The Education State’
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is Victoria’s senior secondary qualification. It opens pathways to university, higher-level Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificate courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and the workforce.

The VCE is expanding to include the Vocational Major, a 2-year vocational and applied learning program. It will replace Senior and Intermediate VCAL from 2023.

The VCE Vocational Major is a new vocational and applied learning program that sits within the VCE. It is four new subjects that have been added to the VCE that will make up the core of the student’s program.  It takes what is called an ‘applied learning approach’.  Applied learning involves students engaging in relevant and authentic learning experiences. It is a method of learning where theoretical information comes to life for students in a real world context that relates directly to their own future, is within their own control and is within an environment where they feel safe and respected.  Students' knowledge grows and expands as they take action to learn, reflect on that action and plan how to do it better next time.

The VCE Vocational Major is the replacement for the Intermediate and Senior VCAL.  It is a two year program over Years 11 and 12.  Only students who enrol in the full program can choose these new VCE VM studies.

The VCE Vocational Major will prepare students to move successfully into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university through alternative entry programs or directly into the workforce.  The four main studies are assessed at a school level through authentic assessment activities.  There are no external examinations for the VCE VM studies and therefore students do not receive a study score, and are not eligible to receive an ATAR.

Students who have completed the satisfactory completion requirements of the VCE VM will receive a Victorian Certificate of Education with the words Vocational Major on it to recognise their achievements.

Instrumental Music Program – ‘Enhancing the Student Culture’
Our marvellous Instrumental Music Program, led by the Director of Music Wendy Anderson, has been busy with performances, VCE performances and rehearsals.  I am proud to have over 120 students enrolled in the Instrumental Music Program and look forward to these students’ contribution at our House Performing Arts Festival.

Co-curricular Programs 2022 - Enhancing the Student Culture
Co-curricular Programs have included:

  • Sport:
    • Years 9 and 10 Interschool Sport Monday 6 June 2022
    • Years 8 Interschool Sport Friday 3 June 2022
  • Student Leadership:
    • Student Led Clubs and societies, including:
      • A to Z Community
      • Interact Club
      • Art Club
      • Chess Club
      • Drama Club
      • Student Newspaper Club
      • Maths Club
      • Performing Arts Club
    • Involvement in the School Review Panel.

Thank you to Calvin Yin, Middle School Student Voice, Leadership and Agency Coordinator and Daniel Meagher, Senior School Student Voice, Leadership and Agency Coordinator for their work with these students. 

  • Music:
    • Strings Recital Wednesday 25 May 2022
    • Mid Term Concert Wednesday 1 June 2022

Thank you to Wendy Anderson, Director of Music and her team of Instrumental Music teachers for their expertise and passion.

The outstanding array of high quality co-curricular activities makes you proud to be a part of the Ashwood High School community.

International Agents Visit  – Growing Pride and Achievement; Enhancing our Student Culture
We were very proud to show our school to a group of International Agents on Thursday 26 May 2022. The agents were very impressed with our school, staff, and students. It was a pleasure showing the group of agents the exemplary educational opportunities available at Ashwood High School.  Thank you to Yonghong Williams, International Student Manager, for coordinating this visit.

Careers Expo  Growing Pride and Achievement
The Ashwood High School Careers Expo was held on Tuesday 31 May 2022 at Ashwood High School showcasing career and course opportunities for our students, including undergraduate programs for both local and international students, pathway programs, traineeships, and apprenticeship opportunities and services offered by institutions for students who require extra assistance due to a disability.

Several reputable organisations, including Deakin University, Holmesglen Institute, RMIT, University of Tasmania (UTAS), Box Hill Institute, JMC Academy, Australian Catholic University (ACU), Kangan Institute, Torrens University Australia, Richmond Football Club Leadership Program, Gateway LLEN exhibited on the night which was well attended with approximately 400 students and families attending.  Congratulations to Jodie Hechenberger and her team for the coordination of this magnificent event. 

Camps Program - Enhancing the Student Culture
Thank you to staff for their outstanding commitment to outdoor education and students’ emotional and social development. The Year 9 Outdoor Studies Camp, held Tuesday 14 June 2022 to Thursday 16 June 2022 was a popular camp. Congratulations to Jeffrey Newman (Camps Coordinator) and Ruby Cameron.  The Year 9 Camp to Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula was held from Wednesday 22 June 2022 to Friday 24 June 2022.  By all accounts this camp was highly successful.  Thank you to Lucy Rimmer and her team for organising this wonderful experience for students.

Upcoming camps discussed and approved at School Council include:

  • Year 9 & 10 Outdoor Education Camp (Grampians) Term 3 – Monday 5 September – Friday 9 September 2022
  • Year 8 Camp (Grampians) Term 3 – Wednesday 17 August – Friday 19 August 2022.

Staff Workforce Planning 2022 – ‘Valuing Staff & Building Capacity’
Ashwood High School will continue to retain, attract, and develop quality staff to the school. This period of growth and prosperity provides us with an opportunity to continue to strengthen the quality of our workforce in support of the school’s Vision.

School Capital Works Program Including School Driveway off High Street Road – Great to Exceptional – ‘Jewel of the East’
Site preparation continues with much work happening behind the fence.  I am elated that preliminary planning for a new entry (school driveway) to the school has been prepared. 

The $10.1 million from the Department of Education and Training was allocated to the development and re-development of teaching and learning spaces, in particular the creation of our new STEAM and Research Centre and the modernisation of Building G. $500,000 was allocated to a ‘drop off’ area at the back of the school, demonstrating the school’s commitment to securing a school driveway off High Street Road.  The school has contributed $2.1 million to the scope of works to ensure our students have the best facility possible.  In addition, the school received a further $3.1 million for the development of the School Driveway off High Street Road. Content Studio is overseeing the Design and Development phase of the School Driveway. The driveway is expected to alleviate traffic around the school and enhance student safety.

New Electoral District of Ashwood – The Jewel of the East
The new Electoral District of Ashwood has been declared and it places Ashwood High School right in the middle of the District; from Burke Road in the west to Blackburn Road in the east, Burwood Highway in the north to Monash Freeway in the south. Essentially the whole area west of Warrigal Road which I have successfully targeted over the last 7 years will now come into the electoral fold. Members of the community are aware of the prominence of Ashwood High School in the new electoral district of Ashwood.

 

Happy, Safe and Rewarding Winter Study Break
It has been an enormously satisfying year to date. I would like to thank students, staff, and parents on your contribution to a wonderful semester of learning. I wish all families and staff a safe and restful break. I look forward to seeing you all safe and sound on Monday 11 July, 2022.

Dr Brett Moore
Executive Principal
Friday 24 June, 2022


 



Key Dates - Term 3 2022



Middle School Assistant Principal's Report

Greetings from the Middle School at Ashwood High School. On behalf of all staff working in the Middle School, many thanks to our parent community for their support of our school in Term Two.  As ever, the strength of our community remains strong.

Please see below for some summary highlights from the second half of Term 2, 2022.

Reconciliation Week
Ashwood High School remains committed to the teaching opportunities discussions about aboriginal reconciliation affords. In Week 6, we celebrated Reconciliation Week through a series of activities, including the construction of a ‘Sea of Hands’ and a non-uniform day with the themed colours of black, yellow, and red to represent the Australian aboriginal flag. All proceeds collected from the gold coin donations from the non-uniform day will be contributed to the construction of our school’s Indigenous Garden, currently in the final stages of construction. More information to follow as we progress through our plans for this celebratory meeting place. Stay tuned!

Examination Week
Many congratulations to our students for their high levels of effort and engagement in preparing and sitting exams in Week 7 of this term. Our students in the Middle School have had limited opportunities to experience this important part of education – sitting exams. Ashwood High School strongly values the learning opportunities afforded through exposure and practice of examination processes – in preparation for the later years of schooling. Our Years 7 to 9 students always upheld our school’s values during their preparation and writing of exams. Well done, students.

Year 9 Camp
Camps enable our students to engage with valuable learning outside of the classroom. Our Year 9 cohort attended camp from Wednesday 22 June 2022 to Friday 24 June 2022 at Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula. Students demonstrated their resilience, tenacity and optimism throughout – by engaging in a number of skill-building activities and learning opportunities. Congratulations and thanks to Ms Lucy Rimmer – Leading Teacher and Mr Ned Hayward – Melba House Coordinator - for leading the Year 9’s and staff in attendance.

Co-Curricular Activities
Term 2, 2022 saw a continuation of the plethora of co-curricular opportunities on offer at school. There have been high levels of student engagement in these additional programs running before school, during recess and lunch and afterschool. It is also important to acknowledge the efforts of our school’s great teachers and support staff who devote large amounts of discretionary time to organise and deliver these programs.

Students at all year levels are strongly encouraged to seek ways to become involved in our school’s co-curricular offerings. A complete list of these programs is available on the Compass Newsfeed as well as the Compass calendar.

Congratulations to all students on the successful completion of Semester 1, 2022. Best wishes to student and families for a safe and restful holiday break.

Meg McLellan
Middle School Assistant Principal



Middle School Engagement, Wellbeing and Transitions Report

What a busy, exciting, and challenging Term 2 we have had here in the Middle School. It the midst of winter, our Middle School students have faced the challenges of Term 2 with optimism and with enthusiasm to excel in all areas of their learning. Our Years 7 and 8 students conducted their very first Semester Exams for English and Maths and our Year 9 students sat exams for their four core subjects: English, Maths, Science and Humanities. Students learned valuable lessons about discipline, resilience and optimism when undertaking these exams and I was very proud of how all Middle School students conducted themselves during this time. I wish to congratulate all students on the effort and dedication they exhibited toward their studies during this exam period. I also wish to acknowledge the extraordinary work of our Middle School teachers, who worked above and beyond to ensure students were readily prepared, supported and always encouraged to do their very best.

The Tutor Group Program this term has provided our Middle School students with the opportunity to begin making informed career decisions and equip themselves for the world of work. Years 7 and 8 students were introduced to the DET Careers Program and Year 9 students the Morrisby Program. A big thank you to our Careers and Pathways Coordinator Jodie Hechenberger for providing our students and staff with the resources to deliver and learn about these programs. We are so lucky to have such an experienced Careers and Pathways Coordinator to assist our Middle School students to develop career action plans for life outside school.

Students have also been introduced to the importance of a study timetable and strategies to assist their revision during the exam period.

As we look toward Term 3 in Tutor Group, the inaugural House Performing Arts festival will be our focus. A big thank you to Ms Michelle Leane - The School Musical Production and House Performing Arts Producer/Manager for getting this up and running and for all your fantastic preparation in advance. I trust that our Middle School students will love the opportunity to perform in all areas of the Performing Arts and battle it out for the winning place!

As I write this article, the final preparations are underway for our Year 9s to go adventuring for three days and two nights to Golden Valley Camp, Flinders. Students will be introduced to the complexities of team dynamics, deciding in teams how they can work together to undertake and learn from various outdoor activities and challenges. This program provides insights and connections to the environmental landscape of the area looking into the local Flora and Fauna, and Indigenous histories. It is also an exploratory adventure investigating some of the conservation issues faced on The Mornington Peninsula and the ways that people come to understand and connect with the region. We look forward to seeing lots of photos of their achievements upon their return. Thank you in advance to the large group of staff who are spending time away from their families (and their classes) on the final week of term to facilitate this amazing experience for our Year 9 students. Special thank you goes out to Ms Lucy Rimmer and Mr Ned Hayward for their leadership of this camp and all their organisation thus far.

In the midst of all of going on this term, our wonderful Middle School team continue to work tirelessly, supporting our students with their wellbeing, attendance, individual education plans and encouraging engagement through lunchtime clubs and leadership opportunities. A huge thank you to our Middle School Team: Mr Guy Driscoll, Mrs Vicky Dernikos, Mr Ned Hayward, Ms Harriet Cooper, Mr Calvin Yin and Mrs Laura Higgins for their tireless efforts above and beyond their working hours. In addition, our Wellbeing Team work so supportively across both Mini Schools to provide additional support for students who are experiencing challenges with their wellbeing. Thank you to Ms Elisa Jones-Arango (School Psychologist), Long Nguyen and Emily Kelly. A huge thank you to Mrs Julie Clearwater and her team for their support of our PSD students and the care and compassion you provide.  

I wish all students, families, and staff a happy and relaxing Term 2 holiday! Stay safe… and warm!

Sachael Miller
Middle School Student Engagement, Wellbeing and Transitions Leader



From the House Coordinators

To all members, well done on a fantastic Semester 1!

Cowan students have continued to produce a fantastic level of participation in all co-curricular activities wherever possible. All students should be applauded with continuing to impress with an ongoing desire to represent their House proudly.

Cowan students should also be extremely proud on the way they have conducted themselves in completing their mid-year exams.

The Tutor Group program, held on Tuesdays, continues to strongly ensure all Cowan members are maintaining their House comradery. With weekly wellbeing check ins, group events, productivity activities centred around mindfulness, and ongoing wellbeing support available, the program is proving as important as ever, especially now with these tryingl times.

With further respect to the Tutor Group program, it would be prudent of me to make special mention to the team tasked with looking after the wellbeing of the Cowan Middle School students. All five staff members are doing a wonderful in ensuring the wellbeing of their Tutor Group members is one of their highest priorities. I would like to extend a significant thank you to those staff members involved and to the head of the Middle School, Ms Sachael Miller, for continuing to provide such an amazing program.

I am extremely happy and proud with the way in which all Cowan students have implemented their fantastic approach to their schooling and have continued their strong academic year. All members of Cowan House have epitomised Ashwood High School’s High Expectations and values in an admirable manner. I ask all members to continue supporting one another wherever possible and progressing on in their strong manner.

I keenly look forward to the return to learning in Term 3 and the formation of a strong second semester.

To all, enjoy your break, please be safe, and look out for one another.

Guy Driscoll
Cowan House Middle School Coordinator

With mid-semester break approaching, we reflect on the successes of Semester 1. Flynnians have flown high this semester, with many students exemplifying the CHOIR values in classes and with their chosen extra-curriculum activities. They have highlighted their strengths, their resilience and the great values they uphold on a daily basis. Many students have overcome many challenges and shown a true determination to strive for the goals set earlier in the year.

As a team, Flynn House demonstrated their prowess in the pool this semester to rise above the other Houses and win the annual Swimming Carnival. This gave Flynn House a real boost and the passion to strive for more successes this year.

It has been encouraging to observe so many Flynnians also engaging in many of the lunchtime clubs including Chess Club, Art Club, French Club, Interact Club, ABL, Running Club and Debating Club to name a few. Our musicians have also showcased their talents and entertained us in many lunchtime concerts throughout the semester.

We must also acknowledge the great teamwork of our Flynn student leadership team, Emma Hew, Mitchell Morton, Micky Van Dalen and Teghan Rado who have inspired. encouraged, advised and lead our House proudly throughout the semester. Their commitment in meeting regularly at lunchtimes shows the true passion and desire our leaders have to epitomising the CHOIR values of our great school.

 As we drift into the holiday break, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday, with Semester 2 bringing success, good health and thankfulness that we belong to such an amazing school!

Vicky Dernikos
Flynn House Coordinator


Welcome to the halfway point of the year, Melba House. During our second term of the year our students have had many opportunities to flex their academic muscles. Our students engaged in exams during Examination Week, providing them with excellent experience of what exam conditions require and the opportunity to work on all-important revision techniques. I congratulate our students on their engagement with this process and their commitment to high expectations. The upcoming release of school reports will provide our community the chance to reflect on student progress so far and will offer a valuable opportunity for students and carers to set goals and discuss how to continue to improve.  I was further impressed by our students' involvement in Reconciliation Week, and their respectful and committed approach to reconciliation.  I wish everyone a restful end-of-term break and look forward to next Semester.

Ned Hayward
Melba House Coordinator

Paterson House has managed to finish off Semester 2 with great spirit, effort, resilience and flexibility. Many students have broadened their social connections with other students from all year levels by involving themselves in many co-curricular opportunities that are available at Ashwood High School. Paterson House students have actively shown an interest and been able to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for Debating, Art, Music and Sport.

The Tutor Group program has continued to empower Paterson House students to get to know each other and build positive relationships within the Middle School and broader community. Students have been able to share knowledge and experiences with others to strengthen their ability to communicate with their peers, develop a sense of belonging and analyse their own personal attributes and values.

During Week 7, all students from the Middle School completed their Semester 1 exams. Firstly, exams provide a tried and tested means by which teachers can assess a student’s learning progress over a certain period. This is especially important following a period of remote learning, as it provides essential information to individual teachers and our staff as a whole about how to best support Middle School students moving forward into 2022. Furthermore, the exam process assists in establishing routines, protocols and high expectations for our students to best prepare them for future assessments in VCE or VCAL. Despite this rationale, we do understand that exams can be a source of stress for some students, so Tutor Groups were able to focus on exam preparation, with recognition of both emotional and academic preparation.

Finally, congratulations to our student leaders, whose commitment and efforts have allowed all students to engage in the opportunities available at Ashwood High School. I hope all Paterson House students and families have a wonderful Term 2 break and all students come back rejuvenated and inspired for Semester 2.

Harriet Cooper
Paterson House Coordinator

 

 



Middle School Student Leadership & Agency Report

I wish to congratulate all of the Middle School Student Leaders on a highly successful Semester 1 of 2022. The Leaders have shown continual resilience, optimism and innovation in the face of considerable challenges. I have also been extremely impressed with the selflessness and generosity of Ashwood High School’s students, who are always willing to do what they can to help others within the school and the wider community.

One example of this is evident in the success of the SRC Representatives’ organisation and participation in the Non-Uniform Day fundraising in the Reconciliation Week. Students got dressed in the Indigenous colours to show their solidarity and pay respect to First Nations Australians. The students raised a total of $596, which they plan to donate to the renovation project of the Indigenous Garden.

Term 3 brings the opening of applications for School Colours awards and for Student Leadership positions in 2022. I encourage all students to take up these valuable opportunities for personal growth and to look forward the continual development of the Student Leadership program at Ashwood High School in Semester 2 and beyond.

Calvin Yin
Middle School Student Voice, Leadership and Agency Coordinator

Middle School Vice-Captains Report
As the first semester of 2022 draws to an end, the Ashwood High School community has been involved in many events.

We had a great turnout in the Ashwood High School Careers Expo with many organisations coming to showcase their opportunities. Thank you for all the staff and students involved in this event.

We also loved to see the amazing talents within the school community in the concerts. A big thank you to Ms Wendy Anderson, Director of Music, to help organise and running this event smoothly as well as a big thank you to all students and staff involved for making these concerts one to remember.

The SRC organised this term’s non-uniform day in light of Reconciliation Week. The theme for this day was the colours of the Aboriginal flag, red, gold and black. It was great to see so many people wearing these colours with respect. A gold coin donation was required in order to be able to wear causal clothes and all funds raised are going towards the renovation of the Ashwood High School Indigenous Garden.

This year, the school had its next School Review after the one in 2018. The Leadership Team as well as many other students, staff and parents took part in this process of helping the school develop its next Strategic Plan. Thank you to all the panel members, parents, staff and students who took the time to participate in this review.

We hope that semester two and term three will be another eventful and enjoyable time for everyone. We hope that everyone has a happy and safe holiday.

Georgie Taylor and Yunal Lutfi
Middle School Vice-Captains
 



Accelerated Curriculum & Enrichment Program

A reminder to families that applications are now open for entry to the Year 7 2023 ACE program. Students currently enrolled in Grade 6 are invited to apply. Entries close 29 July 2022. Applicants will need to be available to sit the entry test at Ashwood High School on Saturday 6 August 2022. For more information, please visit the school’s website or contact Mrs Caroline Servadei on 9807 1333.

In other news, the subject selection process for our current Year 9 ACE students is now well underway. As was the case last year, our 2023 Year 10 ACE learners will be offered the choice of 17 different VCE studies for early commencement. High-performing students may also apply to study a second VCE early commencement subject in 2023. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their school achievement, learning values and report grades. We hope our ACE students will take full advantage of the opportunity to carefully plan their VCE pathways with a view to maximising their options for tertiary study.

Caroline Servadei
Enrichment, Pedagogy Partnerships & Professional Learning Leader



Senior School Assistant Principal's Report

Dear Ashwood High School Community,

Ashwood High School continues to strive for community development and giving our students the best possible opportunities. This was evident at the Senior School Information Evening held for Year 10 students on Wednesday 15 June 2022. The evening involved presentations from all the Learning Areas Coordinators about the VCE and VCE VM subjects on offer from 2023. A huge thank you must go out to the Senior School Engagement, Wellbeing and Pathways Coordinator, Ms Phoebe Lindsay for the organisation of such a successful informative evening.

The Years 11 and 12 Formal was one of my personal highlights over the last two years. I had the honour of being the MC for the evening which aimed to bring all Years 11 and 12 students together to celebrate the amazing efforts of our Years 11 and 12 students of 2022. The night had some stand-out moments with a number of award winners and the School Captains’ speeches encouraging the dance floor to take off with all members of our Senior School community displaying their good and not-so-good dance moves. I would like to thank the Formal Committee and Years 11 and 12 Coordinators Mr John Sheehan and Ms Jessie Tian for their efforts in putting together such an entertaining-filled evening. The Years 11 and 12 students should be so proud of the way all members collaborated as a team and created one amazing evening that will not be forgotten for many years to come.  

Our students in Senior School continue to develop high expectations and drive for excellence, this has been evident throughout the Week 7 examinations. Students undertook their Semester 1 exams with the utmost professionalism. We as a school are very proud of the way our Senior School students conducted and prepared themselves for these exams and they should be commended for their efforts. This is considering the unpredictability of remote and onsite classes that they all have endured in the weeks leading up to the exams. The VCE Year 11 exams were conducted in the gymnasium giving our students the best possible opportunity and understanding of the Year 12 exams environment in which they will undertake in 2023.  

Our students in Senior School continue to develop high expectations and drive for excellence. Our students have shown evidence through working together to improve all aspects of learning at Ashwood High School.  To foster this development, we will have our VCE students, that undertake Units 3 and 4 subjects, attend school during the Term 2 school holiday break. These students will be involved in the VCE practice exam program led by our Senior School Student Outcome Leader, Ms Niesha Moorad. This will give our students the best possible practice for the upcoming VCE Units 3 and 4 exams commencing at the end of October.

As the Assistant Principal of the Senior School, I wish all members of the Ashwood High School community a safe and happy break over the holidays, and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 3.

Best regards

Tom O’Toole
Senior School Assistant Principal



Senior School Engagement, Wellbeing & Pathways Report

End of Term 2 has brought to the forefront of students minds the possibilities and opportunities held for future careers and pathways. Years 10 and 11 students have been preparing and completing their subject and pathway preferences for 2023 studies.

                 

For Year 10, our Future Focused Fair was run on Tuesday 31 May including a Careers Expo and Year 10 Subject Selection Information Session. We had a fantastic turnout with over 300 in attendance. Families and students were given the opportunity to learn about the pathways offered at Ashwood High School in Years 11 and 12, including the VCE and VCE Vocational Major. Learning Area Coordinators provided an overview of the subject areas offered and answered questions from students and families. Assistant Principal, Mr Tom O’Toole, provided an address titled ‘Forging Successful Futures’ which encompassed the role of Senior School in supporting Ashwood High School students to achieve success in whichever pathway they choose. Our VCAA Curriculum Services Coordinator, Mrs Julie Huggins, delivered information on VCE and VCE Vocational Major at Ashwood High School including pathway options, the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank, and requirements for successful completion of VCE. Thank you to all the presenters from the evening for sharing your time and expertise to ensure our Year 10 students are provided with all the necessary information to take their next steps in Year 11.

This evening was followed up with a Course Counselling Day on Thursday 16 June where all Year 10 students and families were invited to meet one on one with a careers advisor to assist development and management of student pathway goals. Year 10 preference forms are due to their Form Group teachers on Tuesday 21 June 2022.

For Year 11, students are being directly supported by Leading Teacher Ms Lucy Rimmer who is working with students to carefully consider future pathways and potential pre-requisites for tertiary studies.

In exciting news this term, our Years 11 and 12 Formal was a big hit with both students and teachers thoroughly enjoying the evening. The Formal was a social outing that brought both staff and students together in an environment built on the grounds of respect and care, to celebrate the successes of Years 11 and 12 students and their time in the Senior School so far. This year's venue was The Grand on Princes Reception Centre. A huge thank you to Year 12 Coordinator Ms Jessie Tian and Year 11 Coordinator Mr John Sheehan who planned and managed the event. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent work of the Formal Planning Committee who provided student voice in the decision making process and assisted in the planning and success of the event.

I would like to congratulate the Senior School cohort on a fantastic Term 2 and I look forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings.

Phoebe Lindsay
Senior School Engagement, Wellbeing and Pathways Leader (SSEWPL)



Year 10 Coordinator's Report

Semester 1 has been a great success for Ashwood High School’s Year 10s of 2022. Our students have stepped up to the expectations of the Senior School and have re-adjusted well to the busyness of a full school schedule without the interruptions of previous years. The Year 10s are to be commended for all of their hard work and for taking up the learning and community opportunities offered to them.

Some highlights of this semester have been the House Swimming Carnival, the Year 10 Careers and Wellbeing Day, the Study Sensei skills session run by Elevate Education, and the Year 10 camp in Mt Evelyn.

The Year 10s participated in a fully fledged exam schedule for the first time in a number of years. This was a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate everything that they have learnt this semester and to hone their study skills that will help them to get the most out of their final years of schooling. Well done Year 10s for the persistence, resilience and optimism that you showed in response to various challenges presented to you during your exam period.

This term has also required Year 10s to start thinking about their future educational and career pathways. In the Form Group program, students have had the opportunity to investigate future career options and develop valuable job-seeking skills through their Work Experience applications. Students have also participated in information sessions about the options available VCE and VCE VM – Vocational Major pathways and have received Course Counselling to assist them in making decisions about the courses and subjects they wish to pursue in 2023 and beyond. This is a very exciting time in a young person’s academic career; we offer our support and encourage you to seek any guidance you may need to help make this next step.

Matilda Wraight
Year 10 Coordinator



Year 11 Coordinator's Report

Year 11 students have continued their academic growth and personal development this term, managing with assuredness the increased expectations of study at the senior level. A major part of the VCE assessment schedule is the end of semester exams and it was with this goal in mind that the students, having revised thoroughly, sat exams in all their subject areas. While the outcomes of exams are obviously very important and there were excellent results achieved, of greater importance at Year 11 is the invaluable learning experience the exams provide. Students are encouraged to be open-minded and reflective on ways in which they can use the exam feedback to inform their approach to both their study and revision in the future.

Thanks to Year 11 students Sasha Pearce, Mahine Tapper and Stephanie Millan for sharing their experiences of the exams as follows.

“I was nervous at first but when I sat down and opened the first page, I knew I had prepared well.”

“I was very thankful to have had the opportunity for extra Year 12 preparation.” 

All students and parents/guardians should also read closely their semester reports and endeavour to implement the considered advice that subject teachers have provided in relation to areas for improvement. There is no better time than the beginning of a new semester to put these changes into practise.

The social highlight of the Year 11 calendar this term was definitely the Years 11 and 12 Formal and what a fantastic night it turned out to be! After such an interrupted couple of years, it was really pleasing to see the students celebrating so positively and respectfully with each other and their teachers on the night. Many thanks to the Formal Organising Committee and the two Year 11 representatives, Mikki Van Dalen and Stephanie Milan for all their work in getting it ready.   

I wish all students a relaxing semester break and look forward to seeing them return fresh-faced for a productive Semester 2.

John Sheehan
Year 11 Coordinator



Year 12 Coordinator's Report

Being resilient doesn’t mean that a person won’t experience difficulty or distress… The road to resilience is likely to involve considerable emotional distress.” (APA, n.d., 2012)

COVID-19, 7-day isolation and flu all undeniably posed additional challenges and difficulties for our Year 12 students who are racing to reach the finish line. Nonetheless, this also paves the way for our Year 12 to exercise and build resilience. It is with absolute proud that I congratulate our very own Ashwood soon to be graduates on their adaptability, integrity and resilience with the manner in which they approached their studies this semester despite the adversities. Not only did they face the challenges head on, but they also demonstrated and exemplified optimism and empathy. Noticing their mates stressing about missing valuable face-to-face teaching time, many of our Year 12s volunteered to reiterate for others class discussions and share their detailed notes.

We were also quite fortunate that the Year 11 & Year 12 Formal finally took place at the Grand Reception on Princes on 19 May 2022. ‘It is so great!’ ‘What an amazing night!’ All the attendees, students and staff, had a wonderful time! The formal also raised the moral for our Year 11s and Year 12s. VCE students put aside their worry about grades and VCAL students relaxed after long partnership. Year 11s and Year 12s managed to mingle cross year levels. On behalf of our Year 12s, I’d like to thank all the Year 11 students, teachers attended the event, Ms Lindsay, Mr O’Toole, Dr. Moore, all of our amazing student committee members and Mr. Sheehan who co-organised this event.

On behalf of all Year 12 students, please allow me to say thank you to all the teachers and staff for your tremendous efforts and support to our Year 12 students throughout the first two terms. On behalf of Year 12 teaching and support staff, please allow me to say thank you to all of our Year 12 students, for your highly commendable resilience and perseverance. May you all have time to rejuvenate over the upcoming term break and regroup before the rigours of Term 3. May you all continue your journey with resilience and perseverance. May this break present to you as an opportunity to review your work habits of the first semester and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and positive outcome for the year!

Reference
American Psychological Association. (2012). “Building Your Resilience”. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

Jessie Tian
Year 12 Coordinator



VCE VCAL VET Curriculum Services

With the Years 10 and 11 students having recently completed their exams and the VCE and VCAL students also completing many outcomes and SACs, the upcoming mid-year break is a good opportunity for our senior students to rest and regroup before the rigours of Term 3. It is also a good opportunity for students to review their work habits from the first semester, as outlined in their report comments, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and positive outcome for the year. This should include revision and summary of Unit 3 coursework, and Unit 1 where applicable for our VCE students, and planning and preparation for major projects for our VCAL students. Students will also have tasks to complete over this break and should endeavour to start the new semester up to date and fully prepared for the term ahead.

The Year 12 VCE students were also able to participate in an Elevate Education session “Ace Your Exams” in the final week of term, which will assist them as they prepare for the final exams; which will come about very quickly.  The VCAA exam timetable for 2022 can be accessed via this link:

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/Key-dates/Pages/VCE-exam-timetable.aspx

The Year 10 students have recently started the course selection process for their entry into Year 11 and it has been wonderful to hear of the number of students seeking guidance on their choices and really putting considered thought into the process.  I would like to remind this group of students that 2023 will see considerable change to the VCE program, with the introduction of the new VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM).  If you have any questions about this new program please do not hesitate to contact me via email: Julie.huggins@education.vic.gov.au

The Year 12 students will undertake VTAC counselling early in Term 3, with the opening of applications in early August.  In preparation for this, students are encouraged to participate in the Open Days being offered by many of the tertiary institutions, both virtual and in person. Students can visit the individual websites of the various universities, TAFEs and private institutions for the information and dates, and also the Ashwood High School Careers site.  Students in Years 10 and 11 are also encouraged to attend these Open Days to assist with subject selection for their final years.

This year sees major changes to the GAT, which will now take place in two sections.  Part A will be an assessment of Literacy and Numeracy against the National standards.  This section will begin at 9:30am and will conclude at 11:45am.  All students undertaking a Units 3/4 sequence of study and all students enrolled in the Senior VCAL Certificate will be required to undertake this assessment.  Following a short break Part B will commence at 1:15pm and conclude at 3pm.  All students undertaking a Unit 3/4 study are required to sit this section, which will cover general knowledge and skills across all subject areas.  The GAT will take place on Wednesday 7 September, with an information session for students taking place in Term 3.

I wish all students, staff and families a restful break and look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 3.

Julie Huggins
VCAA Curriculum Services Coordinator




Careers & Pathways

Ashwood High School Careers Expo was a roaring success, with excellent feedback for students, parents and exhibitors. Thank you to all students and parents who came in support of the event. Apart from the wealth of information received from exhibitors, students also enjoyed the extra goodies including basketballs, drink bottles, pens, phone accessories and much more.

I would also like to thank all who assisted with the execution of the Expo;

  • Mrs Huggins who assisted with set up, engaging exhibitors and photography for the night – you have been supportive of me from the very beginning, it is much appreciated.
  • The student volunteers – Carol Yuan, Jamieson Adler, Daisy Harvison, Jessica Sterle, Dixie Phillips, Tile Bodin, Alex Missailidis, Connor Russo, Georgie Taylor, Yunal Lutfi, Cassie Paleologos, Rachael Brown, Caedan Walker, Olivia Day and Robbie Baleisuva – your organisation and teamwork was seamless.
  • Mr Yin and Mr Meagher for organising student volunteers, and to Mr Yin for managing them on the night.
  • Mr Georgakopoulos and Mr Dias for ensuring facilities and IT were in order.
  • Mrs MacLarn and Mrs Tan for assisting with refreshments.
  • Belinda for the use of the canteen.
  • Mr O’Toole and Ms McLellan for your support before, during and after the Expo, it would not have so smooth without you.

I am very much looking forward to deliver another successful event next year, see you all there.

       

Years 7 – 8 Career Sessions
On Tuesday 31 May 2022 all Years 7 and 8 students participated in their first careers session for the year. Years 7 and 8 completed Year level specific Pre-assessment work sheets, and several activities to assist in identifying their favorite things. The purpose of the lesson was for students to begin to develop the ability to recognise patterns of behaviours that lead to skill development.

Then on Tuesday 21 June 2022 Years 7 and 8 students engaged in their second careers session for the year. During this session students commenced their Career Action Plan (CAP), although not all complete I have had a sneak peek and they are looking fantastic! You should all be so proud of your aspirations. Keep working away at your CAPS, you still have time. If you need a refresher, you will find the student user guide here – remember to click ‘Ask for Feedback’ it will come through to me. Or I am happy for you to make contact with me via email at Jodie.hechenberger@education.vic.gov.au to set up a time to go through the CAP process.

A big thank you to all students who participated and teachers who ran the sessions. You made the lessons a success, you support of the Ashwood High School Careers Program is greatly appreciated.

Year 9 Morrisby Profiling
On Tuesday 31 May 2022 the long-awaited Morrisby Profiling commenced. Thank you again to all students and teachers who participated in the delivery of this wonderful program. If students do not complete the profile during the second session please do over the holidays – you will still have access.

The Morrisby Interviews – this is the really interesting part – will commence early next term either via WebEx or in person (we are just waiting on conformation). Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend. Interview dates will be released once confirmed.

Year 10s are still working towards sourcing their work experience placements. All students can access further information regarding work experience and possible placements via the Ashwood High School Careers Website https://www.ashwoodhighschoolcareers.com/workplace-learning/work-experience their Work Experience Information Kit and the Where to Apply for Work Experience resource distributed in Form Group.

Please ensure Completed Work Experience Arrangement Forms are submitted to me as soon as you secure your Work Experience placement. A placement is only guaranteed when you have had the employer sign on the dotted line.

Completed Work Experience Arrangement Forms are due no later than Friday 24 June 2022.

My office in Building A you can ask to see me at Reception.

Jodie Hechenberger
Careers and Pathways Coordinator



School Psychologist's Report

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

This has been a busy term for us all. Here are a few re-caps from the term.

We have welcomed a new member to our team, Mrs Emily Kelly. Here is a message from Emily:

“Hi Ashwood Community and Families,

My name is Em and I have just joined the Wellbeing Team. I will be working closely with Dr Jones Arango and am so excited to get started.

I am a busy Mum of 3, Hunter, Bruce and Ana and have been married for 8 years. I live in the beautiful Yarra Valley and I am currently completing my Bachelor of Social Work.

I am a passionate Geelong Cats supporter and absolutely love football. I volunteer and work at our local football club for my son’s under 9s football team, the Seniors and Reserves teams as trainer and First Aid. I play netball for the club and have enjoyed this sport for 20 years.

My work will be centered around supporting students with their engagement at school, assisting families in accessing different resources, physically and digitally and assisting in first aid.

I am excited to get to know everyone so if you see me around come and say hi, and I will aim to do the same.” 

This term we also acknowledged Reconciliation Week, hosting an activity at lunchtime: The Sea of Hands.

ANTaR's Sea of Hands is an iconic symbol of reconciliation and a way for communities all around Australia to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and events. The first of these incredible creations was set up outside Parliament House in 1997. It was created as a powerful, physical representation of the Citizen’s Statement on Native Title. The students and staff of Ashwood High School joined in this iconic tradition and created their own Sea of Hands.

Students and staff chose colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and traced their hands. Each participant then added their signature joining in the commitment to closing the GAP and supporting Indigenous Australians in the fight against disadvantage, discrimination and ignorance. 

Finally, we  would like to wish all our students and families a lovely holiday, and we look forward to seeing everyone back for Term 3!

Kind Regards,

Dr Elisa Jones Arango on behalf of the Wellbeing Team
School Psychologist



Student Outcomes Leader's Report

Congratulations to all students in Years 7-11 for the successful completion of the Semester 1 examination period. As the semester draws to a close, it is a good time for all students to reflect on their study habits by considering what has worked well over the past semester and identify goals for improvement in Semester Two. Our teachers have been working hard to prepare students for these exams and provide feedback to students. Data collected from mid-year exams is used by teachers in conjunction with other data sources to gain deeper insights into student learning in order to plan for continued growth in Semester Two.

Many students in Year 12 are also completing Unit 3 practice exams at this time in order to gain valuable practice with answering exam-style questions and to receive timely feedback. Some practice exams, along with revision classes, will take place over the upcoming term break. Students should refer to the timetable posted on Compass Newsfeed for a full list of practice exams and revision classes scheduled for the Term Two break. Thank you to all teachers who have given up time over their break to provide these valuable sessions for students to support their continued success.

Well done to all students again for an excellent Term 2, and wishing you a safe and restful break.

Niesha Moorad
Student Outcomes Leader



Enrichment, Pedagogy, Partnerships & Professional Learning

While learning remains Ashwood High School’s core business, providing our students with a safe and supportive learning environment is a legislative requirement that is also enshrined in the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. In response to this requirement, the school has recently taken steps to become self-sufficient in the delivery of mandatory training relating to Ministerial Order 706-Anaphylaxis Management in Victorian Schools. The DET nominated training provider Hero HQ has been contracted to train 12 staff members in verifying the correct use of adrenaline injector devices. This action will ensure that Ashwood High School is able to maintain a cadre of staff who are qualified to lead six-monthly mandatory briefings and conduct the compulsory adrenaline auto-injector competency assessments that are required in conjunction with the biennial online training requirements mandated by Ministerial Order 706. This action will also improve our agility and compliance by supplying training to new and reaccrediting staff at their point of need.

In other news, Term 2 Communities of Practice resumed on Wednesday 18 May with Maths and Humanities collaborating within their respective learning areas to refine their lesson plans according to the new PIVOT lesson framework. Teachers used a tuning protocol to provide peer feedback on how they were using the PIVOT lesson framework. Each learning area will have the opportunity to meet once before the end of Term 2 to evaluate and refine their use of the framework in preparation for Term 3 when PIVOT becomes the standard format for documenting lesson plans at Ashwood High School.

At Ashwood High School we are fortunate to be an active member of a number of community partnerships, one of which is the Ashwood Alliance. The Ashwood Alliance is a cluster of Victorian government schools dedicated to improving educational outcomes through their work with the School of Education, Deakin University. Ashwood High School is proud to be one of the founding members of the Ashwood Alliance. The work of the Alliance continues to play a key role in supporting the school’s strategic goals.

At the most recent meeting of the Alliance it was announced that two major collaborative action research projects were to be developed in conjunction with our network partners in 2022-3. The first is an investigation of student and teacher mental health and wellbeing, while the second is an investigation into supporting students’ literacy and numeracy skills throughout the transition from primary to secondary school. Ashwood High School is once again delighted to be working with our network schools on enhancing teaching and learning through partnerships with our local community.

Caroline Servadei
Enrichment, Pedagogy Partnerships & Professional Learning Leader



Mathematics Learning Area Report

Our Year 8 students have been studying rates and ratios in Maths this term. To emphasise the connection of Maths to the ‘every day’, students have engaged in a number of hands-on activities. In one lesson, students made paper models of famous buildings – and calculated the scale of their replica to the real thing. See picture below of Matilda and Chloe with their replica of the Eiffel Tower. In another lesson, to study the concept of rates, we calculated the speed of local traffic. Our calculations determined that 3 out of 10 cars surveyed were over the speed limit of 60km/hr!

Michael Cifra
Maths and Science Teacher



Humanities Learning Area Report

Semester 1 Humanities for our Year 9s culminated in the students undertaking an inquiry research project within the topic, interconnections.

The students were challenged to consider the difficulties faced by major cities around the world as a result of over tourism.



Our budding geographers were asked to come up with exciting, innovative, tech-based solutions to solve the issues faced in these global cities. The task resulted in students tackling challenges like congestion, the skyrocketing costs of accommodation and the difficulties associated with post pandemic travel.




The most exciting aspect of the presentations was the range of solutions our incredibly creative students produced. Tech-based solutions included the creation of an app to keep tourists informed of wait times at high traffic attractions as well as flexible pricing technology to reward visitors who visit less popular sites.

Andrew Padbury
Humanities/History/Legal Studies Teacher



Creative Arts/Technologies Learning Area Report

Year 11 VCE VCD students over Term 2 have worked diligently to produce a range of creative packaging nets for an imaginative Bluetooth speaker called “Buzz”. They were challenged to apply at least one key Design Element or Design Principle to the packaging to visually demonstrate their understanding of the term. Additionally, students were able to explore different materials and media to demonstrate a transition of colour and linkage to a Japanese interested audience. Please take a look at the students in action and some of the final package designs.

Image 1: Year 11’s annotating their research, exploring with the Media of pastel, and setting up their folio pages.


Image 2:
Here, some of the Year 11s are developing concepts with tissue paper (material), coloured pencils (media) and highlighters (media) to make their designs pop off the page!


Image 3:
Giselle Dutta’s (11A) flamboyant Buzz speaker cube packaging.


Image 4:
Lucas Leventakis (11A) Tik-Tok colour inspired packaging net for the Buzz speaker.


Image 5:
Thomas Seabrook (11C) has used line dramatically here to suggest a sense of movement and colour transition as well as circles to represent the flowers of a Japanese cherry blossom.”

Rosario Ripper
VCE Visual Communication Design, Design and Technology, Mathematics and Computing Teacher



Health & PE Learning Area Report

It’s the end of Term 2, which means our Year 9 students have been participating in Quidditch! Each class has been working through their own personalised system of instruction booklet.  All those Harry Potter fans out there, start chatting to our Year 9s. They have become experts in all things quaffles, bludgers and beaters!

Our Year 10 students finished off the term with an incursion on the Paralympic sport of Goalball. Rob and Callum from Exsight sports (http://exsightsports.com.au) gave the students instructions on how the game is played. Students got the opportunity to try out this paralympic sport. We are very proud of our Year 10 students in the way they participated in the incursion, demonstrating exemplary CHOIR  values.

   

As mentioned in our previous newsletter, the Years 7 and 8 students have been busy in the latter half of this term presenting their Movement and Dance routines. We have seen some fantastic group presentations; well done to everyone.

 
Well done to all our students this term. We hope you have a wonderful break and see you all next term.

Allison Phillips
Health and Physical Education Learning Area Leader



English as an Additional Language

Korowa Interschool EAL Speech Competition
It is with pride that we announce that one of our EAL Year 11 students has received an award for scoring First Place in the Korowa Interschool EAL Speech Competition along with a monetary prize for the second year in a row.

Our school takes great pride in providing all students with opportunities to develop their academic as well as social excellence and participating in an EAL speech competition is certainly an example of this.

Jason Hou is commended for demonstrating exemplary enthusiasm, academic excellence and courage by choosing to participate in this competition. Jason diligently took time out of his busy Year 11 schedule to draft his own speech as per the requirements of the set theme and put his best efforts into delivering a speech that is representative of his identity and ambition. The support of the Ashwood High School Community did not go unnoticed, as a number of EAL students were present on the night of the event to cheer on Jason. We would like to thank all the event organisers from Korowa Anglican Girls School, the adjudicators as well as congratulate all the other contestants.

        

Below is Jason’s reflection about this experience:
“It was exciting to have participated in this EAL Interschool Competition. It is my honour to win this competition as first place. The night of the competition was nothing short of amazing. I was also able to listen to many excellent speeches from the other competitors and meet so many other EAL students. It is a great opportunity for me as I have gained many experiences and it will help me in my future studies. I believe the most important thing is to have courage and try your best to just do it. This has helped shape me as a learner. I spoke out about the difficulties I have experienced, and the moment I stood on that stage, I knew that I had stepped out of my comfort zone.”

We wish Jason congratulations on his achievement and we extend our gratitude to the EAL students who attended the night of the event in support of our school’s involvement.

Georgia Kazis
EAL Learning Area Coordinator



Director of Sport Report

Years 11 and 12 Interschool Sport – Friday 20 May 2022
Year 11 and 12 students came together for their final interschool sport day of the year. Teams were sent out for Girls Netball and Mixed Badminton. Although there were no winners on the day, it was a great effort for the students to back up a long night at the Years 11 and 12 Formal the previous night.
 

Mullum Division Cross Country – Tuesday 31 May 2022
As has become tradition for the Mullum Division Cross Country, a strong contingent of Ashwood runners descended on HE Parker Reserve and ran well. After an early hiccup on the bike from Mr Grbac, the students rallied and produced some terrific results including several top 5 finishers in their age groups:

  • Amy Russo – winner of the 13 Girls Age Group
  • Elliott Sturrock – 3rd place in the 13 Boys Age Group
  • Keely English – 5th place in the 14 Girls Age Group
  • Sebastian Trent – winner of the 14 Boys Age Group
  • Ariana Pashutina – winner of the 15 Girls Age Group
  • Layla Swindells – 5th place in the 15 Girls Age Group
  • Henrik Thompson – winner of the 15 Boys Age Group
  • Hugo Sharkey – 5th place in the 15 Boys Age Group
  • Angus Cutfield – 3rd place in the 16 Boys Age Group

These terrific individual results, combined with a large contingent of runners allowed Ashwood High School to finish 4th out of the 7 schools. Well done to all participants!

Year 8 Interschool Sport – Friday 3 June 2022
Year 8 interschool sport was a huge success as Ashwood sent out teams for Girls Netball, Boys AFL, Soccer and Badminton. A highly successful day in which all students played in the spirit of the game and respected the umpires’ decisions. 

Years 9/10 Interschool Sport – Monday 6 June 2022
Another huge day on the interschool sporting calendar as Exam Week commenced and many Years 9 and 10 students participated in teams of Girls Netball, Boys AFL, Soccer and Badminton. Unfortunately there were no winners, but it was wonderful to see such a large contingent of students participate in interschool sport. Well done to all staff and students involved on the day.

Tom Grbac
Director of Sport



Sports Activities Report

Dear Students, Staff & Families,

It has been another exciting and positive term of lunchtime sports. The APL took place showcasing the many talented Futsal and soccer players Ashwood High School has to offer.

At this current point of time the semi finals are about to get underway.
We have four extremely strong teams competing:

Teacher Tigers
Year 11 Strikers (Year 11s)
The Red Devils (Year 12s)
Trade Flex (Year 10s)

I cannot wait to find out who the winning team is for Term 2.

Looking ahead, we will be having the first ever Ashwood Netball Competition (ANC) in Term 3. I am looking forward to running this as it will give many more students at Ashwood High School the opportunity to showcase their skills in netball. Students are encouraged to actively check their Compass newsfeed as there will be an expression of interest post coming shortly.

James Boarotto
Sports Activities Coordinator


Camps Coordinator's Report


As this semester ends, our Year 9 students are preparing to head to Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula to experience their first camp since starting at Ashwood High School. Previously planned camps were both cancelled due to COVID-19 directives. During the camp, students will have many opportunities to socialise and experience the outdoors through activities such as kayaking, mountain biking and beach walking. This will be an exciting way to remark the end of full semester of in school learning.

Last week the Year 9 Outdoor Studies students accompanied by Ms Cameron and Mr Newman, spent three days and two nights in the Wilson’s Promontory region. These students spent their time camping at Tidal River Campground dealing with persistent wombats whilst tenting in winter conditions. Ms Cooper's Outdoors Studies students demonstrated good collaboration and personal responsibility whilst tasked with having to cook and clean for themselves in the dark of the night. During this camp, students spent their time beach walking, hiking and socialising.  The highlight for this group was a two-hours surfing lesson at Sandy Point.  Many students experienced surfing for the first time, with most managing to stand-up for at least one wave!

In May our Year 10s had a successful camp at YMCA Mt. Evelyn. It was a welcome retreat prior to the rigors of semester exam preparations.

For Term 3 our Year 8 students will travel to Roses Gap in the Grampians region for their school camp. This promises to be an interesting and exciting camp in a unique region of Victoria. Stayed tuned to Compass for more information early in Term 3.
 
Jeff Newman
Camps Coordinator





Debating & Public Speaking Report

Round 2 of the Debaters Association Victoria interschool debating competition took place at Wesley College in the final week of Term 1. Our students had just completed West Japan Model United Nations one week prior, and had the tall order of competing yet again.

Our first Year 9 team consisted of Grace Adler, Ella Brockway, and Tom Marshman, debating on the affirmative side of the topic “That we should abolish the Australian citizenship test”. All three speakers received the same score and took home their first victory against Salesian College. Meanwhile, our second Year 9 team received an automatic bye.

We had also substituted two Year 9 students, Wesley Pryor and Leah Ried, to compete alongside Amber Balmer in the Year 10 debate, “That parliamentarians should be allowed to hold citizenship other than Australian citizenship”. Although our debaters fought hard on the negative side, they lost to Huntingtower School.

Meanwhile, the Year 11 team consisted of Chai Couzens, Angela Hewerdine, and Caitlyn Lim, who debated on the affirmative side of “That only citizens and permanent residents should be able to own property in Australia” in a narrow loss against Glen Waverley Secondary College.

Special thanks to Alex Missailidis and Connor Russo for coming to spectate, as well as Ms Georgia Kazis for supporting the students in my stead.

Ronald Lee
Debating Coordinator



International Student Program

Education Agent Visit
‘The Jewel of East’ attracts a high volume of interest not only from local families, but also from international student market. On numerous requests from education agents, we hosted an agent school tour on Thursday afternoon, 26 May 2022.

The school tour was very successful. The agents witnessed Dr Moore’s strong leadership and they were very impressed with Dr. Moore’s school presentation and his positive relationship with staff and in particular, our students. The agents were appreciative of the opportunity and here is some feedback from one of the agents.

I just want to say 'thank you' for organizing the agent visit event last Thursday. It was a very informative and inspiring session indeed. The warmth we felt from the principal, Dr. Moore, staff and students beat the unwelcoming weather.

I would also like to express a few words of appreciation for the remarkable progress the school community have made, especially the outstanding academic performance achieved last year. But more than that, we were impressed by other things at Ashwood. I have visited quite some schools but first time to see a principal who can remember the names of so many students and readily engage them in lively conversations, a school where students would know to stand up to welcome visitors and teachers. Staff's satisfaction and confidence from working there are revealed on their faces and from the bottom of their heart. The 'respect' is everywhere.

Above all, this visit enabled us to know about your school, and we hope to see more international students to have the opportunity to be educated there.

Victorian Global Learning Awards Ceremony
Ms Yonghong Williams attended the 2022 Victorian Global Learning Awards ceremony in Metropolis Events, Southbank last Friday with our Year 12 student Ziming Zhuang.

The Victorian Global Learning Awards is open to all school sector international students in Victoria including independent schools. It is a recognition and celebration of the contribution our international students, our teachers, Principals and homestays make to our school communities in Victoria.
  

This year, there are altogether 10 student winners in 6 different categories. Ziming is the winner for Year 11 Resilience and Innovation category. Tim Richardson MP,  Parliamentary Secretory for Schools, presented the awards to the winners at the event.

A big thank you to Dr Brett Moore, Mr Tom O'Toole, Ms Phoebe Lindsay, Ms Jessie Tian and Ms Edwina Nolan, Ms Donna Mineo, Mrs Chin Byrne for supporting Ziming's application and his video project. Thanks to all staff for your huge effort in supporting our international students along their way to success.

Interschool EAL Speech Competition
Congratulations to Kaisheng Hou for winning the Interschool EAL Speech Competition hosted by Korowa Anglican Girls’ School.

Studying abroad is a challenging journey for international students. We are so pleased that Kaisheng is embracing the challenges and endeavours to realise his full potential at Ashwood High School!

Well done, Kaisheng!

Yonghong Williams
International Student Manager

 

 



Education Resource Centre Report

Library Displays

This term, there were two events on the national calendar that provided opportunities to create library displays drawing attention to ERC resources that relate to subjects and themes that have continuing importance within our community.

Our National Reconciliation Week display showcased the ERC’s broad collection of non-fiction resources which highlight the diversity within traditional Indigenous culture, and items from our biography and fiction collections that give insights into the perspectives and experiences of First Nations peoples. The ERC’s library collection is continually developing to meet the needs of our learning community. Curating the Reconciliation Week display helped identify the need for some more up-to-date resources detailing recent developments and current efforts towards reconciliation. New recourses will be sourced over the coming months.

June was Pride Month, a time to appreciate the struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community and its individual members, and an ideal time to spotlight the ERC’s collection of biography and fiction reflecting on LGBTQIA+ themes and issues. To Quote William Nicholson “We read to know we are not alone”. For the LGBTQIA+ members of our community who might feel that they may not be like the people around them, books can give crucial reassurance. Those same books encourage empathy in the broader community and help create a culture of awareness, acceptance and inclusivity.

Wild Cat Falling is the story of an Indigenous youth, of the early sixties who grows up on the ragged outskirts of a country town, falls into petty crime, goes to gaol, and comes out to do battle once more with the society who put him there.
Published in 1965 this was the first novel by an Indigenous writer to be published in Australia. It is a remarkable piece of literature expressing with memorable insight and stylishness the dilemmas and conflicts faced by young indigenous people in modern Australian society.

 

Invisible Boys is a raw, confronting young-adult novel, tackling homosexuality, masculinity, anger and suicide with a nuanced and unique perspective. Set in regional Western Australia, the novel follows three sixteen-year-old boys in the throes of coming to terms with their homosexuality in a town where it is invisible – and so are they. Invisible Boys depicts the complexities and trauma of rural gay identity with painful honesty, devastating consequence and, ultimately, hope.

 

 

Premiers Reading Challenge
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge continues until September. All Year 7-10 Students have been registered and it is not too late for them to participate and earn points for their Ashwood house. Full details are on the ERC Homepage.

Remember to find time to enjoy reading every day.

Matt Feeney
Education Resource Centre Coordinator



Parent and Community Partnerships - Parents & Friends Network