Headmaster's News - 29 October 2009
29 October 2009
From the Headmaster
World Teachers’ Day
In Victoria we are celebrating World Teachers’ Day tomorrow, October 30. It is an opportunity for us to recognize the positive impact teachers have on our lives and the important role teachers’ play. When we think back on our school days we do not remember the Chemistry course, or the French text book; we remember the teachers. Research shows that apart from family background, it is the quality of the teacher which has the biggest influence on educational outcome. We have a great team of teachers at this school. They are very dedicated to providing every boy with opportunities to learn and develop.
Visit to King Island
On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I had the opportunity of flying over to King Island to visit the Year 9 boys undertaking their Exploration as part of the Sea Change Program. Head of Outdoor Education, Mr Scott Brown, gave me a tour of various elements of the hike the boys undertake. I then joined the boys at their Tuesday night campsite at the Wickham Lighthouse. It gave me an opportunity to talk to the boys about how they were finding the experience, and also talk to staff involved. I was particularly impressed by the positive attitude of the boys, and also the respect they clearly were showing their instructors. The Experience is a challenging one, and obviously takes some boys well outside their comfort zone. This is a good thing.
Other boys in Year 9 are involved in a range of activities this week, and I am sure the Head of Year 9, Mr Graeme Harris, will provide a summary in next week’s Newsletter.
After each activity round in the Sea Change program Mr Harris formally surveys the boys to gain feedback on their experiences. Feedback last year and this year has been overwhelmingly positive.
Firbank Grammar School Presentation and Performance Evening
On Monday evening I attended this event at Hamer Hall. This year is Firbank’s Centenary Year, and there has been a range of celebratory activities. I thoroughly enjoyed Monday’s program. The standard of performance, particularly by the singing groups, was outstanding. And of course it was pleasing to see many familiar names in the program of families with girls at Firbank Grammar School and boys at Brighton Grammar School. Congratulations to the Principal, Dr Anne Sarros, and Firbank Grammar on such a successful Centenary year.
Associated Public Schools Combined Athletics
One of the premier events on the sporting calendar is the APS Combined Athletics held at Olympic Park last Saturday. Once again we saw some outstanding performances by many athletes from all schools. I was particularly pleased with the positive way our supporters encouraged our competitors. A full report is included in the Senior School Newsletter, but I would like to congratulate all athletes on the way they represented the School, and especially congratulate event winners Cameron Menzies (under 15 shot put); and Sean Hendricks (Under 17 hurdles).
Staff Professional Learning Session
At the start of Term 3, all staff met for two days to embark upon a professional learning journey that will lead to significant initiatives in many parts of our programs. We have joined an international group of schools working through a three year cycle of innovation and collaboration. The first year involves designing the key questions and forming links with current research and practice both here and internationally. The work involves all members of staff and we will be holding a whole staff professional learning session for them on Friday 6 November where much of the important planning and structure can be established. School will finish for all students at 2:35 pm on that Friday.
Mid-Term Holiday
Monday 2 November is a mid-term holiday prior to Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 3 November. School will resume on Wednesday 4 November.
End of Year
Term 4 finishes on Wednesday 9 December. Boys will be involved in commencing 2010 courses during the Promotions Period which commences on Wednesday 25 November. This allows timetable glitches to be sorted out and, more importantly, ensures the boys undertake worthwhile classes and study in preparation for next year. This is an important time so it is not appropriate for early leave to be sought.