Headmaster's News - 5 November 2009
5 November 2009
From the Headmaster
Congratulations, Sh@re Community Campus!
For many years, Mr John Phillips ran our Community Education Program, including our Camp Brighton Holiday Program. Four years ago following a suggestion from Mr Phillips, we invited Firbank Grammar School to join us in what became known as the Sh@re Community Campus.
This program has been a wonderful success, providing a wealth of programs for BGS and FGS boys and girls, for children from the wider community, for our parents, and for other adults. It has been through John Phillips’ drive, vision and dedication that the program has been so successful. He is assisted so ably in the administration of the program by current (and soon to be past!) parent, Mrs Jackie Petley. (Edmund is undertaking Year 12 examinations).
As part of the Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence, our Sh@re Community Campus program won a Highly Commended Award in the ‘Excellence by a School and its Community’ Category. The achievement was recognized last week by a presentation in Canberra by the Minister for Education, Julia Gillard. As well as presenting the award, Ms Gillard presented John with a cheque for $15,000 to be shared between both schools. Only 64 schools Australia wide were recognized in all categories, and only 8 from Victoria. Ours was the only award in Victoria to a non-Catholic Independent School.
Dr Gregor Ramsay AM, Chair of Teaching Australia, wrote, “This is an outstanding achievement giving highly deserved recognition to the exceptional contribution the Schools, working with their communities, have made to facilitate greater opportunities for people to lead more fulfilling lives. This award reflects well on both communities.” Whilst both BGS and FGS share in this prestigious award, it is really through John’s vision and dedication that it has been achieved.
Supporting Parents
As part of our Strategic Plan, over the past two years the School has made a conscious effort to support parents by providing access to information from experts on parent and boy issues. Last year two very successful sessions were held with parents by Dr Adam Cox, and Ms Celia Lashlie.
Next week we are holding a session specifically designed to assist our parents, and parents from the wider Bayside community. The seminar is being run by Michael Grose, internationally recognized author and expert on childhood development. The session is entitled ‘Help, My child has turned into a teenager! ‘ I urge all parents, but particularly Wilson House and Rosstrevor parents, to attend what is guaranteed to be an informative and stimulation session. Michael has spoken at the School before, and is sure to provide parents with useful advice. The session is being held in the Rosstrevor Hall next Thursday, 12 November, commencing at 7.30pm, and finishing at 9.00pm. Bookings can be made on 8591 2275.
I would like to thank the Head of Rosstrevor, Mr Andrew Burnell, and our Acting Director of Development and Community Relations, Mr John Phillips, for their coordination.
VCE Examinations
The Unit 3/4 VCE end of year examinations commenced last Friday morning with the English and English as a Second Language papers. Feedback from boys so far has been positive. We work very hard to ensure that our boys have the best chance possible in their examinations. This not only goes for preparation and support from teachers, but also in how we administer the examinations. I would particularly like to thank the VCE Coordinator, Mr Peter Marshall, and our Chief Supervisor, Mrs Judy Skelton, for their great work with this.
On Monday, when many were enjoying a long weekend, papers were held for Biology, Further Mathematics, and Specialist Mathematics. All teachers of those subjects came in especially to provide last minute advice and support for the boys, and I would like to thank them for this.
Expectations for the Rest of the Year
Now that we have commenced VCE examinations, and are soon to commence examinations for other year groups, it is important boys understand that normal school expectations concerning uniform, haircuts and general demeanour still hold. It is very easy to let standards slip at this time of the year. The same applies with attendance, punctuality and meeting extra-curricular obligations.
End of Year Ceremonies
Rosstrevor Speech Night
Wednesday 25 November in the Robert Sanderson Centenary Hall at 8.00 p.m.
Junior School Speech Night
Friday 4 December in the Robert Sanderson Centenary Hall at 8.00 p.m.
Evening Carol Service
Monday 7 December in St. Andrew’s Church at 7.30 p.m.
Rosstrevor and Senior School Carol Service
Wednesday 9 December in St. Andrew’s Church at 8.30 a.m.
127th Annual Speech Night
Wednesday 9 December in the Robert Sanderson Centenary Hall at 8.00 p.m.