OURS Week 7 Term 2 2024 - Melbourne High School

Principal’s Report

Reconciliation Week 2024

The Vivi screens in classrooms this week reminded us that it is National Reconciliation Week. This is the image on the screens when in sleep mode. The screens are being used to highlight key events and messages. Thank you to the IT Team for overseeing this initiative.

The Victorian Curriculum provides opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. The History curriculum documents, for example, include a study of the –

“Intended and unintended causes and effects of contact and extension of settlement of European power(s), including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples…

..Causes of the struggle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for rights and freedoms before 1965.

Significance of the following events in changing society: 1962 right to vote federally, 1967 Referendum, Reconciliation, Mabo decision, Bringing Them Home Report (the Stolen Generations), the Apology and the different perspectives of these events.”

In the extra-curricular space, the School is working on the creation of an indigenous garden and the establishment of a partner school in the Northern Territory. I will keep you informed as we progress these projects. The School has an existing partnership with the Clontarf Foundation, a charity that supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s engagement in education through sport.

Introduction to Career Tools and the Career Action Plan

Thank you to Mr Bill Theodoropoulos for leading this seminar on Thursday evening. Over 270 parents and students participated. The development of a Career Action Plan is a requirement of the Department of Education. The Department’s website states that –

“The plan helps students:

consider their motivations and strengths
choose their goals
clarify the actions needed to achieve these goals
commit to participating in the planned activities.

Annual planning creates continuity through students’ career development in secondary school. This helps them develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and confidence they need to make informed decisions and effectively manage their career throughout life.

Career action planning is required for all students from Years 9 to 12.”

(Ref: https://www.schools.vic.gov.au/career-education/action-plans)

Student Leadership Camp

Over the weekend, the student leaders participated in their annual camp. It was a great opportunity for the students to forge stronger bonds, undertake some leadership training exercises and contribute to school planning. Thank you to Ms Capon, Ms Liando and Mr Dachs for overseeing and leading this very important activity.

Three of our House Captains – Anthony, Henry and Richard.

Languages Week

It was also Languages Week this week and our teachers of French, German, Indonesian and Japanese did not disappoint. In addition to being able to sample foods from these cultures (thank you to our Canteen Manager for the daily specials), students engaged in range of activities including competitions and arts and crafts activities. Thank you to Mr Blencowe and the staff in the Languages Faculty.

Minor House Cup – Week 1

This week we commenced our Minor House Sports Competition. Thank you to the Unicorn photographers for providing some great photos.

Chamber Concert.

Thursday night we held our annual Chamber Concert. It was a spectacular night showcasing the technical expertise and musicianship of our students. Thank you to Mr De Korte, the Director of Music and the Music Faculty for your leadership.

Railway Interest Group Forum – Public vs Private Operators

Congratulations to the Railway Interest Group for another successful forum. Our guests for the forum were Dr John Stone, from the University of Melbourne, transport researcher Ms Emile van de Graff, and railway operations planner, Wayne Chan.

Dr Tony Mordini
Principal