Once again, we find ourselves having to navigate another lockdown. I know that each time this happens, it has an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of our students, staff and families. I strongly encourage you to reach out to us, no matter how trivial you may feel your concerns or issues are. Steven Mifsud, in the Student Wellbeing section of the newsletter, has published the names of key people here at the College and external resources that can assist you during this lockdown. We constantly review our remote learning policies and processes and have endeavoured to ensure that students are given time to be away from screens and are encouraged to get outside for exercise and fresh air.
On a brighter note, I am delighted to announce that we have secured new dates for the College Production of Mary Poppins. Restrictions permitting, the performances will take place on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 September. The cast, crew and staff have worked so hard over the last eighteen months and deserve to have their time to shine.
Congratulations to Nicole-Hazel Parulan, VCE 2020, who was recently awarded a Premier’s Award for a perfect study score of 50 in VET Music. The Annual Premier’s Awards recognise top-performing students in the State. This year, 297 students were recognised with awards for their outstanding results. Unfortunately, due to the recent lockdown, the ceremony was cancelled. These are prestigious awards and acknowledge the academic commitment, passion and perseverance of recipients to their respective studies. Well done, Nicole-Hazel.
I would like to provide you with an update in regard to the bus issues that I have been pursuing with the Department of Transport. Firstly, we have managed to have the afternoon departure time for the Yarraville and Newport bus changed to 3.20pm. Secondly, a meeting was held with myself, key MSJ staff and Naomi Langdon, Director, On Road Public Transport Planning. At this stage, there is no resolution to our concerns and we have been advised to develop a business case that provides data and information in regard to the Point Cook/Sanctuary Lakes bus issues that would then be put forward for assessment. Thank you to all the Point Cook/Sanctuary Lakes families that responded to our survey. This data will be helpful for us in presenting a strong case for an additional bus service. We are able to work directly with the bus companies to possibly address some of the other timetable issues and will arrange to do this shortly. As you may be aware, working with government departments can be a long and frustrating process but we will continue to pursue these issues.
Kate Dishon - Principal
