Newsletter Issue 15 October 13th 2015 From the PRINCIPAL CLASS My report constitutes 3 parts: 1. General information and school activities September – November 2015. 2. Report on the International Student Promotional Tour Sept 8th – 30th 2015. 3. Report and update on the MTeach program we deliver in conjunction with the University of Melbourne. Science and Food Technology Refurbishment The tenders (from 5 companies) will be opened on Wednesday 14th October. It is hoped that they will come in under or at the budget amount. Within the tender documents there were options to be quoted on. This is to enable the refurbishment to proceed if the tenders come in above budget. Work should commence early November. This is approximately four weeks later than anticipated. The delay is due to DET facilities branch procrastination. University of Melbourne Koonung has been invited to continue as a “Base School” for the delivery of the MTeach program in 2016. This program is a very highly regarded “Pre-service” teaching program and Koonung and its students derive many benefits from being involved. Please refer to the article I have written about this. Staffing Update Welcome back to Erika Harder from Long Service Leave and Chelsea Thomas from Family Leave. Congratulations to Andrea Lau, who has recently completed her VIT registration. Andrea is continuing this term replacing Angie Bosnic. The following staff on family leave indicated that they will not be returning in 2016: Rachael Castricum will be returning at the start of Term 2, 2016. Brad Handcock has tended his resignation as has Rebekah Banks. Visit to Koonung by Box Hill State Member, Robert Clarke On Tuesday, 13th October, Robert Clarke visited the school with Shadow Minister for Education, Nick Wakeling. The purpose of the meeting was to familiarise Nick Wakeling with the school and the state of the facilities. This visit follows a similar visit in Term 3 by Federal Member, Anna Burke. Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter Student Leaders for 2016: Congratulations to the newly elected student leaders for 2016: School Captains: Shana Nastas and Athos Sirianis School Vice Captains: Jonathon McGrath and Meera Mishra During Term 4 the other significant leadership positions will be filled. Student Leader training and coaching will be delivered this term as well. VCE Art Show Thursday 15th October 2015 This is a wonderful showcase of the visual arts at Koonung. It includes student work from Art, Visual Communication, Media Studies, Studio Art, Photography and Food Technology and Design. The official opening is at 6.00pm, Thursday 15th October. Box Hill member, Robert Clarke, will officially open the show. All are invited. Year 12 End of Year Activities and Celebrations The year 12 cohort are entering an extremely important phase of their schooling and at this time of the year we must be careful to support them whilst also acknowledging the milestone of completion of secondary schooling. Last week all students undertaking a unit 3/4 VCE study undertook trial examinations. These were supervised by outside supervisors sourced by Koonung. On Monday 19th October Year 12 students will have a ‘Celebration Day’ held at the school. Tuesday 20th from 8.00am is the final breakfast and all Year 12 parents are welcome. This will be followed by the Final Assembly for year 12 students in the hall. Parents are invited to be in the audience. Valedictory Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday 20th at Leonda. This is a wonderful occasion which allows parents, students, family members and staff to acknowledge our graduates. Year 12 unit 3/4 examinations commence on Wednesday, 28th October. Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal 11th November 11th November is Remembrance Day. The Box Hill RSL have left poppies at the General Office for purchase. Please support this important appeal. Year 9 Camp September 8th – 11th I wish to thank all the students and staff who attended this camp, and specially thank the leader, Georgina Russell. Reports indicate that whilst the activities were challenging, students were up to the task and comments have been very positive. As this was the first time the school has used this camp provider and venue, we are currently undertaking a review and feedback is being sought from students and teachers. Vietnam Tour – inaugural event at Koonung 23 students and 3 staff travelled to Vietnam during the term 3 school holidays. Reports indicate that the participation by students was exemplary. Thank you to the staff who helped to organize this tour and to those who attended and supervised. Term 4 Sport and Interschool Sport This is a very busy term with numerous regional and state finals. Key events are listed below. Eastern Zone finals: Athletics: Year 9/10 boys and girls hockey, Year 9/10 girls cricket, Year 8 boys table tennis, Year 7 girls basketball, Year 8 boys basketball, Year 7 girls softball, Year 8 boys baseball. Koonung has teams in each of these. Winning teams go through to State finals. State finals: Year 9/10 girls hockey – this team is going for three state titles in a row. Athletics. Koonung – Division Athletics and Swimming Champions Koonung won the division Athletics last term for the third year in a row. We are currently the reigning Division Champions in Swimming and Athletics. Strong participation by a large number of students, along with some elite performances from individuals, are the key aspects to winning divisional championships. Congratulations and thank you to the coaches (students and staff), the students, the house captains and our sport co-ordinator, Kahli Symons, for your time and effort. The Whitehorse Sporting Division consists of the following schools: Koonung Secondary College Blackburn High School Box Hill High School East Doncaster Secondary College Box Hill Senior Secondary College Promotional Tour to China and Sister School Visit to Dalian Koonung has 55 International Students and most of them are from China. Many of these students are allocated to home stay with local families as they are studying at Koonung without family support. The international student coordinators; Ms Tracey Song, Ms Joyce Bao and Mr Sen Li, along with their teachers, become their family whilst they are in Melbourne. The international students are an important source of cultural diversity within the school, they provide strong role modelling around study and work ethic and contribute a great deal to the extra curricular activities. The additional funds they bring into the school are used to provide support to programs and resources on offer to all Koonung students. Please refer to the article later in this newsletter which outlines the purpose of and activities undertaken by Ms Song and myself on our International Promotional Tour to China September 8 – 30, 2015. Important Dates for your calendar term 4. Oct 13 School Council Oct 15 VCE Art Show 6.00pm Opening Oct 19 Year 12 Celebration Day Oct 20 Valedictory Dinner Farewell Assembly and breakfast Year 12 students and families Oct 28 Unit 3/4 Exams begin Nov 3 Melbourne Cup Day Nov 16 Wollangarra Camp ( 24 Year 8 students ) Nov 17 School Council Nov 19 Year 10 and 11 Exams begin Nov 30 Stepping into VCE Program 3 day Dec 7 Year 7 2016 Parent Evening Dec 8 Year 7 2016 Orientation Day for Grade 6 students Dec 8 Presentation Evening Dec 14 Summer Program – 3 days Dec 18 Last day of school year 2015 Peter Wright College Principal REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROMOTIONAL TOUR AND SISTER SCHOOL VISIT 2015 Attendees: Peter Wright, Principal and Tracey Song, International Student Co-ordinator, travelled to China recently, departing September 8th and returning on October 1st, 2015 The purpose of the trip was three-fold: 1. To meet parents of International Students currently enrolled at Koonung Secondary College to conduct Parent-Teacher Interviews Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter 2. To visit International Educational Agents to a. Promote Koonung Secondary College as a school of choice for Chinese students. b. Promote Victorian State Government schools and education. c. To answer questions the agents may have about Victorian Education and the processes involved in placing Chinese students into the International program in Melbourne schools. 3. To visit Koonung’s Sister School “Lushun Number One Senior High School” Dalian. This was a very important part of the tour as it allowed Koonung to be represented at the Lushun School’s official opening ceremony of the school’s new campus. The new campus is an AUD$200.million facility. It is a boarding school designed to accommodate 2000 students. It is a co-educational school for years 10 – 12 and this year the school is celebrating 70 years of educating young people. Discussions also were conducted with the Principal, Mr. Sun, to organise the upcoming exchange visit by Koonung’s students in April 2016. Promotional Tour Schedule: 8th September Depart Melbourne 10.30pm th 9 September Arrive Guangzhou 6.00am 11th September Arrive Chendu 3.00pm 15th September Arrive Shanghai 8.50pm th 19 September Arrive Beijing 2.45pm 23rd September Arrive Dalian 6.40pm 29th September Official guests at the Opening of Lushun Senior High School Dalian China 1st October Arrive Melbourne 8.30am Parent-Teacher Interviews: Guangzhou 10 scheduled 6 completed Chengdu 1 scheduled 1 completed Shanghai 8 scheduled 6 completed Beijing 7 scheduled 8 completed Dalian 3 scheduled 2 completed Total 29 23 Each interview was 45 – 60 minutes in duration. Educational Agents visited: Guangzhou EIC AOJI IDP JJL Chengdu Eduglobal AOJI IDP Shanghai AOJI A&A International Eduglobal EIC IDP JJL Austar Group Beijing EIC JJL Eduglobal IDP AOJI Dalian AOJI EIC group JJL Dalian Xinguan Science & Education Consulting Co.Ltd 25 agents visited. Each visit was approx. 60 minutes in duration. We met with an average of 4 consultants at each company, a total of 100 consultants. What did we learn from this Promotional Tour?: That Melbourne is a preferred destination for Chinese secondary school students, along with Vancouver and San Francisco. That academic results, safety, home stay arrangements and communication are the key factors in the choice of a school by Chinese parents. Word of mouth and family recommendation are a key reason for ‘choosing a school’. The agents in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou know Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and Box Hill, Kew and Glen Waverley are suburbs of choice. They had also heard of Koonung Secondary College as well as Balwyn High School and Box Hill High School. Parents in China do not expect that parent-teacher interviews will be one on one. They expected group meetings and were very pleased to have individual interviews with the Principal. The parents are very interested in ‘COMPASS’ as a means of staying in touch with what is happening at the school and with their child’s study and involvement in school life. Recommendations: 1. Personal interaction with parents and Educational Agents is very important. 2. Participation of the Principal class is important for promoting our school. 3. Avoid travel to China during the Autumn Festival period 30th September – 6th October as availability of parents and agents is limited. Covered walkway built in the style of Stanford University. Preparing for the official opening of the New school at Lushun, Dalian. Students preparing for opening ceremony. Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter Beautiful sand stone building materials Lushun school 2015. Lushun students performing “traditional song” at the official opening. The new uniform at our Sister School in China. Peter Wright College Principal KOONUNG AND UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE MTEACH PARTNERSHIP Since the inception of the Master of Teaching clinical practice approach to pre-service teacher training in 2008, Koonung has hosted approximately 200 students with a further 360 hosted in our partnering schools. Currently 17 members of Koonung’s ongoing teaching staff are MTeach graduates in subject areas including Mathematics, Science, English, Physical Education, History, Art, English as an Alternate Language and Geography. Their addition to our teaching staff has enriched the school experience for students and fellow teachers due to the enthusiasm and pedagogical expertise the graduates bring with them. In 2011/12 Koonung formed an alliance with the University of Melbourne to form a Centre for Teaching Excellence along with 6 partner schools. This was a federally funded project which provided funding for 30 teachers from the 7 cluster schools to undertake ‘the Specialist Certificate in Education – Clinical Teaching’ developed by the University of Melbourne. This was in response to the identified need to improve supervising teacher skills as mentors. In addition, a high tech teaching and learning space was created to allow the in-time recording of teacher practice and student response to this. The space is being used by both pre-service and in service teachers to provide valuable feedback and insights into their teaching practice. The impact on the ground at Koonung as a result of delivering the MTeach model was to open the door to classrooms, where team teaching, observations and visiting neighbouring classrooms and indeed neighbouring school classrooms is now commonplace. Preservice, graduate and experienced teachers share ideas, lesson plans, strategies and techniques used in their classrooms on a daily basis and collegiality is powerful. Experienced teachers have been enriched through their interaction with MTeach candidates in their role as mentors and indirectly through working side by side with them through the ebb and flow of the school day and week. As a Principal, my belief that teachers develop their practice best through collegial support and interaction is reinforced each day as I observe the relationships develop between pre-service teachers and their mentors. There is no doubt that this program has delivered improved student outcomes at Koonung, the staff and student data shows this. The Student Attitudinal Survey data for 2015 is above state and region means on all measures. Learning Confidence is in the 90th percentile, student absences across year 7 to 12 are 11 days per year compared to state average of 19 days per year. The VCE median study score of 32 ranks Koonung in the top 20 Government schools in the state. Staff Opinion Survey Data shows that School Climate and the Professional Learning culture are significantly above state means on all measures, in particular, collective participation, coherence and feedback. Peter Wright College Principal Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter YEAR 12 PARENT & STUDENT BREAKFAST & FINAL ASSEMBLY Parents and year 12 students are invited to attend the final breakfast for year 12 students. This will be held in the Senior Centre on Tuesday 20 October from 8am. This will be followed by a whole school assembly in the hall to farewell the class of 2015. Michael Kyrkou Senior School Manager YEAR 7 VISITING AUTHOR: WILL KOSTAKIS As part of Book Week and Literacy Week we had the pleasure of presenting the up-and-coming YA author, Will Kostakis, to all year 7 students. Will told the students how he started writing when he was 6 years old and finally signed his first book deal, Loathing Lola when he was in year 12. Will spoke to the students about how inspiration is never too far away, about how you can find subject matter by drawing on your own experiences – in Will’s case: his grandmother, his brothers, his mother and his Greek background - and, by asking ‘What if?’, expand that experience into a piece of writing that could become a book! Will, with his wonderful sense of humour, was able to turn the simplest situation into something that many of the students were able to identify with: the grandmother whose English caused more than one embarrassing situation for the family; the father who enthusiastically introduced his new wife to his children at a restaurant; the ‘grumpy’ brother who could barely bring himself to speak to any of the family. 25 students from across year 7 then attended a Creative Writing workshop during which Will stepped the students through the process of how to extend their writing from the ordinary to the creative. Students were given 3 sentences to work with: He ran through the trees. He was scared. He tripped and fell. Which, for one student, became: As he desperately ran through the forest, the endless branches clawed at his body, like they were trying to catch him, to leave him to his fate. He heard the growling, that familiar haunting sound ringing in his ears again. For a second he was distracted and barely noticed the cleverly placed vine. He fell to the ground, the sound he had always associated with death still close by. (unedited) BOOK WEEK AND THE PRINCIPAL’S READING CHALLENGE 2015 The 2015 theme for Book Week was, “Books light up our world”. During Book Week all CBC Shortlisted titles for Young Adult Literature were purchased and displayed. During the week a number of competitions were held and congratulations go to Ayana Dobie, Elisha Punay, Kelvin Chen, Sam Burgess, Claire Morgan and Charlotte Terrill for their successful entries. 2015 saw the third year of what has become an annual literary event, the Principal’s Reading Challenge. All students in years 7 & 8 were encouraged to participate in this Challenge as part of the Wider Reading Program and D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read). An invitation was also extended to students in years 9, 10, 11 and 12 and Staff to participate. Students were asked to record what they were reading, beginning in May and finishing in Book Week (September). For every 50 pages read, students were awarded 1 point for their class and themselves. Students who accrued 50+ points were acknowledged for their success with a presentation from Mr Wright at a luncheon held in the Library. Whilst the numbers were somewhat down from 2014, an impressive 35 students attained the 50+ points. Overall 345,062 pages were read, with 7A, 7D, 8B, 8D and 8G leading the charge. The following students were recognised as the highest achievers for each section: individually gaining more than 100+ points: Encouragement Awards: Tess Mountney 7B River Vanderfeen-Ball 7F Year 7: Elisha Punay 7A Year 8: Hamish McLean 7D Years 9-12: Janet Edwards 12 12B The Overall Winner, with 1200 points: Ayana Dobie 7D The Principal’s Reading Challenge also earned House points. Overall, participating students earned 2700 points for Condor, 1000 points for Roberts, 700 point for Streeton and 600 points for McCubbin. Congratulations again to all participants and we look forward to a highly contested Principal’s Reading Challenge in 2016. Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter PFA SECOND HAND BOOKS PFA have a large selection of good quality second hand books available for sale. Please direct enquiries to Carolyn Minster at drcarolyn@optusnet.com.au PFA MEETING DATES - 2015 th Monday October 26 December Xmas Dinner TBA All meetings are 7.30 - 9pm in the MYC DOBSONS UNIFORM STORE – KOONUNG NORMAL TRADING HOURS Mondays: 8.15am – 11.15 am Wednesdays: 10.15am – 1.45pm Contact Kylie at the Uniform Shop on 9897 4726 or email: koo@dobsons.com.au for all enquiries. CAREERS NEWS Year 12 VTAC Dates VTAC Scholarship Applications Close: 16th October VTAC Late Course Applications Close: 6th November http://www.vtac.edu.au/dates.html The Careers’ Office staff are available to see any Year 12 student that feels they still need to discuss options and pathways. Macquarie University: Six Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Study Time http://mq.edu.au/study/undergraduate/future_students_facebook/6_tips_to_get_the_most_out_of_your_study_ti me TSFX Exam/Study Tip: The Smartest Way to Work Through Past Exam Papers http://www.tsfx.com.au/vce-study-tips/ Engage Education Practice Exams Find free practice exams with worked solutions for many VCE subjects on Engage Education’s website. http://engageeducation.org.au/practice-exams Holmesglen Open Day 22nd October Registration is required for the sessions at this open day, and can be done on the website. http://www.holmesglen.edu.au/students/open_days Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter Applying for Art & Design at RMIT These video gives practical advice from current RMIT students about how to prepare and apply for art and design courses at RMIT, as well as how to prepare for the selection interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jPly5hHlec&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chfwcjiH3Hk&feature=youtu.be RMIT Pathways This site lists pathway options for all of RMIT’s different study areas. https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/applying-to-rmit/local-student-applications/pathways/recognisedpathways/ University Exchange Programs Most universities offer exchange programs, which involve already enrolled students studying for a half or whole year at a partner institution of their own university. Study abroad programs are slightly different, and do not involve studying at a partner institution; this means students sometimes need to contribute extra funds towards their tuition fees. As an alternative to exchange, some universities also offer short study tours, or the option to study at an international campus of their own. Most universities offer various forms of financial assistance to students going on exchange. Below are some links to the international study options offered by a number of universities. University of Melbourne: http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/outbound/index.html Monash University: http://monash.edu/study-abroad/ RMIT: https://www.rmit.edu.au/life-at-rmit/study-experience/global-opportunities/ La Trobe University: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/exchange Deakin University: http://www.deakin.edu.au/study-at-deakin/study-options-and-pathways/global-studyopportunities Victoria University: http://www.vu.edu.au/student-life/study-overseas Swinburne University of Technology: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/abroad/departures/index.html UTAS Law Relocation Scholarship Students who relocate to Tasmania to study Law at UTAS and have achieved an ATAR of 90+ are eligible for a Relocation Scholarship of $5,000. Contact: Kira.White@utas.edu.au or Miriam.Chalk@utas.edu.au or 03 6226 7510 http://www.utas.edu.au/law/scholarships/relocation-scholarship Year 11 La Trobe VCE Plus Information Evenings Shepparton: Wed 7th October, 6pm – 7pm Bendigo: Wed 14th October, 6pm – 7pm Melbourne: Thu 15th October, 6pm – 7pm Year 11 students can find out about studying a university subject as part of their VCE and apply on the night. Applications are also currently being taken online. Contact: 1300 135 045 or vceplus@latrobe.edu.au http://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/vce-plus Year 9 and 10 A great opportunity exists for students who are interested in the area of Allied Health and Community Services to attend a day at Box Hill Institute in a simulated hospital environment on Tuesday November 10 9.30pm – 3.00pm. If students are interested in this session please email your name, form and brief explanation of interest to mccaskie.carol.c@edumail.vic.gov.au General Information Defence Jobs Info Sessions 15th October, 6pm – Women in Defence 20th October, 7pm – Health Careers 21st October, 6pm – Australian Defence Force Academy 27th October, 6pm – Officer 28th October, 6pm – Defence Careers All these sessions will be held in Melbourne and can be booked via email: cptvic@dfr.com.au https://www.facebook.com/DefenceJobsAustralia/events Rail Careers There are a wide range of careers available in the rail industry; these include engineering, customer service, corporate jobs and more. This website provides information about the industry and provides students with information about how they can succeed in the industry. http://railcareers.net.au/ Scholarships for the children of Rail, Tram and Bus Union Members The Rail, Tram and Bus Union in Victoria have scholarships to assist the children of their members with their study at a variety of year levels. More information about the individual scholarships can be found on the website. http://www.rtbuvicloco.com.au/ ACU: Teaching at ACU This online booklet provides information about the teaching courses and alternative pathways available for anyone who would like to enrol in a teaching degree 2016, but may not have the academic requirements for direct entry. http://www.acu.edu.au/data/assets/pdf file/0006/769434/Teaching at ACU.pdf ACU Elite Athlete Program Elite athletes who apply to ACU may be eligible to receive up to five bonus entry points. Elite Athletes who successfully gain entry to ACU will be given greater support and flexibility for study and assessments. http://www.acu.edu.au/study_at_acu/alternative_entry/elite_athlete_program Occupational Therapy Australia This website offers a list of Universities around Australia that offer entry level courses into Occupational Therapy. http://www.otaus.com.au/work-or-study/university-programs Speech Pathology Australia This website provides information about a career in Speech Pathology as well as a list of University courses that will get you into the field. A multimedia presentation also provides more information about career opportunities. http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/education-and-careers/career-opportunities New Angliss International Hotel School From semester 1 2016, the William Angliss International Hotel School will run from both the Melbourne and Sydney campuses. The hotel school will offer a diploma of hospitality delivered over 12 months, featuring an internship with a major hotel, an international study tour, and access to specialist master classes. After completing the diploma, students will have guaranteed entry into the second year of William Angliss Degree Programs. http://www.anglisshotelschool.edu.au/ Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter Other News Careers with Woolworths Woolworths Limited (Woolworths, Big W, BWS, etc) has a range of job options available, from apprenticeships & trade roles to casual, part time or full time positions. www.wowcareers.com.au Lattitude Global Volunteering: Last Minute Availability for 2016 There are still a small number of placements available for programs departing 2016. You can be a teacher in China or Fiji, a medical assistant in Japan, an Outdoor Activities Instructor in the UK and many more. http://www.lattitude.org.au/index.php?nodeId=181 Flying Fish Gap Year Adventures Flying Fish trains commercial maritime professionals and instructors of water sports and mountain sports. They have a number of training opportunities for anyone wanting to work instructing surfing, snow sports, wind surfing, scuba diving and more. https://www.flyingfishonline.com.au/gap-year-adventures/ Small Animals Are holding short courses run for one day and are designed to give participants foundation knowledge on working with small animals through a mixture of information and practical activities. The courses will be taught at the RSPCA Burwood East Education Centre and cost $225. Introduction to working with small animals: 14th October 2015; 21st March 2016. More Info: http://www.rspcavic.org/services/education/short-courses Trish Paddick/Kylie Poppins/Carol McCaskie Careers Team WELLBEING AND ENGAGEMENT NEWS PARENTZONE – TERM 4 “Parent News” resource: Parentzone Anglicare Victoria Ph: 9735 4188 Fax: 9735 5782 47 Castella St Lilydale 3140 Parentzone.errd@anglicarevic.org.au www.anglicarevic.org.au http://www.anglicarevic.org.au/index.php?pageID=11261&action=filemanager&folder_id=928&sectionID=11253 Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter This is a public event. Everyone welcome! Places can be reserved by emailing rick@criticalagendas.com.au Include Your NAME and No. Tickets required. Collect and pay for tickets on th night. Enquiries: Ph 0433 616 771 Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter Program description: We all want to see our girls reach their best outcomes and mature into healthy, strong resilient girls. Resilience involves the ability to 'bounce back' or recover when things go wrong or negative experiences impact us. By giving our girls key strategies to develop resilience, we prepare them for life. During this 2 hour presentation (including time for discussion and questions), Author and Educator Sharon Witt, will provide key skills and strategies our girls need in order to be resilient, strong and capable young women. Key topics include: • • • • • • • • Developing Emotional Intelligence Navigating difficult relationships Conflict management skills The personal values and attitudes we want to foster in our girls Developing positive relationships Strategies for coping in traumatic or difficult situations How to foster optimistic thinking and self-talk Coping with Academic Stress Thursday November 5th 7pm to 9pm Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre Cnr Bell St & St Georges Rd, Preston $20 per person (at the door) NO EFTPOS Secure your place! Email rick@criticalagendas.com.au Include your NAME, Date attending and No. Tickets required. Collect and pay for tickets on the night. Enquiries: 0433 616 771 The wellbeing and engagement team! KOONUNG SECONDARY COLLEGE PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SECONDHAND TEXTBOOK SALE Saturday 5th December 2015 9.30am – 11.30 am **PFA NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH OUR ANNUAL SALE** NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY WE NEED ASSISTANCE ON: 1. FRIDAY 4th DECEMBER 9.00AM – 2.00 PM (OR PART OF THIS TIME) TO ASSIST WITH COLLECTION, PRICING AND SORTING OF BOOKS. TO SET UP FOR THE SALE. LIGHT LUNCH PROVIDED. 2. SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 9.00AM – 12.30PM/1.00PM TO ASSIST WITH SALES OF BOOKS/FOLLOWED BY PACK-UP 3. MONDAY 7TH DECEMBER 9.00AM – 12.00 NOON TO ASSIST WITH SORTING AND RETURNING OF ANY UNSOLD BOOKS THERE ARE PERKS ASSOCIATED WITH VOLUNTEERING! PLEASE CONTACT CAROLYN MINSTER email: drcarolyn@optusnet.com.au (preferred) OR Text 0405 410 575 PLEASE NOTE: DOBSONS NOW HANDLE UNIFORM AND ALL SECONDHAND UNIFORM SALES. The Dobsons Uniform shop at KSC will be opening on Saturday 5TH December to sell second-hand uniform. Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter FREE STUDENT EXCHANGE INFORMATION EVENING IN MELBOURNE Hear from returned students, find out more about discounts and scholarships available and ask questions Thursday, 22nd October - 7.30pm City of Melbourne Bowls Club, Flagstaff Gardens, Dudley St, West Melbourne Visit www.studentexchange.org.au or call 1300 135 331 for more information Op Shop Volunteers Needed Doncare needs friendly volunteers to assist them in their Op Shops. Funds raised in the shops by our volunteers provide substantial funds to our programs in Domestic Violence, Emergency Relief, Family Services, Counselling and Social Support for Seniors. Call us on 9856 1500 Email us at Opshops@doncare.org.au or drop into one of our shops and ask for an application. Jen McMahon Manager, Opportunity Shops Program (03) 9856 1536 | (03) 9856 1599 jenny.mcmahon@doncare.org.au | www.doncare.org.au Suite 4, Level 1, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster Vic 3108 Suite 4, Level 1, MC2, 687 Doncaster Road Doncaster, Victoria 3108 F: 9856 1599 Opshops@doncare.org.au | www.doncare.org.au LABURNUM PRIMARY SCHOOL Join us in celebrating John Hazlett’s amazing career of 41 years in Education. John has had an amazing career in Education, achieving many milestones but his main focus has always been the students. So it is now our turn to put the focus on him. John is retiring in December so it would be great to have you join us, in wishing him all the best in his next adventure. BIG MAN, BIG SMILE, BIG HEART When: Friday 13th November Where: Community Centre, Laburnum Primary School Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm RSVP: Friday 6th November on 9898 5811 Or email edwards.sonya.l@edumail.vic.gov.au Excellence Through Endeavour Newsletter DIARY CALENDAR FOR TERM 4 2015 (11 WEEKS) WEEK MONDAY 12 Oct (Day 6) 2 19 Oct (Day 1) TUESDAY 13 Oct (Day 7) 7:00pm SCHOOL COUNCIL 20 Oct (Day 2) Yr 12 Breakfast & Final Assembly. WEDNESDAY 14 Oct (Day 8) THURSDAY 15 Oct (Day 9) VCE Art Exhibition 22 Oct (Day 4) FRIDAY 16 Oct (Day 10) SATURDAY 17 Oct 23 Oct (Day 5) 24 Oct 28 Oct (Day 8) VCE Unit 3-4 Exams Begin 4 Nov (Day 3) 29 Oct (Day 9) 30 Oct (Day 10) 31 Oct 5 Nov (Day 4) 6 Nov (Day 5) 7 Nov 11 Nov (Day 8) 12 Nov (Day 9) 13 Nov (Day 10) 14 Nov 17 Nov (Day 2) Year 10 and 11 exams. Wollangarra Camp 7:00pm SCHOOL COUNCIL 24 Nov (Day 7) Year 10 and 11 Exams 1 Dec (Day 2) 18 Nov (Day 3) Year 10 and 11 exams. Wollangarra Camp 19 Nov (Day 4) Year 10 and 11 exams. Wollangarra Camp 20 Nov (Day 5) Year 10 and 11 exams. Wollangarra Camp 21 Nov 25 Nov (Day 8) Year 10 and 11 Exams 2 Dec (Day 3) 26 Nov (Day 9) Year 10 and 11 Exams 3 Dec (Day 4) 27 Nov (Day 10) Year 10 and 11 Exams 4 Dec (Day 5) 28 Nov 8 Dec (Day 7) Year 7 2016 Orientation Day Year 8-9 students not required at school. 9 Dec (Day 8) 10 Dec (Day 9) 11 Dec (Day 10) 12 Dec 21 Oct (Day 3) 3 26 Oct (Day 6) VALEDICTORY DINNER 6.30PM 27 Oct (Day 7) 4 2 Nov (Day 1) 5 6 7 8 9 Nov (Day 6) 16 Nov (Day 1) Year 10 and 11 exams. Wollangarra Camp 23 Nov (Day 6) Year 10 and 11 Exams 30 Nov (Day 1) 3 Nov (Day 2) CUP DAY HOLIDAY 10 Nov (Day 7) 5 Dec 9 7 Dec (Day 6) 7pm Year 7 2016 Parent Information Evening 10 14 Dec Summer Program 11 Presentation Evening – Besen Centre 15 Dec Summer Program Last Day of the academic year for Years 7-9 16 Dec Summer Program 17 Dec Re-enrolment Interviews as required only 6:30pm SCHOOL COUNCIL 18 Dec Last Day for teachers 19 Dec Excellence Through Endeavour