Principal Report

Welcome to this month’s edition of the W-Files. On behalf of the teaching staff I would like to start by acknowledging the parents who attended our second semester Parent-Teacher Interviews. We greatly value the partnership we have with families and the role these events play in improving the learning and pathways for students.

In recent weeks, the Williamstown High School community has been actively engaged in a range of events including: interschool debating, 2023 subject selection, senior students sitting the GAT, interschool sporting competitions and a number of wonderful musical concerts. Our student-led end-of-term assemblies not only celebrated outstanding student achievement across the school but additionally provided another platform for them to display their diverse and wonderful talents. Our Year 12 students were also able to reflect on their time at school and advise the Year 10s and 11s about making the most of the opportunities ahead. Please enjoy reading in our W-Files about the whole range of activities our students have been involved in.

Leadership Team for 2023

As previously mentioned, all our Leading Teacher and Learning Specialist positions have recently been advertised statewide. The staff earlier this year were involved in a leadership model review to ensure we resourced the goals in our new strategic plan with relevant key leaders. We have introduced an Inclusive Education Leader to ensure all students have access to the opportunities presented to them. This follows an allocation of new funding for all government schools. Williamstown High School looks to be receiving just under $250,000 for this work.

A significant investment has also been allocated to increase the number of Leading Teacher positions in the wellbeing space. This is not only in response to the goals in our strategic plan, but also the ever-growing priority to support our students in this area. In particular, these leaders are aiming to create an environment with a focus on the “wellbeing of learning”. We know student learning will be enhanced if students feel engaged and have a genuine sense of belonging and connectedness to the school. This can occur in many ways for each student, perhaps a particular connection with a teacher, a subject, a program such as sport or music, or via our leadership program. Any one of these connections may be the key to supporting our students to be engaged, happy, resilient and to successfully continue their learning and life journey. Curriculum, Literacy, Mathematics, Pathways and Teaching and Learning Leaders were also appointed following a healthy competitive process.

PFA Thanks

Our PFA is an amazing team of people who are always looking for ways to add value to our school environment and community. As a result of their successful fundraising efforts, each year the PFA is able to fund a number of special projects around the school. The PFA also hosts the end-of-term afternoon tea for all staff at the Bayview Campus. This has become a highly anticipated event where staff certainly feel appreciated and valued by the parent community. This was not possible in recent years due to the pandemic so we were very pleased to once again be treated by our wonderful PFA. Once again, an immense thank you to our PFA for your ongoing support and commitment.

Congratulations - 2022 Victorian State Schools Spectacular

I would like to highlight and congratulate four of our students who, following a rigorous selection process, participated in the recent Victorian State Schools Spectacular. This is a fantastic achievement and just another wonderful example of the talented students we have in our school community. Please read below some praise from the organisers as well as some extracts from the local newspaper.

Members of the main cast at the 2022 Victorian State Schools Spectacular:

James Priday - Audio Crew
Joshua Nielsen - Audio Crew
Amelia McConnell - Principal Vocalist
Excelsior MaZe - Principal Vocalist

Your students are commendable ambassadors for your school and your support of their involvement is appreciated - 2022 Victorian State Schools Spectacular organising committee

A message from Ms Hinch, our Vocal teacher:

A big congratulations to our students Amelia McConnell (Year 12), Excelsior Madden (Year 10) and James Priday (Year 10) for their brilliant work at the Victorian State Schools Spectacular on Saturday, 10 September. Amelia and Excelsior delivered stellar vocal performances, lighting up John Cain Arena with plenty of sparkle, and James worked behind the scenes in the audio team to ensure the event was of the highest professional standard. A fantastic representation of the performing arts talent we have here at Williamstown High School!

You can catch the official broadcast of the show on Channel 7 on Saturday, 17 December at 7pm.

Congratulations also to Maggie Lynch, who is a lead cast member in the Disney musical ‘Freaky Friday’ with 11 shows currently showing at Chapel off Chapel in South Yarra. Maggie is one of only three individuals in the cast under the age of 19 and, following extensive rehearsals for the past five months, has been balancing her studies with her performances. Well done Maggie!

Wishing all families and staff a restful break leading into a busy and exciting Term 4.

Bayview Campus Principal Report

Dear parents and carers

As this third term draws to a close, we anticipate that our students will reflect on their progress thus far including during Parent Teacher Student Interviews. Semester 1 assessment task results showed our Year 7 students achieved 77%, Year 8 - 74% and Year 9 - 74%, on average. We are hoping to improve this across all learning areas by the end of Semester 2. We look forward to continuing this work and thank you for your support in this regard.

Our learning environment

We are continuing to work on maintaining and improving learning environments for our students. This has included the installation of two additional chilled water stations near the gymnasium and further repairs to the basketball rings. Please speak with your child about respecting our environment and encouraging them to be a responsible member of our school community by making an appropriate choice for their litter. We will continue to address this issue as a school and as part of the local community.

Staff farewells and welcomes

We are due to welcome back Kerri Wangeman, Michelle Jepsen and Manny Agustin at the beginning of Term 4. We thank Kim Paatsch, Margaret Ross, Amanda Casey and John Trajanovski for their work with our students in their absence. Adil Ektem is due to take leave for the first three weeks of Term 4 and, in advance, we thank Ezra Bangun, Genevieve Percovich and John Trajanovski for continuing teaching and learning for his students during this time.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) archive recently marked the passing of Clarence Chai, ‘a legend in Australian fashion and in the development of Melbourne’s queer design culture’. Chai was born in Singapore, arrived in Australia in 1963, and completed his education at Williamstown High School before undertaking further study at Prahran Technical College then RMIT. Elements of Chai’s work and life are still evident in our values today. Four of Chai’s pieces are held at the National Gallery of Victoria.

We are currently in the Poorneet season of the Eastern Kulin calendar, as described by Woiwurrung traditions - Tadpole Season. The elements of this time evident at Bayview Street are temperatures rising and rain continuing, pied currawongs calling loudly and days and nights of similar length. If you visit the site during the break, you will also hear frog calls - please let us know if you can confirm the type of frog responsible!

Pasco Campus Principal Report

As Term 3 ends I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of all teachers and students, especially those involved with the Year 12 cohort. The last few weeks of the term are incredibly busy as our VCAL and VCE students finish their coursework and will soon start the process of preparing for their examinations in Term 4. Both the practice exams and VCE Subject Connect lecture will be occurring over the break and I encourage all students to make the most of the opportunity to prepare thoroughly.

We have added a new member of staff to the Willi High team: Lexie, our therapy dog. Lexie visits the school one morning and afternoon each week and has been a real hit with students. Lexie brings a smile to the faces of everyone who meets her and is helpful in calming any of us who are feeling anxious or stressed.

Our Indonesian teacher and Learning Specialist Matt Grose was invited to participate in a round table discussion earlier in the term led by Federal Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts on the practical steps Australia can take to transform our links to Asia. Tim spoke glowingly of Matt’s contribution and we are all proud of his work and having a member of the Willi High community represent us at the forum.

Congratulations to all involved in the Spring Concert held on Monday, 5 September. It was a wonderful evening with some incredibly talented musicians performing at the Williamstown Town Hall.

I encourage all members of our community to take a well deserved break these holidays. Enjoy the time with family and friends and have a safe holiday.

Strategic Assistant Principal Report

Semester 2 STEM Club takes off!

Following on from the great success of the Semester 1 STEM Club, our Semester 2 Inspire Robotics STEM club is now in full flight, with students from Years 7, 8 and 9 participating. The club is now running on Mondays in Room 1 (in the Bayview Campus Atrium) from 3:15-4:45pm until the end of the year.

Former Willi High student and Australian Robot Soccer Champion Tamas Simonds is leading the group again, and it is going to be very exciting to see how this semester’s team approaches the building, designing and programming of their robots. If you are at all interested in learning about what kinds of activities and work the club engages in, please visit the Inspire Robotics Website at www.inspirerobotics.com.au/williamstownhigh/ or contact Mr Clifford at the Bayview Campus.

Victorian RoboCup champs on the way to national glory?

It has been a long time in the making, but our team of five students - Vasil Naumovich, Vince Mandado, Eli Culha, Max Dmytrenko and Matthew Medved could be on their way to Adelaide to represent WIlliamstown High School at the RoboCup Junior Australian National Championships. After becoming the RoboCup State Open League champions only a couple of short months ago, this team has been practising diligently to be ready for the national competition!

Many thanks to their ‘Inspire’-ational robotics coach Tamas Simonds and also to parent Alphan Culha for their amazing dedication to prepare the group. Daniel Marshall, our Robotics teacher, has put his hand up to take the group to Adelaide during the holidays. So while the final details of this trip are yet to be confirmed, we hope to have a good story to tell to everyone after the holiday break - maybe there will be another ‘Grand Final’ we can all be talking about once the holidays are done!

Three WHS students accepted into GHD!

Three Williamstown High School Year 10 students - Sienna Broekman, Nora Thein and Ava Schofield - have been selected to undertake the GHD STEM Pathways program.

GHD is a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and communities. The objective of the GHD program is to expose students to STEM career pathways. The three students are undertaking a weeklong intensive placement at GHD from Monday, 12 September, to Friday, 16 September, which looks to be a very unique and valuable experience. We look forward to hearing all about it when they get back. Well done!

'STEM 4 GIRLS' - School to Work Program

Year 11 and 12 students who identify as female have a wonderful opportunity to participate in the ‘STEM 4 Girls’ project - a new program focused on delivering career and employment opportunities to Year 11 and 12 female students in the industry sectors of Engineering, IT and Industry 4.0.

You can register your interest on our online Google form at the following link so we can book you in to your preferred session (WHS login required):

https://forms.gle/YTqSodmPBr3C3Wq99

A high-tech Willi High?

While we are fortunate to already have great resources and equipment at our school, what if we could go further? Many of our students have visited the Wyndham Tech School and remark upon what a truly exceptional and modern learning space it is, with fascinating technologies to encourage innovation and collaboration. We are starting to consider how we can be inspired by this at our own campuses. Watch this space as there will be more to come.

School Council Report

Well, here we are on the eve of the September school holidays and I’m sure I’m not alone in wondering where this year has gone. Like many of you, at the start of the year it was difficult to imagine what 2022 would be like. Thankfully it looks like we will complete the school year without the major disruptions of 2020 and 2021. Although, while writing that last sentence I’m looking over my shoulder worrying that I have tempted fate. It is great that there has been a resumption of school camps, including recent trips to the snow and Sydney by the Year 9s. I know that school leadership are looking to the future when international trips can recommence and are planning what that looks like.

At the last School Council meeting we had the pleasure of hosting the Pasco Campus student leadership, represented by Silver Moon Thein, Matt Cameron, Lily Deravi and Connor De Petro. They gave an outstanding presentation that covered a wide range of topics. Of note was the development of a Google form that gives students another avenue to express their views on the school environment at WHS. It is their hope that this platform can allow students to express their views on matters dear to them, such as inclusivity, diversity, respect and safety.

A topic close to the students’ hearts is the school uniform. During Term 2, student leadership conducted an online survey to ascertain the student body’s views on the current uniform. With winter approaching at the time of the survey, much of feedback centred on winter wear. The school uniform will be added to the next agenda for the School Council’s Education and Policy subcommittee (EdPol). Of course, changes or additions to the school’s uniform are carefully considered and involve extensive consultation with all stakeholders.

On that note, I would like to talk a little bit more on consultation and involvement in the WHS community. From time to time the school will seek input from our school community. As part of school governance and Education Department requirements, the school is required to continually review and update its policies. The request for feedback may come through this newsletter or via a direct email. Any feedback given is appreciated; it doesn’t vanish into ether, but is fed directly to EdPol and helps that subcommittee make improved recommendations to School Council on school policy.

I’ll also give one last reminder for the Parent Opinion Survey 2022. If you have been invited to complete this survey, it closes on 16 September. It only takes 20 minutes and your input is important to the continued growth and development of our school.

Finally, I would like to thank School Council’s student representative Connor De Petro, who participated in his final meeting as he now concentrates on studying for his forthcoming exams. Connor’s contributions to council will be deeply missed. It has been an absolute pleasure working with him over the past two years. I wish all of our Year 12 students the very best for their final term and I know they will do the school, their families and themselves proud.

Student Engagement and Wellbeing Report - Bayview Campus

With Term 3 starting to bring some warmer weather it has been great to see students soaking up the sunshine, taking any opportunity to be outside and active with their friends during lunch breaks.

• Year 7 students attended an ‘Identity’ incursion, run by one of our regular workshop organisations, Elephant Ed. The students were also busy competing in the finals of the inter-homegroup volleyball competition. Congratulations to 7A and 7D on an enthralling Grand Final, with many students from various year levels coming along to watch the spectacle.

• At Year 8, students have finished off their morning trivia competition, with 8B and 8F emerging as the most impressive performers. Two Outdoor Adventure classes attended camp at Rubicon’s Nayook campus, with students engaging in activities promoting leadership and teamwork, undertaken in a bush setting.

• The Year 9s have continued their very busy term, completing Course Confirmation with a counselling teacher to lock in their senior subject preferences for 2023. The highlight of the term was no doubt the Year 9 Snow (Mt Hotham) and Sydney camps, which saw 120 and 80 students, respectively, celebrate with their peers the hard work and learning they have completed so far across 2022.

The ‘After School Tutoring Program’ has continued drawing in students interested in receiving extra support with their schoolwork and study. Running from 3:00-4:00pm each Wednesday in the Bayview Library, students can work with subject teachers – and classmates – to access extra learning support and collaboration opportunities.

Monday morning Breakfast Club also offers students and staff the opportunity to enjoy cereal, toast, fruit and other yummy foods all in a friendly, social atmosphere.

Wishing all families a safe holiday break, coming back refreshed and ready for a great final term.

Student Engagement and Wellbeing Report - Pasco Campus

The end of the term has come up quickly, with students across the campus busy finalising assessments and beginning to consider preparations for their exams, as well as tertiary and pathway options. Students are to be commended on their efforts and willingness to lift each other’s spirits and continue to help encourage each other toward their goals. Students from across Years 10, 11 and 12 volunteered to share their voice in the What Youth Want Forum with youth workers from Hobsons Bay, who gathered their feedback and enthusiastic, helpful suggestions on ways to improve facilities, events and services for local youth.

Year 12 students brushed up on and learnt some new study skills, strategies for preparing for exams, managing stress and undertaking effective revision during an incursion with Elevate Education. They have also been participating in light-hearted homegroup competitions to help relieve the pressures of ongoing assessments, as well as having the opportunity to participate in yoga and weekly lunchtime anti-anxiety sessions with our mental health practitioner, Erin Immel.

Year 11 students have been enjoying a new table tennis table, thanks to a generous donation from the Parents and Friends Association. Year 11 students have voted on their Year 12 jumper design and will soon be able to finalise orders. Student leadership and school captain positions for 2023 will be open to apply for at the end of this term. We have been impressed with our Year 11 cohort and have no doubts that there are many students who would make wonderful additions to the school leadership team. There will also be leadership positions for 2023 Year 10 and Year 11 students, and we look forward to seeing the wonderful initiatives they all will bring.

Year 10 students had a great time at the Year 10 camp on Phillip Island, admiring the cute little penguins, undertaking various activities including laser tag, flying fox and giant swing, getting up close with koalas and absorbed in illusions and games at A Maze’N Things. Students who did not go to the camp were able to participate in alternative activities back at school including art, cooking, humanities and science. Year 10s also had the opportunity to learn how to support their own and other people’s mental health with a workshop from batyr, as well as a moving and insightful presentation by the Pat Cronin Foundation around productive ways to manage aggression and violence, and strategies for reducing and managing risks.

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students at our end-of-term, whole campus Celebration Assembly, and wish our students a restful and deserving break.

Image gallery below of Breakfast club, Year 10 camp and student activities.

Year 7 Student Management Leaders Report

Another busy term has come to a close, with the Year 7 cohort involved in a number of activities throughout the 10 weeks.

Elephant Ed - students were involved in a 90-minute workshop around the theme of Identity, which complemented the Health topics that students were completing in their PE classes throughout the year. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics such as Gender, Sexuality and Relationships.

Subject Selection - Students were given the opportunity to select their elective class for Year 8. There are a number of classes on offer that complement the key learning areas at secondary level. Subjects on offer are:

The Arts - Cartooning and Animation, Digital Photography, Music - Bayview City Rollers, and Ceramics

Technology - Game Design, Hold Fast Cafe, Design it - Make It

Science - Marine Science

HAPE - Outdoor Adventure

Interschool Sport Success - Term 3 saw a number of students represent the school in the following sports - basketball, football, soccer and hockey. Congratulations to all teams on their sporting behaviour and proud representation of WHS. Our successful basketball and hockey teams will be going through to the next round of competition. The next dates will be announced early next term.

Our Year 7 Netballers made it through to the State Finals and competed against the best teams in the state. They were competitive but did not become State Champions. The Year 7 Girls relay team made it through to the Western Zone Athletics Finals and will compete again on Thursday, 15 September.

Lunchtime Volleyball competition - Mr Hartwig, along with Mr Wilson, Ms Mahoney and some of the Sport Captains, officiated a lunchtime volleyball competition between the Year 7 homegroups. Competition was fierce and all games were hotly contested. The two teams to make it through to the final were 7A and 7D, with 7A the victors. Congratulations to all who participated, and stay tuned for the next round of competition next term: Quidditch (maybe)

Year 8 Student Management Leaders Report

This term, two Outdoor Adventure classes attended camp at Rubicon’s Nayook campus, with students engaging in activities promoting leadership and teamwork. Popular outdoor activities in this bush setting included cross-country skiing, ‘canopy quest’ and mountain biking.

Through the school’s extensive homegroup curriculum, this term the Year 8s have covered a range of important topics including the Resilience, Rights & Respectful Relationships (RRRRs) unit, as well as other areas. This has involved:

• Developing social problem solving and friendship skills.

• Stress management – understanding causes of stress, developing coping strategies and practising relaxation techniques.

• Help-seeking behaviours and where to find help.

• Understanding the health risks and laws around vaping/e-cigarettes.

Students have also taken part in and completed a series of general knowledge Kahoot! quizzes aimed at providing a fun, engaging activity to start the day in homegroup. Congratulations to 8B, 8F and 8C, who took out the top three places.

We hope everyone has a great spring holiday break and we look forward to seeing the students again in Term 4.

Year 9 Student Management Leaders Report

Congratulations to all Year 9s on a mammoth term! It has been undoubtedly the busiest term of the year for the cohort. Term 3 saw a number of essential programs run to support students in their transition to the senior campus. This all started with the parent information night at Pasco, and then the Subject Supermarket – where students toured the senior campus and learnt about the range of subjects open to them next year. This was all geared toward a very busy Course Counselling Day, where students were able to nominate their preferred subjects for 2022.

Shortly after, approximately 200 students attended this year’s Snow and Sydney camps. The snow-goers enjoyed an abundance of fresh snow and some breathtaking scenery to go along with it, while the Sydney-bound students toured the sights and some of the most iconic places in the country. This interstate trip involved activities such as the Opera House tour, Harbour Bridge pylon lookout, and a trip to the Blue Mountains.

All students must be commended for their consistent efforts during this busy term.

Year 10 Student Management Leaders Report

As we close on what seems to be one of the longest terms on record (for both students and staff 😉) we look back on some great memories. The highlight of the term had to be the year level camp to Phillip Island. Yes, it was cold, but surprisingly that did not stop many of the students from getting into the freezing water during the raft building activity. There was great teamwork on display and this was carried over to the initiatives course where communication was key. Thrill seekers got their rush from the flying fox and the giant swing whilst nature lovers fell in love with the penguins at the parade as they made their migration from the water and into their burrows. All in all, it was a great three days with a great bunch of people!

This term we have been treated to a number of great incursions aimed at supporting the students’ social and emotional growth. This has included talks from the Pat Cronin Foundation surrounding violence and positive choices, and preventative mental health charity batyr, which discussed teen mental health support. Next term we have a mental health first aid course booked in for the year level and a number of great talks to further support the students.

Year 11 Student Management Leaders Report

The Year 11 cohort ended Term 2 with a year level excursion. Students could pick between undertaking outdoor laser-tag or the treetops high ropes course out in the Dandenong Ranges before returning for lunch at Melbourne Central. Luckily the weather held off, which allowed the students who participated to have an enjoyable experience that sent them into Semester 2 on a positive note.

Term 3 is often the most challenging for Year 11 students, particularly those who are undertaking Unit 3 and 4 subjects due to the increasing workload and assessment requirements. As a whole, the year level has risen to the occasion quite well. As we head into Term 4 with final assessments and exams, it’s important that the Year 11s develop effective study plans for how they will approach these so they can complete them with confidence and achieve the results that best reflect their knowledge and effort in their subjects.

In Week 5 the students undertook the Elephant Ed workshops looking at issues around consent. Students worked in small groups facilitated by a young presenter from the Elephant Ed program to explore what constitutes consent and how they can support each other to make the best decisions. The program was well supported with high levels of attendance. The response from the students was overwhelmingly positive regarding the program and the content covered.

Year 12 Student Management Leaders Report

As we come to the end of what has seemed like a never-ending term, the Class of 2022 can see the finish line ahead of them! With another interrupted term for students and teachers with regular absences due to COVID and the flu, the Year 12s have banded together to show what a resilient group they are.

Term 3 is always a busy term, and this one has been no different. Students have been feeling the pressure of finalising coursework, SACs and SATs, and beginning preparations for the November exam period. The GAT also took place, which saw every Year 12 student completing at least one part for the first time.

We celebrated ‘Recharge Week’ in Week 8 to give students opportunities to plan a study timetable, try some yoga for relaxation and have some fun with the Hoop Off, Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower and Get Knotted homegroup challenges.

We hope that our Year 12s take some time to recharge over the break (not too much though as we dive deep into exam preparation), and we can’t wait to come back together in Term 4 to celebrate the Class of 2022!

Curriculum Report

It has been a busy Term 3 for the Pasco students, with Year 10 students selecting their subjects for their VCE/VCE Vocational Major (VM) pathway and the Year 12 students completing their final SACs for Unit 4.

General Achievement Test (GAT)

On Wednesday, September 7, all students completing Units 3&4 VCE and VCE VET subjects, as well as all senior VCAL students, completed the GAT (General Achievement Test). While not counting toward students’ study scores, the GAT is used as part of the VCE quality assurance process to ensure that school-based assessments and external assessments have been accurately assessed. This year, for the first time, the GAT also includes a Numeracy and Literacy section to indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills typically expected of someone completing their secondary schooling. This was the first VCAA exam for a lot of the students and many showed great initiative in how they prepared for the GAT, from reading up on all of the rules, to attending the tips and tricks sessions that were offered in the weeks leading up to the GAT.

With the Term 3 break approaching, Units 3&4 students will be shifting their focus to exam revision and preparation for the VCAA exams. To support our students, we will be running Connect revision lectures and trial examinations during this term break.

Connect Lectures

In partnership with Connect Lectures, the school will be providing revision and exam-focused lectures from Monday, 19 September, to Friday, 23 September. Students who have paid for these lectures should refer to the Connect Lecture timetable for the specific time and locations of the lectures.

Units 3&4 Trial Exams

From Monday, 26 September, to Friday, 30 September, the school is hosting Units 3&4 trial examinations in the Pasco Gym. The exams will be run under exam conditions using external VCAA supervisors. All students are encouraged to attend and make a genuine effort for these exams.

To prepare for these trial exams, as well as the end-of-year exams, we encourage students to use the holiday break to get their approved materials ready, including: basic stationery, dictionaries, water bottle and watch. For a full list of approved items please see www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/materials/Pages/index.aspx

VCAA VCE Exams

The 2022 VCAA VCE end-of-year exams start in Term 4. The full exam timetable can be found here www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/Key-dates/Pages/VCE-exam-timetable.aspx

Students who are undertaking oral or performance-based examinations should have been advised of the date, time and location of the exams via their subject teachers.

Literacy Report

Literacy News

To begin with, I would like to congratulate all of the students who sat the NAPLAN Reading, Writing, Spelling and Punctuation literacy tests last term. The results are in and Williamstown High School is proud to celebrate the increasing number of students achieving high results across all NAPLAN areas and, in particular, in the writing test. Writing is a vital skill required for all school subjects and also for moving into employment and further study. It is pleasing to see that so many of our students are working hard to compose the range of texts needed for their education as well as for our busy and complex society.

I have also recently had the pleasure of forming part of the judging panel for the Principal’s Writing Competition. The theme for the competition this year was ‘Duality’. As always, I was incredibly impressed by the original, moving and outstanding entries that were submitted across the school from Year 7 through to Year 12 under the four categories of Narrative, Persuasive, Poetry and Lyrics and Graphic Novel. Once again, the Narrative and the Poetry and Lyrics categories saw the most overall entries. It has been wonderful to see the logical development of argument, language and structure, as well as the creativity and imagination of our talented writers on show.

The winners are as follows:

Category	Bayview Campus	Pasco Campus
Narrative	Anais McColl - ‘Branded With Insanity’ Dominique Littooij - ‘Double Agent’	Grace Skeggs - ‘It was Family Tradition’
Persuasive	Vince Mandado - ‘Acceptance’	Grace Skeggs - ‘Is the world black and white, or are there shades of grey?’
Poetry and Lyrics	Prioshka Bari-Das - ‘But We’re So Close’	Excelsior Madden - ‘Lexi’
Graphic Novels		Alyssa Cunanan - ‘Fluff’

Mathematics Report

The Bayview Mathematics team recently held its first Mathematics Week [three days] at Williamstown High School. This ran from Wednesday to Friday, 3-5 August, and coincided with the Australian Mathematics Competition.

The AMC is an engaging 30-problem competition that demonstrates the importance and relevance of mathematics in students’ everyday lives; it is open to students in Years 3 to 12. Australia’s leading educators and academics, with a deep understanding of our national curriculum standards, actively design the unique AMC problems each year.

The Bayview Campus had approximately 130 students participate in the AMC this year, including all students from the Year 7, 8 and 9 SEALP classes. Congratulations to all participants who stretched themselves academically to ‘be a learner’, and we look forward to sharing the results with everyone once made public.

Additional activities held throughout the week included:

• Mathematics Meme-Master (MMM) Competition

• Lunchtime Activities [Time Game, Rubik’s Cube Challenge and Mathematics Trivia]

• Atrium and Library Displays

• Homegroup Kahoots!

AND Mathematics Inspired Bell Music!

MMM Competition Winners

1st Place: Thom Woolford

2nd Place: Sydney Window

Student participation and support of all activities was overwhelming and we are already planning for 2023! A huge thank you to all teaching staff for your contributions to ensuring the success of this week! A special acknowledgement to Ezra Bangun and Cory Duker for your assistance in getting this new initiative started and to Anita Gatti-Smith, Daniel Marshall and Liz Lorenc for supervising the AMC.

English Report

Texts come alive!

As part of Year 12 English, our students are required to study two texts and then compare their features, structures and values. In 2022, they are studying The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, and The Dressmaker, by Rosalie Ham. On the surface, a 1950s play about witchcraft and McCarthyism and a gothic novel about a toxic rural town in Australia would seem poles apart.

To facilitate a deeper understanding of this task, our Year 12s viewed important scenes and key themes that were dramatically presented by the Complete Works Theatre Company. Our Centenary Theatre was used to great effect to dramatise the jealousy, corruption and manipulation of power in each of these texts. During the performance the professional actors also explained how key scenes from the play and the novel could be linked and interpreted.

Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive with students appreciating how the words from the page had come to life through the passionate portrayal by the actors.

Humanities Report

The second half of the year has seen the Humanities team at the Pasco campus sticking close to home as everyone has their gazes locked into the end of the year. For our Unit 3&4 students, this means exam time. For our Unit 1&2 students, this means the development of knowledge and skills that will serve them well in 2023. For our Year 10 students, it’s choosing from a robust range of subjects that are used to analyse the world around them.

And with a hectic and unpredictable 2022, the Humanities team is being kept on their toes in guiding students as they make sense of it all. With a new federal government comes a range of legislative and policy changes, and the Legal Studies classes are all over the challenges faced by new governments and the ability to deliver on promised reforms. The Business Management classes are keeping a close eye on the conduct of businesses and how they treat workers, the environment and manage the uncertainties of trade.

With continuing global conflicts and constant posturing, the fragile relations between foreign nations are being carefully analysed by the Global Politics team. Growing concerns of the impacts of climate change are being examined by the Geography class. The implications of rapidly rising interest rates are being scrutinised by the Economics group. And the History and Philosophy classes seek to understand how we got here and what it all means.

Immersion Report

This semester, six Year 9 groups will have a chance to “Make A Difference” to themselves, Williamstown High School and the wider community. Immersion gives students the opportunity to continue to develop important personal and social capabilities such as resilience, social awareness and collaboration.

Community Service

The Immersion program continues to build lasting and productive relationships with our community service partners, who welcome our students throughout the year and continue to praise them for their exemplary behaviour, maturity and commitment to helping others.

Moon Carlin-Smith (9F), Damon Damevski (9D), Evelyn Martyn (9F) and George Tilkeridis (9F) attended the Williamstown Library for their community service placement during Term 3. “During my community service, I really enjoyed helping the public and the workers at the library and hope to do it again sometime” - Damon Damevski

It is also fantastic to have the rangers from Hobsons Bay City Council with us this semester to lead our students in the regeneration of native plant species at the Jawbone Reserve. This term, the students planted in excess of 600 grasses and mulched large areas in the Jawbone Reserve and the Rifle Range. Well done!

Making A Difference (M.A.D.) Project and Immersion Expo

The Year 9 homegroups in Immersion during Term 3 (9D, 9F and 9J) were divided into 16 groups on the basis of a shared interest in an important issue and friendships. In these groups, they researched information about their issue, shared their acquired knowledge with each other and then went on to create a stall for the inaugural Immersion Expo Day on Friday, 2 September. Issues included plastic pollution, renewable energy, overfishing, factory farming, plastic surgery, concussion, food insecurity, pink tax, fast fashion and animal testing. Each group was allocated a space in the Immersion Centre to set up a stall and raise awareness of their issue to the 200+ Year 7 and 8 students who visited the expo. It was a fantastic event; the energy in the room was electric! The Year 9 students should be extremely proud of their efforts.

Amy Curran, Marie Glass, Eliza Lawless & Rachel Roberts

2022 Year 9 Immersion Team

Music Report

Spring Concert

Congratulations to all students involved in our first Spring Concert since 2019! It was great to be back at the Williamstown Town Hall and listen to our large ensembles perform. We look forward to hearing them all perform again at our Summer Picnic later in the year.

Spring Soiree

Save the date: Our Year 12 Music Performance students will be performing their examination repertoire at our Spring Soiree on October 7. This will be a free concert held in the Centenary Theatre and all are invited to come along.

Unit Two Drama Studies Performance

Careers, Pathways and Transition Report

Term 3, otherwise known as the ‘Term of Transition’ at Williamstown High School, has seen Year 9, 10 and 12 students undertaking course selection and course counselling either online or in person this year. In the Careers and Pathways space, many WebEx meetings, phone and in-person conversations have occurred to ensure students are well supported with their decision making for their 2023 pathways. Fortunately, this term we were able to offer Course Selection Information Evenings in the Centenary Theatre again, just like in pre-COVID times. When thinking about the Year 9 and 10 students’ course counselling, more than 500 students and their families engaged in meaningful conversations online and in person with teachers to finalise subject selections for 2023. These pathway programs were time consuming yet crucial in planning for students’ pathways into next year.

Year 9 Unpacking of Morrisby Profile Assessments

On Monday, 8 August, Karen Pritchard and Rebecca Sanders from the Australian Centre for Careers Education (ACCE) conducted ‘group unpackings’ of the Morrisby Profile Assessment for our Year 9 students at the Bayview Campus. Each homegroup was involved in having a dedicated interactive session with the Morrisby careers advisors, supported by Anna Bovdis and Liz Lorenc, which explored student’s individual Morrisby accounts as viewed online. Students also received a printed booklet of the results of their assessment. Aptitudes and interests were highlighted in these sessions and there was a demonstration of the main interactive features of the online profile for future student use. We were very pleased to have the group unpacking and reflection stage of the Morrisby Careers Assessment completed before the end of term. Students reported that they found these sessions incredibly useful moving forward into their course counselling sessions. Some comments include: ‘The Morrisby gave me new careers to think about that I hadn’t considered before’ and ‘It made me feel positive about what I want to do in the future’.

Year 12 VTAC Briefing and Applications

Year 12 students were presented with a VTAC Briefing on Monday, 1 August. Over 100 Year 12 students have so far made their application by listing VTAC course preferences. Students are able to list eight courses on their preference list. Timely VTAC applications must be completed by 29 September. After this time, Year 12 students may still apply but the cost will increase from $44 to $126, and students may risk missing early closing deadlines for some courses such as the University of Melbourne Bachelor of Fine Arts or the Monash University Bachelor of Medicine. All students should apply for SEAS within their VTAC account and the SEAS deadline is on Friday, 7 October. All students should apply Category 1 and definitely apply for Category 4 Difficult Circumstances, which includes ‘Remote Learning Impacts’. Students can register on www.vtac.edu.au with their VCAA student number and their USI code. After registering and receiving a VTAC ID and using their pin number (which they create), they can continue the eight-step application process.

All Year 12 VTAC applicants should also apply for scholarships through their VTAC account. The closing date for scholarship applications is 7 October (same date as SEAS). There are Merit and Equity Scholarships that Year 12 VTAC applicants should apply for www.vtac.edu.au/access.html

The University of Melbourne Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program

Select Year 10 students performing in the top 5% of the academic cohort were invited to apply for the University of Melbourne’s Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program. The calibre of applicants made the task of shortlisting awardees a tough task. We eagerly await notification of the application outcomes from the University of Melbourne in November.

study.unimelb.edu.au/study-with-us/programs-for-high-achievers/kwong-lee-dow-young-scholars-program

Year 12 students who aspire to study at the University of Melbourne have been invited to apply for the Principals’ Scholarship. The principal will nominate one student from the applications submitted. The student must demonstrate high academic achievement as well as a good record of contribution within the school or wider community. Students must also have placed a University of Melbourne course on their VTAC preference list with the intention of studying in 2023 to be eligible. Year 12 Students will have until Friday, 14 October, to apply. Applications can be made by completing the online form at the following link: University of Melbourne Principals Scholarship 2022

scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/about-scholarships/melbourne-principals-scholarship

The Deakin University Young Influencer Award

The Year 11 Deakin University Young Influencer Award is another wonderful opportunity for students who have achieved above-average Year 11 results, made an outstanding contribution to their school or local community, and demonstrated a real willingness to help, coach, teach or care for others in a significant way. See www.deakin.edu.au/young-influencer-award for the complete set of criteria. The closing date is Sunday, 9

October. The Student Management Leaders have promoted this opportunity amongst the Year 11 cohort and Year 11 students who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. Awardees will receive a $5000 scholarship, including a payment of $500 this year and the remaining $4500 paid across their first year of undergraduate study at Deakin University in 2024.

Year 11 student flying through VCE

As a part of the VET Delivered to Secondary Schools Program, Year 11 student Riley Edgar has recently achieved his recreational pilots licence (RPL) in the AVI50219 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence). Over a three-hour period recently, Riley was assessed in pre-flight and plane inspection tasks, after a passenger and safety briefing with the head of operations at the Royal Victorian Aero Club at Moorabbin. Riley proceeded to fly for an hour, apparently dodging clouds! After a weekly trip to Moorabbin all year to undertake his flying lessons, he completed his ground theory a few weeks ago with flying colours! He will continue next year to work toward his private pilot licence (PPL). As a 17 year old, Riley can now fly a plane but he cannot yet drive a car until he turns 18. Congratulations to Riley.

We wish all our students and families a safe and happy holiday break.

Sport Report

State Lacrosse:

Recently we had two teams represent the school in the State Lacrosse Competition, where the best schools in Victoria competed for the glory of being the best in the state. Amazingly, both teams - the Intermediate Mixed and the Senior Girls - walked away State Champions. This is a significant achievement and one that the school is extremely proud of.

The Intermediate team was led by Josh Gordon, who put together a fantastic finals performance that resulted in the 11-6 victory. In the Senior Girls it was Marley Dawson and Grace Bokma who captained their side to victory against a strong competitor. It was great to see so many students finish off their sporting experience at Williamstown as State Champions. Well done!

Division Athletics:

At Division Athletics we were treated to some extraordinary performances from a number of our senior school representatives. This included Kai Hunak, who won the 100m and 400m; Jack Hardiman, who won the Long Jump; and Fin Baker, who won the 800m. They are all progressing to the Western Metro Regional Finals taking place in the last week of term.

Parents and Friends Association Report

Many thanks to Cory Duker, Mathematics Leader at the Bayview Campus, who was our guest speaker at the most recent PFA meeting. Cory gave us insight into the four areas that are his main focus. He also answered numerous questions on a variety of topics – including maths options and pathways as students progress to the Pasco Campus; how the school can support students with maths-specific learning needs; how the school can encourage girls to progress in maths; and delivered an impromptu demonstration of Mathspace, explaining how it can be used to support learning in the classroom and at home.

Scouts and Schools Monster Raffle

Tickets are now available for the PFA’s major fundraiser of the year – the Scouts and Schools Monster Raffle. Once again, tickets are available digitally via the link or QR code below. Winners will be drawn on 11 November. First prize is a new car, with travel experiences and a huge range of other great prizes on offer. Simply click on the link below to purchase tickets and help the PFA to keep providing extra resources for WHS students.

scoutsvic.raffletix.com.au/willyhigh

PFA-funded outdoor table tennis table – Pasco campus

This is now installed and being enjoyed by Year 11 students at lunchtime and recess.

PFA-funded outdoor table tennis table – Pasco campus

This is now installed, and being enjoyed by Year 11 students at lunchtime and recess.

Ski helmet covers – finally seeing the snow

Back in 2019, the PFA donated 100 ski helmet covers so that teachers could more easily keep track of students on the slopes at the Year 9 Snow Camp. At last they have made it out of the box, and a Snow Camp teacher commented: ‘They were a great success. Thank you for helping to make identification of our students an easier task on the mountain.’

‘Thank you’ afternoon tea for staff

For the first time since 2019, the PFA is delighted to be hosting an afternoon tea for all WHS teaching and non-teaching staff on the last day of Term 3. This is held in the Bayview Campus atrium, with finger food and drinks provided by the PFA. Record numbers of staff have indicated they will be attending. After the last couple of particularly challenging years, this afternoon tea is a great opportunity for us to show how much WHS families appreciate the ongoing hard work of all staff.

The next PFA meeting is on Tuesday, 4 October, at 7:30pm. This will be our first in-person meeting since early 2019. Our guest speaker will be Darren Nicholas, the Bayview Assistant Principal. There will also be options to participate in the meeting online. Details of the meeting will be provided on the first day of Term 4.

We welcome all new families to join this meeting.