Aspire News – First Edition 2022

Welcome Back

Welcome to all members of the Elevation community for our third year of operation. I’m hoping that you all have had a restful time over the summer period.

We have had a great start to the year, welcoming back our year 8 and 9 students and welcoming 175 new year 7 students. We also welcomed over twenty new staff to the school this year.

This year we have added Food Technology to our programs at year 7 and 9 as well as adding our elective program at year 9. Extension opportunities at year 7 and 8 have broadened as has the opportunity for Year 9 elective extension classes. Our Instrumental Music program has also expanded to become a band program.

All of this is happening concurrently with the building program to finish our school which has now begun.

A huge year for Elevation!

COVID

Thanks for the support from our community with regard to regular testing and notifications of infections. From

Rapid Antigen Tests are available for families to pick up on a fortnightly basis, or you could give permission for your child to being them home via Compass permissions. We will have enough delivered for every student for all of term 1. Please contact the office if you are unsure of how to claim your RATs.

Building Works

While supply chain issues across the country has slowed the beginning of works, I can now let you know that the civil and earth works have commenced and we are on schedule. I’m expecting to see some concrete slabs poured within a week or two.  

So far, we have been able to work well with the team from Ireland Brown Constructions who have been cooperative and communicative.

As you might have seen on our Facebook page, member for Yuroke Ros Spence attended the school last week for a short sod turning ceremony to kick off the works.

NAPLAN

While NAPLAN itself does not happen until term 2, there will be several NAPLAN readiness events happening in coming weeks, where year 7 and 9 students will complete practice tasks to prepare them for NAPLAN. Parents should be aware that all NAPLAN tests will now be

Welcome to 2022

Uniform Blitz

The uniform blitz over the past few weeks has seen a huge increase in students in the correct uniform. Students wear our uniform with pride, to school, at school and from school. A reminder to parents that shoes must be black leather lace-up school shoes or t-bars. Puma, Nike and Adidas make lovely fashionable black leather shoes, however these are not acceptable uniform shoes. Also, over the coming weeks, we strongly recommend that you get your child sized up for a blazer. The jumpers are nice and warm, however as soon as the wind blows (it’s pretty windy in Craigieburn), an outer layer is strongly recommended for comfort, especially in term 2 with doors and windows open for ventilation. Don’t wait until it is cold, get yours ordered early to ensure the uniform store does not run out of your child’s size.

Operation Clean Elevation

To be blunt, the yard is not looking great. Even the floors in buildings are looking sloppy. We need to look after the fantastic facilities that have been provided to us. We all need to take responsibility in doing so. Use the bins provided, leave rooms tidier than how you found them, and if someone with you drops something – call them out on it. It’s our space, we need to look after it.

Routines

Routines help your child succeed at school. Follow these simple steps for maximum success:

Students – what you can do

• Check Compass the night before
• Get your uniform out and ready before you go to bed
• Charge your laptop and have it next to your prepared school bag
• Get 9-10 hours of sleep

Parents/carers – what you can do

• Keep technology out of bedrooms
• Ask questions about what your child learnt that day
• Ensure your child has the correct books, folders, equipment
• Follow our School Wide Positive Behaviour parent matrix – attached to this newsletter.

Immunisation Day

Our Year 7s showed amazing strength and courage in receiving their immunisation. Thank you to all the parents/guardians who returned their immunisation form on time so that the day ran smoothly. The second round of Council run immunisation will occur in Semester 2 for Year 7s.

Photo Day

Thank you to all staff for helping run photo day, and all the students who made sure they were looking great for their photos.

Upcoming Assemblies

Year Level Assemblies will be occurring over the next few weeks. An important reminder that school ties must be worn at assemblies due to it being a formal school occasion. We have heard some great stories of parents teaching their child how to tie their school tie – if you’re not sure then there are plenty of YouTube videos out there. 

Senior School Planning

After a very successful visit from gotafe, we are continuing our work in partnering with tafe providers and industry partners to create the best pathway options for students at Elevation. Further information will be provided in the coming months. In the meantime, have a conversation with your child about their aspirations and get them thinking about their post-school. pathways. https://www.gotafe.vic.edu.au/

Year 7 Welcome BBQ

It was wonderful to meet so many of our Elevation community at our Year 7 Welcome BBQ on Tuesday the 8th of March. What a great turnout for a chilly evening. Our parents got to meet their children’s Mentor Group Teachers, received a guided tour of the school from students and of course a sausage in bread!

Thanks to all of our staff who created an enjoyable evening.

Opportunities for Extension and Enrichment this Year

We have returned to school with a sense of enthusiasm and possibility for our expanded academic extension and enrichment program. There is something for everyone this year! You can read more about our College programs and look out on Compass for a range of experiences and competitions offered this year.

Year 7 and 8 Extension Classes – Logic and Discourse

These classes are advanced and challenging, but they are not just accelerated curriculum. Our intention is to extend high ability learners and engage students in valuable and rigorous curriculum connections to academic disciplines that otherwise wouldn’t encounter until VCE or university. We are running expanded programs this year, acknowledging that it was challenging for students to get the full experience online in 2021.  Students apply via an online application form published on Compass. Students will be selected on a range of criteria including: passion for the field, academic performance and work habits. Students may wish to apply and are eligible for both.

Discourse – Applications Open Week 8 Term 2

This class covers Politics, Philosophy and Economics where students explore classical ‘big ideas’ in democracy, political theory and culture. The class is structured around debates and critically analysing contemporary issues.

Students apply via an online application form published on Compass

What Did This Look Like Last Year?

Students applied their skills in stakeholder analysis, critical thinking and advocacy to argue for a policy reform in front of three judges, two representatives from the Victorian Government and Principal Colin Burke. Students presented on an exciting range of topics, from raising the age of criminal responsibility to banning homework to reforming the UN Security Council.

Damla, who is now in 9C, was judged the winner. She gave a compelling case to better address bullying and abuse in professional sports.

Logic – Applications Closed for 2022

This class gives students the chance to engage with applied and advanced Mathematical concepts, proofs and logic that we don’t usually get to explore in Years 7 – 10. Students will also enter the Australian Maths Competition, Mathematics Olympiads and engineering challenges.

Students in Logic accelerate their mathematics as well as apply their skills in new ways. For example, algorithms are used in coding and robotics.

Year 9 Extension Classes – Semester 2

Elements of Science, Engineering, History and Literature are accelerated in our Year 9 Elective classes in Semester 2. Students expressed interest in these subjects as part of their subject selections last year. If your child is new to the school, or has gained an interest and passion in these areas. Please get in touch with their mentor group teacher.

Debating and Public Speaking

The Debating Association of Victoria is hoping to return to in-person competitions this year. Students in Year 7 and 8 will be notified of the opportunity to debate in-person against other schools at the start of Term 2.

Student Clubs and Activities

All students are welcome to join a range of lunchtime clubs and activities at lunch time. All clubs have an enrichment component, for example learning Chess or using a laser cutter while offering students the chance to follow their own passions and socialise at the same time. Clubs are published on students’ Compass and displayed on posters around the school.

Please contact your child’s mentor group teacher if you would like more information or request your child attend.

Showcase Evening and School Tours

On Monday the 28th of March we will be hosting a Showcase Evening for all potential students and their families to attend.

If you know any families that may be interested in attending this evening please share the following information with them and ensure they book tickets via the link below:

Greenvale United SC

With the influx of Expression of Interests over the last few weeks, Greenvale United SC has decided to add a couple more teams to the mix.

Last Remaining Spots

We require specific positional players in a couple of junior teams as listed below.

U13 Goalkeeper (Born 2008 or 2009)

U16 Striker (Born 2006 or 2007)

U16 GIRLS Goalkeeper and Striker (Born 2006 or 2007) – GIRLS PLAY FREE THIS YEAR

Please contact GUSC @  mailto:football@greenvaleunited.com.au

Please fill out an Expression of Interest via the link to become a Panther today:

https://www.greenvaleunited.com.au/2021/09/13/player-pression-of-interest-2022/

The College is conscious of the need to provide an efficient process for families to be able to buy and sell their second- hand textbooks, uniforms and other student resources. Currently we have many secondhand uniforms listed for those who wish to purchase and a few textbooks also.

Sustainable School Shop

We are delighted to be able to provide parents with the ability to buy and sell their second-hand items via the Sustainable Schools website: http://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

So far the results have been very good and we encourage families to take advantage of this method of buying and selling second-hand items.

Now is the time to list your second-hand textbooks and uniform as we have many families wanting to purchase items. Here is a how to guide to get you started:

Bushfire Risk

Elevation Secondary College is considered a Category 4 risk of grassfire area. Please read the following information carefully as to actions that will be taken on Code Red days.

Student Free Day

Friday 25th March

Assemblies/Awards

Year 7 – Tuesday 22nd March

Student Learning Conferences

Monday 4th April – Bookings via Compass

Term Dates 2022

Term 1 – Monday 31st Jan – Friday 8^th April

Term 2 – Tuesday 26th April – Friday 24th June

Term 3 – Monday 11th July – Tuesday13th September

Term 4 – Monday 3rd October – Tuesday 20th December