09 Apr 2024
Introducing Our 8th Year 7 Class - 7 Dragon
After thorough analysis and consideration of our student population and their diverse needs, we have decided to introduce an 8th class to our Year 7 cohort. This decision is based on our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible educational environment for each student. Recognising that our students possess a wide array of learning styles and academic needs, we have observed the necessity to create an additional class with a focus on students who would benefit from additional academic support.
The introduction of an 8th Year 7 class brings with it a ripple effect of benefits across our entire Year 7 cohort. After populating this new class, we will be enacting some minor student redistributions among the existing classes. This is not an administrative adjustment but a strategic move to enhance our educational environment. By distributing students more evenly across eight classes instead of seven, each class will see a reduction in student numbers. Smaller class sizes mean more individual attention for each student, meaningful interactions with teachers, and an overall better learning environment. We understand that the social environment is crucial to a student's academic success and wellbeing and this reconfiguration allows us to thoughtfully address and improve student combinations, fostering a more harmonious and supportive classroom dynamic.
We aim to make this transition as smooth as possible for our students and their families. Plans are in place to ensure that all students feel supported and informed throughout this process. Our teachers and staff are fully committed to this new class and the positive impact it will have on our school community. We encourage you to engage with us. Your feedback, questions, and participation are invaluable as we work together to ensure the success of all our students.
Year 7 and 11 progress reports
Progress reports for Year 7 and Year 11 students are distributed at the end of Term 1 each year. These reports provide valuable insights into how Year 7 students have transitioned into the high school environment and how Year 11 students have transitioned into senior school and the academic rigour associated with commencing Stage 6. Our first Parent-Teacher afternoon scheduled for Tuesday in the last week of term is an important opportunity to develop and strengthen the student, teacher and family partnership. Our meetings aim to discuss student progress and how we can work together to provide appropriate support to ensure each student's academic and social growth is maximised.
Digital Communications - a right to switch off
In conjunction with this newsletter article I have sent a letter to all Mount View High School parents with the aim to establish clear expectations for when and how our staff respond to communication from our students and community.
In our continuous effort to support our teachers' well-being and creativity, we are implementing guidelines on communication outside of school operating hours. Our dedicated educators are committed to bringing their best selves to the classroom every day, which sometimes requires them to recharge and spend quality time with their families. Here’s what this means for our communication:
- Non-Emergency Communication: Please direct all non-emergency inquiries to our official school email address: mountview-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au. Rest assured, our team will address your questions within 2 school days under regular circumstances.
- In-Depth Conversations: For matters requiring a more detailed discussion, we encourage setting up appointments to speak directly with teachers at a mutually convenient time.
- Emergency Situations: Should you face urgent issues concerning your child’s health, safety, or well-being, do not hesitate to contact our reception at 4990 2566 immediately.
Our aim is not to limit your communication with teachers but to ensure that it is effective, respectful of everyone’s time, and conducive to the well-being of our staff and students alike. We understand that your schedules may prompt communications after hours; we appreciate your understanding that responses will be provided during school operating hours.
We are committed to the success and well-being of our students and dedicated to supporting our students in achieving their full potential. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.
Non compulsory excursions - feedback for policy development
I am developing school policy around the way we manage non-compulsory excursions that supplement classroom learning and other curriculum based experiences. Establishing a clear policy is essential to ensure these opportunities are beneficial and accessible to all students who wish to participate whilst ensuring that the students that represent our school meet behavioural (Respect), uniform (Safety) and attendance (Engagement) expectations.
I have created a short survey to gather community feedback on the topics of uniform, attendance and behaviour to help inform our requirements and expectations for non-compulsory excursions. Uniform compliance ensures safety and identification of our students both at school and importantly during off-campus activities. Maintaining standards of behaviour is important in all settings but critical when students are representing the school and community. Academic commitment and engagement at school can be demonstrated when students maintain an excellent attendance percentage.
Participation in non-compulsory excursions is a privilege, and as such, students will need to meet the respectful, safety and engagement expectations set forth by our school to maintain this privilege. The policy will aim to enhance the educational experience and foster responsibility and respect among our students. Feedback from stakeholders will be collected and written into the new policy with a view to implement early Term 2.
Parents and carers can access the survey on this link: https://forms.gle/oAbJ8gcDCVfiSWZY8
Anzac Day
I would like to extend an invitation to our students to participate in the 2023 ANZAC day march. Mount View High School will be meeting at the Vincent Street Kitchen on Monday April 25 at 10.45. Students must be in full school uniform to march. The march gets underway from 11.15am and will move down Vincent and Cooper Streets to the Cenotaph where a service of Commemoration will take place.
Attendance
As we move into the end of Term 1, I would like to reiterate the critical importance of attendance and behaviour for the success of our students. The collaboration among the school, students, and parents/caregivers continues to be crucial for improvements and achievements in these areas.
Eleven weeks have passed since the beginning of the year, and it's imperative that we maintain our focus on attendance as a key component of academic success. Consistent attendance is vital for students to fully participate in the curriculum, engage with their peers, and benefit from teacher support. Absences from school mean lost learning opportunities and falling behind, which is something we strive to prevent. Our aim for student attendance rates remains at 95% and above, emphasising how critical regular attendance is for educational progress. It's concerning to note that students with an attendance rate of 90% essentially miss one month of learning annually, amounting to 100 hours of instruction and support. This is the 'Educationally at Risk - Danger Zone' we've discussed. As we progress through the school year, it's clear that maintaining and improving attendance is essential for avoiding this risk.
In our effort to support families and students, you should be receiving your second 5 week attendance report update. These reports go home in addition to our regular attendance letters and SMS communications. These reports serve as a reminder of the importance of regular attendance and are part of our commitment to keep you informed about your child's educational journey. Wellbeing staff are concurrently discussing 5 week attendance trends with every child in the school to provide wrap-around support and identify any support required and subsequent opportunity for improvement.
We ask for your continued support in ensuring that students attend school every day. Please schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. Together, we can ensure that our students have the best possible opportunities for success. Let's keep attendance and behaviour as our focus moving forward, understanding their significant impact on academic achievement.
