We all look forward to seeing you in 2012

Important notice to all Year 8 Parents,

Due to a clerical error, the text ‘Jacaranda Essentials History 2’ is listed as being a core text for 2012. This is NOT the case. It is only necessary to buy this text if your daughter is doing the AUSTRALIAN HISTORY elective. If she is not doing this elective, please do not buy this book. All other core texts are required as normal.

Thank you, PGSC Humanities Faculty.

Dear parents, guardians and students,

As the year draws to a close, can I take the opportunity to thank you for your support during these few months since my arrival at Preston Girls Secondary College.  I have found the school community to be richly diverse and with a huge potential for growth, and look forward to working with you toward developing a culture which is based on a professional learning community.  In this way, we shall be able to enhance the future prospects for all our students as they develop throughout the school.

In the spirit of school improvement, I advise you of some changes to staffing and the school day for 2012.

In the first instance, we farewell Mrs Yota Korkoneas, our Director of Teaching & Learning, as she moves to Glenroy Secondary College and thank her for her wonderful contribution to Preston Girls.  Similarly, Mrs Katherine Warriner will take up a position at Nossal High School in Berwick, and again I thank her on your behalf.  Other staff who are departing include Miss Bree Kitney, Mrs Ann Clarke and Miss Jemma Burt, and we wish them well in their new positions next year.

In 2012 we will welcome Mr Jim Ringin as Assistant Principal, Mr Josh McDonald as Leading Teacher: Educational Leadership and School Improvement and Mr Luke Hammond in the Science faculty, and we look forward to working with them.

Our school day will take on a different shape next year, and I ask you to take note of the following times and structure:

BELL TIMES 2012

Please note the early finish on Wednesdays to support staff planning

All students will have a “Learning Advisor” who will be there to guide and support their learning throughout the year, and we look forward to the opportunity of working closely with all students to raise both their expectations and their outcomes in 2012.

As a result of consultation with parents, students and teachers there will be an adjustment to the uniform during Term 1, with a standardised navy blue headscarf to be implemented for students who choose to wear one.  This will be available for purchase from the College during Term 1 2012.  I ask that you make sure you have read our uniform policy, and understand its correct implementation.

End of year reports are included with this Newsletter, and should reflect on the learning of your child over the past semester.   It is an important document and one which you should discuss with them over the Christmas break, and as they prepare to start the new school year.  Of course staff are always willing to provide additional feedback or liaise with you to ensure that your child embraces every opportunity to improve their learning outcomes in 2012.

I wish you the compliments of the season, a restful and peaceful break and look forward to working with you next year.

School resumes for students on Thursday February 2^nd, 2012.

Judi Benney

Principal

TO ACCESS PGSC INTRANET HOMEPAGE - ONLY AVAILABLE WITHIN THE COLLEGE