20-26 MAY
#EDWEEKVIC
Find out more about Education Week 2018 at www.education.vic.gov.au/educationweek
WE Grow LITERACY GROWTH
2.52 YEARS
IN ONE YEAR
NUMERACY GROWTH
1.07 YEARS
IN ONE YEAR
WE Succeed VCE & VCAL
TERTIARY OFFERS
100%
SUCCESS RATE
95%
SUCCESS RATE EARLY OFFERS TO UNIVERSITY
PATHWAYS
20 OUT OF 22 SUCCESSFUL APPRENTICESHIPS TRAINEESHIPS TAFE, VET & SBAT
Learn locally, live globally
WE Lead WE Create
• Bands (Concert, Jazz, Rock) • Vocal Ensemble • Music Tuition available • Robotics Club • Human Powered Vehicle • Farm and Garden
PAGE 2—‘Cobram Courier/Education Guide’, Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Cobram Secondary College trains the community leaders of tomorrow: • ADVANCE • Duke of Edinburgh’s Award • Rural Youth Ambassador • Education State Student Advisory Board • Victorian SRC Conference • Music Camp • World Challenge • UN Convention • School Captains • House Captains • Melbourne Theatre Company Youth Ambassador • Moira Shire Youth Council • Student Representative Council
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20-26 MAY
#EDWEEKVIC
Grammar one of a kind in Cobram-Barooga ■ What are some characteristics or qualities about your school? Our school is unique being the only P-12 School in Cobram. It is built on the pillars of integrity (to be honest in all you do), endeavour (to try your hardest no matter the obstacles) and community (to look after one another) – it is the motto of our school. Our focus as an Anglican Grammar School is on academic excellence, as well as offering a broad and extensive curriculum. ■ Why should parents consider your school as an option to send their children? Cobram Anglican Grammar School has a mainstream core academic curriculum aligned with current Victorian curriculum guidelines. We are leaders in the field of curriculum development and are proud to offer a broad range of electives to all of our students. Specialist elective classes for middle and senior year students include agriculture, music, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, drama, food studies, art, ICT and outdoor education to name a few. Our VCE curriculum continues to grow, and students have a broad choice of subjects and the opportunity to focus their studies as they move towards tertiary study and employment options. Highly-skilled staff members provide quality educational opportunities in a caring and pastoral atmosphere at the school, which combines every advantage of a small rural school with the expectations of a much larger school.
Stephen Gale Principal ■ What does your school offer in terms of extra-curricular activities, camps and trips? Cobram Anglican Grammar School offers a broad and varied sports program and extra-curricular activities. Students compete in local and interschool swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals and a range of team sports through the summer and winter sports programs. Our school also offers co-curricular opportunities in the areas of instrumental music, with students having access to tuition in guitars, drums and vocals. The school’s musical productions have proven to be great successes, with each production showcasing the musical and dramatic talents of our students.
Our students have enjoyed success in public speaking competitions and have taken on the creative and intellectual challenges posed by the Tournament of the Minds, the ‘GROK’ coding program and human powered vehicle events. Our students also have opportunities to express their civic mindedness through their involvement in the Moira Shire Youth Council and GRIPLeadership programs. All primary and secondary students enjoy access to excursions and camps. Complementing the many personal development and curriculum related excursions and incursions, we have a comprehensive camping program. Overnight stays begin in junior school and ‘age and stage’ appropriate camps are available to all middle and senior school students, ranging from the goldfields of Ballarat, to the attractions of our national capital, Canberra, to outdoor education and environmental programs along Victoria’s coast line. In the senior years the focus of our camps’ program moves to preparing students for the opportunities of post-school life; with driver education, careers, study skills and tertiary study and employment opportunities all featuring. In addition to these trips, biennially, we also offer ‘one-off’ opportunities. Past trips have included Central Australia/Northern Territory and Tasmania. Our 2017 trip saw staff and students travel to NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Houston, Texas) to take part in Space Camp. This was a fantastic opportunity for our
students and they returned excited and inspired by their trip. In the coming years, we look forward to further opportunities for travel, with the possibilities for international service trips being explored. ■ How does your school or facility support students in arts subjects including dance, drama, music, visual arts and media arts? Our school has a strong history of supporting arts and performance. Students from P-10 have timetabled arts classes every week and music and performance are an integral part of all P-6 syllabi. In Years 7-9 students enjoy art, textiles, drama and music through our arts/technology programs and VCE art and visual design continue to be popular courses for our senior students. The addition of our Performing Arts Centre and the extension of our arts and technology precinct have added to our ability to extend our students’ experiences in art and performance. Our students also enjoy access to cocurricular instrumental music tuition and the exciting ‘Cool Skools’ program has enabled our students to have their performances professionally produced, mixed and recorded. And bringing together the many facets of arts and performance, our school has a strong tradition of performance through our musical productions, such as In Search of a Song and Legally Blonde. ■ What are your school’s key milestones and achievements over the past year? We are very proud of the continued
development of our grounds and facilities. The completion of our Performing Arts Centre has provided a wonderful space for our students in which to perform music and drama, with a music and recording studio part of our future plans. The PAC has also become the focal point for our school community, allowing all members of our school community to gather for activities and to share their experiences. Further additions during the past year include our dedicated STEAM centre, which has allowed for the continuing growth of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths curriculum; extensions to our arts and technology precinct to include dedicated woodwork, textiles, metal and automotive program; and the continued enhancement of our grounds and recreation facilities. We have also continued our focus on supporting the personal growth of our students through our partnership with the Resilience Project, helping our students to build their confidence, strength and happiness through integrated programs across all three sub-schools which aim to promote and foster the principles of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. ■ What are your favorite activities or hobbies outside of school? Apart from enjoying time with my family, I am committed to providing valid and educational opportunities for those in our school community of a school age. I love being part of the vibrant Cobram Community and my goal is that the town continues to grow in educational excellence.
Open Day 2018 Tuesday May 22nd St. Joseph’s Cobram
St. Joseph’s Cobram
Dogs Connect Program
Weekly Playgroup
Individual Learning
Digital Technolgies
Banjo, the Labrador is a member of the St Joseph’s School community and part of the learning and teaching team.
Playgroup is held every Thursday from 9-11am. Parent child relationships, community connections and transition to school are all nurtured through this weekly program.
Students thrive when provided with excellent teaching staff, resources, facilities, and the support needed to set and reach goals. Our school offers a broad, versatile curriculum to equip students for a rapidly changing world.
The Laptop/iPad Program ensures that students have access to the latest technology in order to enhance teaching and learning. Robotics teaches students about coding and programing bringing science and creativity together.
School Tours lead by Principal, Deputy and Leadership Team at 10am, 12pm and 5pm Information Sessions: 9.30am, 11.30am and 4.30pm
www.cobramcourier.com.au
‘Cobram Courier/Education Guide’, Wednesday, May 16, 2018—PAGE 3
We offer all this for
UNDER $200 per year!
COBRAM
PRIMARY SCHOOL
We offer:
• Highly committed and friendly staff • Large classrooms all equipped with Interactive Smart Boards • Small class sizes • Specialist programs including: Art, Perceptual Motor Program and Physical Education • Qualified Social Worker • Exceptionally well resourced ICT programs • 1:1 iPads in Middle and Senior school • Extensive reporting program • Vegetable garden and chickens • Incursions • Camps and Excursions • Playgroup 0–4 years each Wednesday 9.30–11.00 am • Daily Breakfast Club
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pre-Prep Program Library Canteen Extracurricular activities – Bluearth, Skillzone & Buddies Lunchtime activities – Library activities, Art Club, Structured Play Comprehensive discipline and anti-bullying policy School-wide positive behaviour program Whole school Mindfulness program Swimming program with qualified swimming instructors Bi-Annual Years - 5 & 6 Production VCOP/Big Write (Literacy program) Safe and happy environment to learn and build friendships Reading workshop everyday 9.00-10.00am
For more information please contact our new Principal Matt Knight 78–98 William St, COBRAM VIC 3644 03 5872 1374 | Email: cobram.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
COBRAM COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP FREE and held each Wednesday 9.30–11.00 am at Cobram Primary School Free morning snack provided and facilitated by a qualified teacher.
Please feel free to drop in and have a chat or make an appointment with our Principal. Our friendly staff will be sure to make you feel welcome.
www.cobramps.vic.edu.au PAGE 4—‘Cobram Courier/Education Guide’, Wednesday, May 16, 2018
www.cobramcourier.com.au
20-26 MAY
#EDWEEKVIC
Cobram Primary — modern, collaborative ■What are some characteristics or qualities about your school? Our facilities are second to none – modern, spacious and perfectly arranged for individual and collaborative learning. We have a modern and unique approach to wellbeing, having employed a qualified social worker and as a school we prioritise student engagement, welfare and mindfulness. We offer small classroom sizes, which allow us to assist those who require extra help and extend those that are excelling. Programs are individualised to the specific child’s needs. Our teachers know children and know exactly what they need to consistently move to the next stage in their learning. ■Why should parents consider your school as an option to send their children? Children and families that attend Cobram Primary School can be confident our staff will always go the ‘extra mile’ to ensure they receive the best possible teaching and learning experience. A child’s wellbeing is always at the centre of our approach. We work cooperatively with families. At Cobram Primary School we care about and treat every child as if they’re our own because when you attend our school – you become a part of our family. Our Reader’s Workshop model has attracted interest from many other
CLASS ACT: Front row (left to right) Amelia, Kiannah, Zebo,Mohammad, Daneeka, Lilly, (second row left to right) Tyra’Lilly, Stephen, Akirah-Lee, Tyenan, Kaden, Adam, Ali, (third row left to right) Dylan, Mia D, Isabelle, Ashtyn, Tae, Dustin (back row left to right) Wade, Junior, Narkaa, Mikaylah, Mia C and Indianna. schools around this region and surrounding areas. Every day between 9am and 10am every class in our school works as a Reader’s Workshop. It’s fantastic. I urge any and all community members to come in for a look at what we do. ■What does your school offer in terms
of extra-curricular activities, camps and trips? We follow the Victorian curriculum and our teachers always look to teach using student interests. Research based innovative and academic approaches to literacy and numeracy ensure quality curriculum delivery across all year levels.
Extracurricular activities include: camps, excursions and incursions of the highest quality. Our sporting program includes: physical education classes, a perceptual motor program, athletics, cross-country, interschool sports and a structured play program every lunch time. We also have a fantastic art program that caters for all children (no matter age or ability). ■What are your favourite activities or hobbies outside of school? Personally, I enjoy spending much of my spare time with my family. I have two young children and love nothing more than “family time�. However, I do find time to fit in sport. I play cricket and I’m an avid football fan. ■What are your school’s key milestones and achievements over the past year? Our student engagement and wellbeing data has gone through the roof. Children are happy at our school, they are engaged, feel confident in their learning and feel safe. Our attendance has improved dramatically and our parent satisfaction and approval levels are excellent. Our workshop model has seen improved reading results and we are really proud of students work in writing and numeracy. And lastly in inspiration of the Education Week theme ‘Celebrating the Arts’. ■How does your school or facility support students in arts subjects includ-
Matt Knight Principal ing dance, drama, music, visual arts and media arts? Performing arts are a part of everyday life at CPS. Teachers incorporate music, drama and dance into many different curriculum areas. We conduct a biannual school production/stage show extravaganza and in recent times we have worked with iPads making movies and producing clips as a form of art. This has been a lot of fun and all of us (teachers included) have learnt amazing things about the opportunities technology presents.
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Please contact Principal, John Francis on 0358 734 242 or 0358 734 920 for further details www.cobramcourier.com.au
‘Cobram Courier/Education Guide’, Wednesday, May 16, 2018—PAGE 5
DISCOVE ER Cobram Anglican Grammar School is very proud to be a school of traditions and a school for the future.
The P-12 education model that Cobram Anglican Grammar School offers is widely recognised as being at the cutting edge of education provision, allowing students to seamlessly progress from Prep to Year 12, developing and maintaining relationships with peers and staff members over their entire school life. Students in P-12 schools experience smoother transition between the Sub-
School stages, from Junior years (P-4), through Middle years (5–8) and into Senior years (9–12). While we take great pride in our Anglican foundations, we welcome students from all faiths and backgrounds to add to the diverse community that we have established. Students from all year levels interact with each through community service, Sports days, religious services, Pastoral care programs and other school events. These are times of celebration and highlight the strong feeling of connectedness and belonging that only a P-12 school can offer. As students undertake their education journey, parents have the opportunity to
JUNIOR YEARS: Learning and growing Students in the Junior Years are nurtured and encouraged to grow into confident and happy individuals who become responsible members of the school community. Strategies to promote independence, co-operation, resilience, optimism and self-regulation are all part of the broader curriculum. The well-being of every child is of great importance and, from their very first day, students are under the care of staff members who are focused on the development of the whole child.
MIDDLE YEARS: Moving ahead In the Middle School, students move from having most of their daily decisions made for them, to making their own decisions, independently. Students undertake curriculum and activities as varied as Design and Technology, Agriculture, Textiles, Music, Drama and Robotics, to name a few. Cobram Anglican Grammar School helps to ensure that the process of growing independence is a smooth one and is supported by teachers who are passionate about working with students at this important time of their education.
SENIOR YEARS: Make your mark As students move into their Senior years, Cobram Anglican Grammar School continues to expand its Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) offerings for 2019 to allow greater choice for our growing senior cohort. We are proud of the success our recent graduates have had in forging their career and tertiary study pathways and we look forward to guiding our future Senior students towards achieving their goals.
PAGE 6—‘Cobram Courier/Education Guide’, Wednesday, May 16, 2018
watch their children develop and advance through the years and are more aware of, and involved in, events and activities across the entire school. There is a strong sense, for parents and students alike, of belonging to an active and vital community. Cobram Anglican Grammar School is excited by the opportunities that our P-12 programs offer to the students and families of the Cobram district. In education, strong foundations provide the basis to build and strengthen in the present and grow into the future. Cobram Anglican Grammar School is a school with a tradition of providing strong values and practices in educating the
A Better Education
‘whole’ student- academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Building on these foundations, our school is eager to enhance our students’ educational opportunities through our new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) centre, the extension of our Arts & Technology precinct, including textiles, wood work, metal work and automotive facilities, the new Performing Arts Centre, featuring Instrumental music rooms and a recording studio, continued development of our ICT network and the further beautification and development of our grounds and facilities. In planning for the future, Cobram
WHY ANGLICAN EDUCATION? Excellence Anglican Education provides the opportunity, encouragement and support for the individual to excel in all aspects of school life.
Integrity Anglican Education develops strong moral principles and good character in the individual. These are skills which will assist the individual throughout their school life and beyond.
Endeavour Anglican Education provides individuals the strategies, support and encouragement to always strive for personal excellence
Strength
Anglican Grammar School is excited by the partnerships and opportunities that the school is creating to ensure that we continue to offer a rich and valuable educational experience in the years to come. Our partnership with The Resilience Project is enriching the school’s pastoral care program, helping students to build the skills to become more resilient individuals. Our new partnership with Trikki Kidz provides the Cobram community with high quality Out of School Hours Care (OOSHC) and Vacation Care, utilising the extensive resources of the school and new purpose-built facilities, providing families the peace of mind of quality child care that will work around the
lives of busy parents and their school-aged children. And, with the acquisition of a four-hectare parcel of land adjacent to the school, Cobram Anglican Grammar School has ensured that we have room to grow and expand into the future, ensuring that the school can continue to adapt to the everchanging needs of a modern education. Cobram Anglican Grammar School is proud of our history that has made us a school for today and we are excited by the possibilities for our future. We are proud to be part of the Cobram community that continues to grow and prosper. Come and be a part of our 21st-century education community.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL ‘Our school makes me push myself to the best of my ability and encourages me to have a positive view on things. I love how everyone is treated equally and we are all one big group that works together in a positive encouraging environment.’ Year 11 student As a school with a history of passion for excellence and also one of the newest schools of The Anglican Schools Commission(Inc.) our appeal and success lie in our strong sense of community, the standards and values we celebrate and our innovative and progressive approach to learning. It is important that all students feel valued, happy, safe and secure and are encouraged to participate actively in all aspects of school life from their academic studies to sporting events, cultural pursuits and community service. Such a foundation enhances their development as confident, resourceful and compassionate young
men and women who are well equipped to face the challenges of adulthood. At Cobram Anglican Grammar School we are focussed on helping students to reach their potential and take advantage of the opportunities that come their way. As principal, I can assure you of my dedication to the development of the school, its growing tradition, high standards and caring, inclusive teaching environment. Our school is a lively and happy place to be. I invite you to visit Cobram Anglican Grammar and judge for yourself. Stephen R. Gale
Anglican Education promotes, nurtures and supports the individual in the development of personal strategies to ensure personal robustness and resilience.
Worth Anglican Education understands the intrinsic value and importance of the individual in the broader community.
Community Anglican Education promotes inclusiveness. Anglican Education understands the importance of the contribution of the individual, and the value of many working towards goals that benefit all.
www.cobramcourier.com.au
Cobram Anglican Grammar School 40-48 Campbell Rd, Cobram (03) 5871 1816 www.cags.vic.edu.au
‘Cobram Courier/Education Guide’, Wednesday, May 16, 2018—PAGE 7
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Catholic community fostering growth ■ What are some characteristics or qualities about your school? St Joseph’s is a Catholic community that fosters a child safe and positive environment where our learners flourish emotionally, academically, socially and spiritually. We have an extremely dedicated staff who work with learners to achieve their highest potential. We offer a wide range of specialists in physical education, digital technologies, Italian and library. At St Joseph’s we implement a positive behaviour intervention and support (PBIS) framework. This framework provides our students with the opportunity to be involved in learning the social and emotional behaviours of themselves and others and how these behaviours impact relationships and learning. Our learners are encouraged intrinsically and with rewards at a personal, class, learning community and school level. Our priority is to ensure that our students are prepared for the future with skills that ensure they are independent and likeable. St Joseph’s also has a school dog. Banjo works in the classrooms around social and emotional learning. Having Banjo as part of our learning and teaching team adds a depth of learning like no other. Banjo has had an extremely positive influence on all members of our school community. The grade 3/4 learning community is involved weekly with a community garden. The students use the produce to cook and enjoy fresh, healthy meals and learn many new recipes. In 2018 we will be offering a new and improved transition program for our 2019 foundation students. This will run throughout term four, and on a weekly basis. ■ Why should parents consider your school as an option to send their children? We are a Catholic school where teachings of Jesus are taught, modelled, lived and valued. Our school values, expectations, partnerships with families and positive behaviour support systems are all crucial at St Joseph’s. Student leadership and student voice are a crucial element in the growth of all our students and their progress. We believe this gives direction to the future of St. Joseph’s. St Joseph’s Primary School is perfectly situated in the middle of Cobram,
Lucy Keath Principal
CLASSMATES: Andre Corso, Benjamin Padman, Ava Mathers, Emily Pullar and Gabrielle Wilkins were all smiles for the camera as they got ready for Education Week. with spacious grounds – beautiful grounds that cater to various activities spanning all age groups; with playgrounds, trees and sporting equipment. Teachers at St Joseph’s practice current educational trends and use research to improve themselves as teachers and leaders. At St Joseph’s we believe that the child’s best interest is best kept at the centre of all decisions. ■ What does your school offer in terms of extra-curricular activities, camps and trips? We offer lunchtime activities which cater to students who like to play indoors, outdoors, sport and imaginary play. We continue to offer all our learners/ students the opportunity to compete in sporting events within and beyond the school and often have children going to zone, regional or state finals. At St. Joseph’s the children have the opportunity to enjoy various camps and excursions locally and within Victoria, including the experience urban, country and adventure camps provide.
We offer a swimming program for two weeks; in addition to their weekly physical education lessons. Our faith journey provides opportunities for the children to be involved in activities within our community; raising an awareness of people in need and to embrace a responsible attitude towards sustainability not only in our school but within the world. Our Grade 3/4 area participate in the sports stadium activities with the Cobram and District Specialist School; enabling our students to establish positive relationships and camaraderie with students from other schools. ■ What are your school’s key milestones and achievements over the past year? In 2017 and 2018 we have worked together as a community; raising money at our annual fetes; to fund a new cubby which was designed by one of our students and which we will begin before the end of the year. Our vegetable gardens have been placed in areas where the learners can be involved with the gardens. The introduction of weekly digital
technology, Italian, library and physical education lessons has been met with enthusiasm. Continual work around the wellbeing of children with the employment of a wellbeing officer four days a week has proven to be invaluable. In all our learning communities, we have a plus one teacher model. This is where we have another teacher moving into the learning spaces daily in the areas of reading and writing. This gives our educators the opportunity to look consistently at data to inform the teaching that occurs in smaller groups of learners. In 2017 we began to run a community playgroup on a Thursday morning; inviting children and their families to join us weekly from 9am-11am. The annual school fete is always an outstanding fundraiser and event for our families and the Cobram community. We are always astounded at the effort that is put in by our families and the donations received from the community. At St. Joseph’s we have FIRE carriers beginning their journey as ‘Friends
Igniting Reconciliation Education’ through learning more about our local Indigenous culture and sharing this with the wider school community. ■ How does your school or facility support students in arts subjects including dance, drama, music, visual arts and media arts? Our learners have the opportunity to be involved in performing arts and visual arts within our curriculum. We have student leaders who are involved in the arts. They are currently running a choir and looking at the importance of the arts for the learners. At a diocesan level our learners are involved in Arts on Show and Festival of the Sacred which has a large emphasis on performance and visual arts. At St. Joseph’s each year we run St. Joseph’s Got Talent; giving children the opportunity to share their skills in singing and dance. This competition provides a fun and exciting forum for our learners. Biannually we have a school production that usually runs alongside our arts curriculum in our senior learning community. We offer incursions with drumming, opera and artists to let our learners/ students build on their artistic abilities. The students have the opportunity to enter their ‘masterpieces’ in our local Cobram Agricultural Show each year; giving them a platform to have their exhibits displayed and enjoyed by the wider community.
St Mary’s is providing a solid grounding for learning
LEADERSHIP MATERIAL: St. Mary of the Angels Secondary College principal Matt Carver is pictured with the school’s 2018 student leaders.
St Mary of the Angels Secondary College is a vibrant and welcoming College community which caters to students from a large catchment area, providing a diverse and unique network of learning opportunities across the board. St Mary of the Angels offers a rich and diverse learning environment where all aspects of students’ spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical pursuits are nurtured. Led by the spirit of strong, faithbased Catholic traditions, St Mary of the Angels encourages young people to develop goodness in
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themselves and to share their gifts through the living out of the Franciscan values. St Mary of the Angels principal, Matt Carver, said: “St Mary of the Angels provides a faith-based education grounded in the Catholic tradition”. “We pride ourselves on providing a solid grounding of learning, integrity and compassion which challenges students to face the world as generous contributors to its wellbeing,” Mr Carver said. “We aspire for our students to depart as engaged and socially responsible participants in an ever changing world,” he said.
“We truly believe we provide an opportunity for all students to not only prosper but to thrive within their chosen academic and applied pursuits and we’re proud to form the basis of such a vibrant and welcoming College community.” For more information or to find out how St Mary of the Angels can assist your child, contact St Mary of the Angels at Chapel Street, Nathalia, phone (03) 5866 2222, visit www.smotanathalia.catholic.edu.au or save the date and join the school for its 2018 open day on Wednesday May 23. www.cobramcourier.com.au
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Special approach for positive learning Cobram and District Specialist School was established in 1978 and principal Leah Willis said its vision in 2018 was to provide positive learning experiences, which allowed students to achieve their optimum level of academic, social, emotional and physical independence. Ms Willis said the school aimed to ensure its values of Respect, Safety and Try Your Best underpin all activities of the school. “Cobram and District Specialist School the school has a wholeschool approach to behaviour management through the implementation of positive behaviour support and respectful relationships,” she said. “Each child has an individual learning plan, which is based on the goals set in the student support group meetings. “The school’s curriculum supports achievement at different stages of learning as defined by the Victorian Curriculum. “Other key components of the school’s program include specialist classes in art, physical education, Bluearth and Sporting Schools.”
Leah Willis Principal Ms Willis said the school’s facilities include five classrooms, art/music room, sensory room, a multipurpose facility and kitchen. She said the school’s external facilities include playground equipment, an asphalt open play area and a sensory garden. “The senior unit is divided into VCAL/VET, which this year will begin studying a Certificate II in hospitality and independent living skills grogram,” she added.
HELPING HAND: Paul Quinane and son Ned (left) presented a $6000 cheque to Cobram Specialist School principal Leah Willis earlier this year. The money was raised by Mr Quinane's charity bike ride.
ist School we At Cobram & District Special whole person. are about developing the Our individual learning plans develop literacy/numeracy skills, social and emotional wellbeing, physical wellbeing, community connections and exposure to technology. Here is a photo snap shot of what is on offer for our students:
Contact Principal Leah Willis Phone: 5872 1643 Email: cobram.sds@edumail.vic.gov.au www.csds.vic.edu.au
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Small school, strong community spirit
John Francis Principal With around 150 students, Barooga Public School has a community feel about it, where all of the students and staff know and care for each other. Principal John Francis said Barooga Public School has small class sizes, especially in the beginning years, allowing for more individualised learning. Mr Francis said the school followed the Australian Curriculum, as do all schools. “Our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden is definitely a great feature of Barooga Public School, with students in years 3-6 having weekly lessons in either the kitchen or garden,” Mr Francis said.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: The Barooga Primary School choir delighted everyone when the children turned up for a mini concert put together for the Lions Club Christmas Luncheon. “Barooga Public School students participate in a range of learning opportunities on various age appropriate excursions related to areas of the curriculum being covered,” he said. Mr Francis said Barooga Public School has had sustained levels of
achievement, especially amongst its Year 3 students. He said teachers have been assessing students, against markers, every five weeks and adjusting the student learning focus accordingly. “Barooga Public School has used its funding to make smaller
classes and provide additional support for individuals as well as classes,” Mr Francis added. “The arts are incorporated into the school’s curriculum, so each and every student can participate at age- and ability-appropriate activities,” he said. “As part of our school’s net-
work in NSW, we have lots of opportunities for students to connect with other local students in areas including drama, art, STEAM, dance camps, along with the many sporting activities provided through the PSSA (Primary School Sports Association).”
BOARDING Enquire Now! Vacancies are available in Years 8-12 for 2019. 391ASS
To arrange a personal appointment to discuss what Assumption College can offer your family please contact Bernie Jephson on 5782 1422 or email registrar@assumption.vic.edu.au
Assumption College Kilmore A Catholic Coeducational 7 to 12 Day and Boarding School in the Marist Tradition
assumption.vic.edu.au PAGE 10—‘Cobram Courier/Education Guide’, Wednesday, May 16, 2018
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College has new principal, new direction ■ Why should parents consider your school as an option to send their children? Cobram Secondary College is entering an exciting phase of renewal with the appointment of Kimberley Tempest, a passionate and highly experienced school principal. Our focus is to develop caring and locally connected students who believe in and take pride in belonging to the community. Being local, we know our students, run small classes, and provide an extensive VCE and VCAL program. ■ What are your school’s key milestones and achievements over the past year? We Succeed Small classes and personalised learning means that our students have every opportunity to succeed: Literacy – our students achieved 2.52 years of learning in one year. Numeracy – our students achieved 1.07 years of learning in one year. ■ VCE & VCAL results 100 per cent success rate ■ 95 per cent of VCE student received their first-round university offers, 100 per cent of students received subsequent offers ■ 22 out of 23 students who applied for early entry to La Trobe and Charles Sturt universities were successful ■ VCAL offers pathways into the workforce directly via apprenticeships, traineeships and TAFE studies ■ What are some characteristics or qualities about your school? We care. Our students learn locally, live globally. Our students are the community leaders of tomorrow, with a broad range of access to leadership programs within our community and beyond.
Kimberley Tempest Principal
POWER OF WORDS: Reading is a major focus at Cobram Secondary College, where students are encouraged to extend their horizons from multimedia to traditional books. Our Advance Program has been designed to build the leadership capacity of young people through the completion of CFA cadets and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This complements the range of student voice options, and has opened the doors to national and international leadership opportunities such as the UN Model Convention, Rural Youth Ambassador, Education State Student Advisory Board and the Global Young Leaders Conference in New York.
Our students give back to the local community in roles such as Scouts/ Venturers, CFA youth cadets, local sporting and coaching and captaincy roles and in the workforce. ■ How does your School or facility support students in arts subjects including dance, drama, music, visual arts and media arts? We Create Our students have a range of opportunities to participate in Arts and
Performance: ■ Bands (string, jazz, concert) ■ Vocal ensemble ■ Music tuition is extensive and subsidised ■ Subject offerings include a wide variety of arts: drama, visual communications, art, music, design and technology (wood and metal), digital technology, foods. ■ What does your school offer in terms of extra-curricular activities, camps and
trips? We Challenge Our school has a variety of activities to challenge and extend our students: ■ Robotics Club ■ Human Powered Vehicle ■ Innovation Challenge (Science & Technology) – State-wide representatives ■ Farm and Garden Project ■ World Challenge (overseas camp) ■ Central Australia Senior School Camp ■ Canberra Middle School Camp ■ Howman’s Gap Adventure Camp ■ Rubicon Outdoor Education Camp ■ Melbourne University & Careers Camp ■ Melbourne Discovery Camp ■ Senior School after hours support classes
Commemoration and celebration for all at Assumption Assumption College honoured the 33 alumni who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country in a moving ceremony at the College on Sunday, 29 April. The Family and Friends Celebration Day was one of many events in 2018 as the College celebrates its 125th year. The rededication of the memorial chapel doors that name each of the fallen soldiers from World War I and World War II provided a touching focal point for the day where principal Kate Fogarty welcomed more than 160 people to the ceremony, including descendants of those fallen soldiers (both former and current students) and families and friends of the College. The doors were originally made by alumnus Barry Skehan, in memory of his brother Herbert, who fell in World War I. His sons Phillip and Adrian and granddaughter Therese, all former students of Assumption, were in attendance. Most visitors attended the 10.30am Sunday Mass next door at St Patrick’s Church before the rededication ceremony, which saw Br Xavier Collins call the names of each fallen soldier. As each name was called a descendant or current College student
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stood to attention and then proceeded to light a candle in each soldier’s memory. It was a moving tribute and staff members Paul Grattan, Des Langdon and Maria Cleve were graciously thanked for their outstanding efforts in seeing the chapel doors restored and the day such a success. It was also a great opportunity to officially launch the new Heritage Centre and archival display. A collection of Assumption memorabilia, including uniforms, results books, photos and even a boarding bedroom set up from days gone by are now on show in the old chapel; providing a trip back in time for current students and a chance for alumni to revisit fond memories of their time at the College. Thanks were forwarded to archivist Maki Daisley on her tireless work to bring the display to life. Guests were invited to learn from the ‘talking books’ in residence Ron Forbes (class of 1948) and Bob Ryan (class of 1947), take a school tour and then enjoy lunch in the girls’ boarding house.
HISTORY: An old boarding room has been established to show past conditions as part of the school’s history display in the old chapel.
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St Mary of the Angels Secondary College INFORMATION EVENINGS 7.30pm at one of the following locations: St Mary of the Angels – Nathalia Monday 7th May
St Joseph’s Primary School – Cobram Monday 14th May
Tocumwal Golf Club Tocumwal Wednesday 9th May
St Joseph’s Primary School – Numurkah Wednesday 16th May
OPEN DAY 2018 Wednesday 23rd May Of cial welcome at 9.30am & 11.30am followed by student guided tours throughout the day
“Preach the gospel at ALL times and when necessary, use WORDS” St Mary of the Angels Secondary College, Ph: 03 5866 2222 Email: principal@smotanathalia.catholic.edu.au For further information visit us at www.smotanathalia.catholic.edu.au PAGE 12—‘Cobram Courier/Education Guide’, Wednesday, May 16, 2018
OPEN DAY:
Wednes day 23rd May 2018 www.cobramcourier.com.au