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Principal’s Report

Mac. Rob º¬Ðß²ÝÓ°Ôº Combined School Play – Much Ado About Nothing

This week we were treated to an amazing version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Shakespearean literature can be hard to understand. However, in this rendition, the interpretation, stage craft and visual effects ensured that the audience understood each phase of the play’s plot and were immersed in it. The bawdy wit, the mischief, the pain and suffering came to life, and we as the audience were transgressed. A sincere thank you to all involved.

I have included a picture of the talented stage crew. As you can see by the size of the team, there are often more working off stage than on stage. Without them we would not have the lighting and sound effects, props, costume changes, hair and makeup and scene changes. These are the technical experts that complement the actors’ stage craft and enliven the production.

Only one all-boys school was among the top VCE performers in five years – and it’s not private

On Tuesday 27 August, The Age had a front-page article titled – Only one all-boys school was among the top VCE performers in five years – and it’s not private. Obviously, it is pleasing to see this kind of publicity and it pays tribute to the community – staff, students and parents who support our mission to maintain high academic standards.

I also appreciate your support with respect to our co-curricular and extracurricular programs. As I noted in the interview, º¬Ðß²ÝÓ°Ôº is a unique school. The rich student experience which includes sport, performing and visual arts, chess, robotics, cadets, and dance ensure well-rounded alumni, good leaders, creative thinkers, and the opportunity to ‘find your tribe’.

Making your contributions – an important way to support our mission

The article was a little misleading in two statements.

‘Students typically sit an exam to gain year 9 entry to the highly competitive selective government school in South Yarra, which does not charge fees to attend.’ ‘º¬Ðß²ÝÓ°Ôº was ranked 10th for performance in 2021, the only medium-sized all-boys school to have a high proportion of students achieve a study score of 40 or above (out of 50) in the past five years.’

Let me tackle the latter point first. We currently have 1,392 students. It may appear medium sized compared to some of the larger schools. However, it is important to note that we only have 4-year levels, Years 9-12. Some schools may be larger, but they will be Year 7 – 12 or Prep – 12. Very few schools would have year level cohorts with over 330 students.

Regarding the second matter, as the Department of Education Policy states,

‘Schools provide students with free instruction and ensure students have free access to all items, activities and services that are used by the school to fulfil the standard curriculum requirements in the Victorian Curriculum F-10, VCE (including the VCE Vocational Major) and the Victorian Pathways Certificate. Schools may invite you to: make a voluntary financial contribution to support the school purchase of extra-curricular items and activities… You are not required to make payments or voluntary financial contributions to your school. Schools cannot refuse your child instruction in the standard curriculum if you do not contribute.’ Ref:

Accordingly, what is provided by State and Federal governments ensures schools meet those standard requirements.

However, I will assert that there is little at º¬Ðß²ÝÓ°Ôº that is standard. Our students are above standard and therefore, they require more resources to maximise their capabilities and potential.

º¬Ðß²ÝÓ°Ôº is a specialist setting. It does not get any extra funding to extend its exceptional cohort.

The School is fortunate (and I am very thankful) that many parents and carers do have the financial capacity to make voluntary contributions.

These voluntary curriculum contributions enable the School to augment the standard curriculum. For example, providing a very comprehensive physical education and sport program which includes access to professional coaches and competition-level facilities, evidence-based wellbeing programs and a multidisciplinary wellbeing team.

Sustainability Forum at Nossal High School Friday August 30 August

Nossal Environmental Sustainability Team (NEST) hosted a Regional Schools Environment Summit this week. The event was supported by speakers from a range of agencies and industries. There were lots of fun events such as quizzes and treasure hunts, as well as more serious conversations around waste management, sustainable fashion and the way we store and package our food.

Thank you to Chai Jain 11E who was my liaison person and the members of the Sustainability Club who attended with me. I look forward to drafting up a plan with them.

Captain of Boats – Friday 30 August

On Friday night we held a fundraiser for our rowing students. The raffle always raises a few smiles, particularly when it comes to the sale of this tiger print. (It seems to be regularly donated and then re-auctioned!) This year’s lucky consortium is pictured below. They pooled together $525 of their hard-earned savings for the cause. I look forward to re-hanging it in the gym next week.

At the event we also announced the 2025 Captain of Boats. Congratulations to Yanxiang Huang (second from the left in the photo) on being appointed next year’s captain.

Entrepreneurship Forum

On Friday night, I was juggling two events. A sincere thank you to Mr Koji Yoshimura, father of Kye 11J and member of School Council who led an event for our budding entrepreneurs. Details of the event are provided below. The focus was on developing a more global perspective. A follow-up event is scheduled for Term 4. Thank you to Mr Andy Lang one of our Commerce teachers for his assistance with this program.

Dr Tony Mordini
Principal

News

• º¬Ðß²ÝÓ°ÔºOBA Scholarship Program (extended deadline)

Events

• 12 September: Spring Concert