Principal’s Message

 

THE NEW JOHN FAWKNER COLLEGE – COMMENCING 2010

 

We’re making a Fresh Start! As from 2010 our College will be known as John Fawkner College 

 

Our college aims to offer your child a quality education where their academic, physical and emotional needs will be met.  We want all students to leave John Fawkner College qualified, goal-orientated and proud.

 

School Values

 

The new school aims to instil the core values of Respect, Commitment and integrity, and our mission statement is

 

“To provide a dynamic learning environment that

engages students who work to achieve their personal

best in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.”

 

Learning programs and curriculum

 

As a Year 7 – 12 secondary school, John Fawkner College provides programs that cater for the individual learning needs of all students.

 

We are introducing more rigour to the curriculum through regular assessment and greater analysis of the student performance data. This ensures staff have a better understanding of how your child is progressing and where they need to provide more support or extend your child further.  

 

Literacy and Numeracy is a strong focus for the college. Literate and numerate students are guaranteed a bright future and at John Fawkner College all students are evaluated regularly to ensure they are meeting State standards for their age and year level. Literacy and numeracy programs are provided by specialised staff to students requiring assistance.

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All students participate in the State-wide learning program, VELS (Victorian Essential Learning Standards).  VELs are the State benchmark for where your child should be performing for their age and year level. VELS subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Studies of Society and Environment, the Arts, Technology, Health & Physical Education and Languages Other than English.

 

John Fawkner College also provides a range of extracurricular programs aimed at catering for the diverse needs of students. There is:

§  A sports academy focused on soccer and netball;

§  A business focused program linked to the College’s corporate partner,

International law firm Minter Ellison;

§  A performing arts and music program

§  An enrichment program to support students who need to be academically extended

 

At Years 11 &12 the College offers diverse range of pathways. Students can select streams in VCE and VCAL.  The VET program focuses on the sports and business industries.

 

Building refurbishment

 

Around $3.5 million will be spent upgrading John Fawkner College. This includes the recently completed synthetic soccer ground, the Language Centre and the library and gymnasium.

 

A new smart and attractive school uniform will also be introduced for the commencement of 2010. The new uniform will be FREE to all current and new students at John Fawkner College.

 

Enrolments for 2010 are being taken now. For further information or a school tour please contact the general office on 93591166.         

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Fresh Start.

 

What is Fresh Start?          

Fresh Start is an initiative of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD). Fresh Start is being rolled out and supported by the Department’s Northern Metropolitan Region (NMR).

 

What is Fresh Start’s purpose?

Fresh Start aims to help lift educational achievement at Fawkner Secondary College

 

How does it do this?

§  Extra senior teachers, funded by NMR, to be appointed to support and lead teachers

§  An Executive Principal to be appointed to support the current principals and drive cultural and academic change

§  New processes and policies to be put in place to raise student and teacher accountability

§  All teachers to access a specialised professional development program that focuses on literacy, numeracy, student behaviour and assessment of curriculum and school data

§  The Leadership team to be provided with high level coaching

§  Teachers to work in teams to assess and improve performance in teaching and learning

 

Why is Fawkner Secondary College doing it?

 

Fawkner Secondary College was doing some good things but it was felt that there was significant room for improvement and some things could be done a lot better.

 

Fresh Start gives our College the opportunity to introduce stronger and more rigorous teaching practices to give your child a better education.

 

We want our College to become the secondary school of choice in the area and a source of pride for the community. A place where students want to come and learn and a place where teachers want to come and teach.

 

 

Is any other school doing Fresh Start?

Yes. Box Forest Secondary College is participating in Fresh Start.

 

Why do we need a new name, logo and uniform?

Because it shows the community that we’re committed to change and a fresh start from the college’s past image.  

 

Will the uniform cost me anything?

No! Every single student from Year 7 to Year 12 will get a brand new uniform FREE!

 

When will we see the new uniform and logo?

We are expecting to have the new uniform and logo ready in Term 4

 

What does it mean for my child currently at Fawkner Secondary College?

It is as business as usual for your child. The routine for your child will not change and their studies will not be interrupted. Over the coming year we hope that significant improvement will occur in our school performance and how the community views the school.

 

 

When will Fresh Start happen?

Work on Fresh Start has begun. We hope to appoint the new staff and establish short and longer term plans for the future of the school before the end of the year.

 

You will really notice Fresh Start at the beginning of the 2010 school year.

 

What does Fresh Start mean for the teachers?

All teachers know what is happening. However, as with change in any organisation, teachers will be given the opportunity to decide if the Fresh Start school is for them. Every member of the teaching staff has the opportunity to chat with me about Fresh Start and the commitment expected to make it work.

Haven’t we done this all before?

There has been a lot of work done to improve the school over a long period of time but not in such a targeted way.

 

Where do I find out more information about what’s happening?

Parents will be kept up-to-date through regular newsletters, website updates and letters home. Current and prospective parents are welcome to contact the College on 3591166 and speak to the Principal, Gus Napoli, for more information.

 

Gus Napoli

Principal