Today's World is Full of Complexity
A summary look at the news of the past 12 months presents an interesting time in our history. This time has been marked by natural disasters and pandemics, global conflict and significant shifts in the political landscape both in Australia and abroad. It may be that these are unusual times, out of the ordinary, or perhaps this is the new norm. Our world is incredibly complex, filled with challenges at all levels of society and in all areas across the globe. Most of these challenges and complexities come about at the hand of man; others are part of the natural cycle of change outside of human control.
Photos from the Senior Campus Bush Week Planting Session with Year 7s and Year 12s
As an educator who started his career in the 90s, I have spent most of my career talking about my students' need to develop 21st-century skills. Well, we are well and truly embedded in the 21st Century, and these skills are needed now more than ever.
Young people need the ability to unpack complexity to make sense of the many issues facing our world. They need to become innovative and creative problem solvers with high-level interpersonal skills that enable them to lead social change and enterprise.
Photos from Penbank's Prep Science Incursion
Learning Our Way Out of Problems
Recently, our research partnership with the University of Melbourne took several Woodleigh staff members and me to a workshop led by Tony McKay. Our partnership is investigating new ways of assessing learning in our schools and, by definition, new ways of teaching children, and Tony, one of the most prominent educational advisors and leaders in Australia, spoke about the complexities and problems in our world. He also spoke about the importance of education and the possibility that, as a race, humans could learn ourselves out of the complexities and the challenges we face into a positive collaborative future.
His is an incredibly optimistic view of how we can approach the challenge which exists for our planet, yet it holds enormous weight and, in many respects, may be our only option. However, to do so requires a shift in the way we do things. This shift requires us to think deeply about what we are teaching our kids, how we engage them in their learning and what capabilities they will need to make a difference to our future.
We are the current stewards of our planet, and education needs to think about how we can prepare future generations for this stewardship. This is not a project or a bespoke interest that we have, but a fundamental shift required in how we do things. This is fast becoming a national imperative. Our partnership and work with the New Metrics team at Melbourne University will significantly influence how this transformation will occur across Australia and the globe.
Photos from Minimbah's Reconciliation Week Assembly
Building a Better Measure of Success
The starting point for us as a collective of schools is to redefine the way we define excellence. We currently have such a narrow band to define what we consider good learning or understanding. Historically, this has been based upon a traditional interpretation of education as a sorting mechanism that helps society decide who works where. We need to broaden our definition to a strengths-based model where students can understand and manage complexity, develop self-awareness, and collaborate with others to innovate and create.
There are several models of learning that support this process. They all have a sense of student agency or designing student learning to allow students to have agency about how they approach their learning.
Agency is more than simply voice and choice; agency is taking responsibility for how they learn and, in many respects, where they take their learning. In short, these models encourage students to act with purpose, reflect on their actions and understand learning at an individual, collaborative and collective level. Students need to know how to have agency on a moral level, a creative level, and how to add value with their actions.
Our work with the University, as part of the New Metrics program, is supporting our school to develop new metrics (funnily enough) that define success in a much broader and more sophisticated manner and in a way that honours the strengths of our students and promotes and supports student agency. These new metrics will redefine how we design learning in the classroom and, most importantly, how we support genuine, authentic and deep learning.
Later this year, I look forward to sharing our new strategic plan with the School community. This plan will be underpinned by student learning and our desire as a school to purposefully develop each student so that they can thrive in an ever-changing and complex world. It will also be a plan that captures our planet's need to learn our way out of complex problems and into a positive and collective future.
Take care,
DAVID BAKER
Principal
CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE TERM 2 2022
Conveyance Allowance only applies to students attending the Woodleigh Campus located at Langwarrin South and students attending the Penbank Campus located at Moorooduc. These families can get help with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest school or campus. The conveyance allowance is a contribution towards transport costs and is not intended to cover the full cost and is available to students travelling by public transport, private car and private bus.
The Victorian Minister for Education has amended the definition of the closest appropriate school/campus (Instrument of Specification). This may impact some of our families who have been unable to make a claim in the past or deemed ineligible.
Both Woodleigh School and Bayside Christian College are registered the same and classified as same type schools. Therefore, previously if you lived closer to Bayside Christian College you would have been deemed ineligible to receive the conveyance allowance. However, parents can now apply for consideration by providing a “signed letter” to the school why the closest school of the same denomination is not appropriate for their child. You must include your child’s name and demonstrate the below points:
- The student does not belong to, or associate with, the school’s particular religion, or engage in religious activity associated with the school’s religious doctrines; and
- The relevant school’s compulsorily requires its students to engage in religious activity associated with that religion or religious doctrines.
The Department of Education and Training will review individual applications on their merits. Please note that you must still meet the main criteria listed below.
Completed conveyance application forms must be signed by the parent or guardian (page 4) must and submitted to the School.
If you have previously submitted a form and there is no change to mode of transport or address details you are not required to complete a new form for 2022.
New forms must be completed for students attending the School for the first time or existing conveyance allowance claimants who have a change of circumstances affecting eligibility. For example:
- Moving residence or changing their mode of transport;
- Changing schools/campuses. Ie Penbank Campus to Senior Campus
The Department of Education and Training’s main criteria for student eligibility is:
- The School attended is the nearest appropriate school. (or attach a supporting letter as per above)
- The student resides more than 4.8kms from the school by the shortest practicable route.
- Students are of school age 5 – 18 years and enrolled at school for 3 or more days per week.
To apply for a conveyance allowance, parents are required to complete the appropriate forms.
- Travel by contract bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Bus Travel”
- Travel by myki bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Public Transport Travel". Must provide prove of purchase ie copy of receipt or ticket.
- Travel by car: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Car Travel” will need to be completed for each student, listing all students travelling in the nominated vehicle.
- Combined travel: Each appropriate form will need to be completed as above, e.g. drive further than 4.8km to catch public transport (Private Car/Public Transport).
Please note for Woodleigh Campus families: If you live within 4.8km of public transport (ie one of our myki buses) and choose to travel by private bus or car you will not be eligible to claim the conveyance allowance.
The School will lodge 4 claims a year (1 per Term) with the Department of Education and Training. The Department will reimburse the school and the allowance will be credited to your fee account in instalments. Completed applications need to be received by Friday May 20, 2022 to be included in the first claim.
- Contract Bus Reimbursement is determined on the basis of the shortest practicable route from the student’s residence to the school and not the actual distance travelled in the bus.
- Public Transport The cost of fares are fully refundable.
- Private Car Reimbursement is made on the basis of the one-way distance travelled per vehicle and the number of students in that vehicle. Payment is made to the family operating the vehicle.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent on 5971 6100 or email rkent@woodleigh.vic.edu.au.
Penbank District Cross Country
Discover the Senior Campus
The Head of Senior Campus, Nat McLennan, invites you to join her and the Principal, David Baker, for an introduction to Senior Campus life and a student-led tour of the Campus.
The transition from Minimbah and Penbank to the Senior Campus is a significant step in the lives of Woodleigh students and their families – one we hope to ease by building a sense of comfort and belonging prior to the start of Year 7.
Morning tea will be served before the tours, and while this event is intended for parents, not students, young children are more than welcome to attend with you.
If you cannot attend this event, we will be running a second session in Term 3.
We hope to see you at Senior Campus on June 16!
BOOK NOWWoodleigh School National Reconciliation Week Gathering
In the spirit of Reconciliation, Woodleigh School welcomes all community members to join us for the 2022 National Reconciliation Week School Gathering.
Featuring guest Speakers Eva Jo and Monica Weightman, the 2022 event will also feature the presentation of the Woodleigh Reconciliation Action Plan.
We are delighted to be sharing our RAP with the school community as we continue to be brave and make change in our school and community.
Catering on the night is by Cooee Cafe. Please RSVP by Friday 27 May for catering purposes.
BOOK NOWRaising Colourful and Adventurous Eaters with Dietician Kate Wengier
Raising Colourful & Adventurous Eaters – with dietitian Kate Wengier
Tired of yucks at the dinner table? Wished your children ate more veggies?
Join Kate Wengier, dietitian and mum, from Foost as she gives you healthy family eating tips and teaches you how to make mealtimes more enjoyable.
Find out how to:
- Handle fussy eaters
- Provide tips on introducing new foods
- Healthy eating habits
- Tips on preparing meals and snacks kids will actually eat!
Wednesday 8 June at 7pm via Zoom.
BOOK NOWAlmost, Maine – Tickets on Sale
Almost, Maine (PG)-is a series of loosely connected stories about the residents of a fictional remote town in Maine called “Almost.” Each scene happens at exactly 9:00PM in the middle of winter, as the northern lights hover in the sky.
Relationships end, begin, or change beyond recognition, as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers.
“Well, I can’t help it. It just came over me…I’ve fallen in love with you…”
At times realistic and at times absurd, Almost, Maine is mostly very funny with an element of sentimental “magic.”
Experience the life-altering power of the human heart and have your heart touched and warmed in the process.
Note: Almost, Maine will be streamed to ticket holders in the event that a live performance is unable to go ahead due to Covid.
BOOK NOWConveyance Allowance only applies to students attending the Woodleigh Campus located at Langwarrin South and students attending the Penbank Campus located at Moorooduc. These families can get help with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest school or campus. The conveyance allowance is a contribution towards transport costs and is not intended to cover the full cost and is available to students travelling by public transport, private car and private bus.
The Victorian Minister for Education has amended the definition of the closest appropriate school/campus (Instrument of Specification). This may impact some of our families who have been unable to make a claim in the past or deemed ineligible.
Both Woodleigh School and Bayside Christian College are registered the same and classified as same type schools. Therefore, previously if you lived closer to Bayside Christian College you would have been deemed ineligible to receive the conveyance allowance. However, parents can now apply for consideration by providing a “signed letter” to the school why the closest school of the same denomination is not appropriate for their child. You must include your child’s name and demonstrate the below points:
- The student does not belong to, or associate with, the school’s particular religion, or engage in religious activity associated with the school’s religious doctrines; and
- The relevant school’s compulsorily requires its students to engage in religious activity associated with that religion or religious doctrines.
The Department of Education and Training will review individual applications on their merits. Please note that you must still meet the main criteria listed below.
Completed conveyance application forms must be signed by the parent or guardian (page 4) must and submitted to the School.
If you have previously submitted a form and there is no change to mode of transport or address details you are not required to complete a new form for 2022.
New forms must be completed for students attending the School for the first time or existing conveyance allowance claimants who have a change of circumstances affecting eligibility. For example:
- Moving residence or changing their mode of transport;
- Changing schools/campuses. Ie Penbank Campus to Senior Campus
The Department of Education and Training’s main criteria for student eligibility is:
- The School attended is the nearest appropriate school. (or attach a supporting letter as per above)
- The student resides more than 4.8kms from the school by the shortest practicable route.
- Students are of school age 5 – 18 years and enrolled at school for 3 or more days per week.
To apply for a conveyance allowance, parents are required to complete the appropriate forms.
- Travel by contract bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Bus Travel”
- Travel by myki bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Public Transport Travel". Must provide prove of purchase ie copy of receipt or ticket.
- Travel by car: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Car Travel” will need to be completed for each student, listing all students travelling in the nominated vehicle.
- Combined travel: Each appropriate form will need to be completed as above, e.g. drive further than 4.8km to catch public transport (Private Car/Public Transport).
Please note for Woodleigh Campus families: If you live within 4.8km of public transport (ie one of our myki buses) and choose to travel by private bus or car you will not be eligible to claim the conveyance allowance.
The School will lodge 4 claims a year (1 per Term) with the Department of Education and Training. The Department will reimburse the school and the allowance will be credited to your fee account in instalments. Completed applications need to be received by Friday May 20, 2022 to be included in the first claim.
- Contract Bus Reimbursement is determined on the basis of the shortest practicable route from the student’s residence to the school and not the actual distance travelled in the bus.
- Public Transport The cost of fares are fully refundable.
- Private Car Reimbursement is made on the basis of the one-way distance travelled per vehicle and the number of students in that vehicle. Payment is made to the family operating the vehicle.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent on 5971 6100 or email rkent@woodleigh.vic.edu.au.
The Head of Senior Campus, Nat McLennan, invites you to join her and the Principal, David Baker, for an introduction to Senior Campus life and a student-led tour of the Campus.
The transition from Minimbah and Penbank to the Senior Campus is a significant step in the lives of Woodleigh students and their families – one we hope to ease by building a sense of comfort and belonging prior to the start of Year 7.
Morning tea will be served before the tours, and while this event is intended for parents, not students, young children are more than welcome to attend with you.
If you cannot attend this event, we will be running a second session in Term 3.
We hope to see you at Senior Campus on June 16!
BOOK NOWIn the spirit of Reconciliation, Woodleigh School welcomes all community members to join us for the 2022 National Reconciliation Week School Gathering.
Featuring guest Speakers Eva Jo and Monica Weightman, the 2022 event will also feature the presentation of the Woodleigh Reconciliation Action Plan.
We are delighted to be sharing our RAP with the school community as we continue to be brave and make change in our school and community.
Catering on the night is by Cooee Cafe. Please RSVP by Friday 27 May for catering purposes.
BOOK NOWRaising Colourful & Adventurous Eaters – with dietitian Kate Wengier
Tired of yucks at the dinner table? Wished your children ate more veggies?
Join Kate Wengier, dietitian and mum, from Foost as she gives you healthy family eating tips and teaches you how to make mealtimes more enjoyable.
Find out how to:
- Handle fussy eaters
- Provide tips on introducing new foods
- Healthy eating habits
- Tips on preparing meals and snacks kids will actually eat!
Wednesday 8 June at 7pm via Zoom.
BOOK NOWAlmost, Maine (PG)-is a series of loosely connected stories about the residents of a fictional remote town in Maine called “Almost.” Each scene happens at exactly 9:00PM in the middle of winter, as the northern lights hover in the sky.
Relationships end, begin, or change beyond recognition, as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers.
“Well, I can’t help it. It just came over me…I’ve fallen in love with you…”
At times realistic and at times absurd, Almost, Maine is mostly very funny with an element of sentimental “magic.”
Experience the life-altering power of the human heart and have your heart touched and warmed in the process.