Transition Programs
Friday 25 November marked the end of the 2022 academic year on the 10-12 Campus. This day was the final day of the two-week Orientation Program for both the Year 11 and 12 students of 2023. This program has now afforded all students a full cycle of periods in subjects of choice in preparation for the 2023 school year. With this extended time with students, much work was completed and will form a launching pad for next year. We look forward to seeing the 2023 Year 11 and 12 students back on Thursday 2 February 2023.
Transition for the Year 10s of 2023 took a new format this year, with all students attending Mornington for a full week of classes and life on the 10-12 Campus prior to their full-time start on Wednesday 1 February 2023.
Acknowledgment of Staff
As this is the last time that I address the Padua community about the Year 10-12 Campus, I’d like to take this opportunity to focus on the staff who make this campus the place it is every day.
The teachers who fill the classrooms with their knowledge, wisdom, laughter, and genuine care for each student, I commend for their diligent approach. These attributes and their passion for bringing learning to life are what make Padua the place it is. The students talk openly about the commitment they have from staff in helping them achieve their best. As parents, you should feel comfortable that all staff at the College know the importance of their role in developing the academic ability and social conscience of your child.
The Pastoral team is led by Julie Young who supports the House Co-ordinators in Mona Esmaty, Sharon Marshall, Anthony Barnhoorn, Lance Albrecht, Nathan Bradbury, Julie Barnhoorn, Terry Luppino, Paul Ribet, and the Assistant House Co-ordinators in Alanna Castelli, Ciara Roberts, Sam Noonan, and the departing Lucy Millar, supports the students, staff, and parents. Whilst much of their work may not be seen to you as parents, I am privileged to witness their passion for student wellbeing in ensuring every student being known and supported in all possible ways within their House. For this, I am most thankful, and I know that many parents are too.
To our Learning and Pedagogy team leaders in Helen Sugameli and Travis Pearce. Your passion for seeing that each student is afforded the course of their choice highlights that each student is valued. I know that many parents have appreciated your swift action in supporting them and their children, especially in ensuring additional support in SAC and exam assessments to provide equity amongst the cohort.
Deb Arrowsmith in the role of VCAL Learning Area Leader has continued the growth of this pathway. With the continued increase in numbers this year and the new pathway offerings in 2023, her forward-thinking and solution-based approach to seeing students succeed is built on the respectful relationships that the team has cultivated over the years. It is so inspiring to see so many of the young adults in this pathway already being employed full-time as to their skill set and work ethic that has been developed over the years.
I sincerely thank the Careers and Pathway team, Learning Enhancement staff, Senior Administration, and the Counselling Services team for their ongoing dedication and willingness to work with both students and families in finding positive outcomes in such a professional and discrete manner. Such support continues to make Padua a point of difference in education on the Mornington Peninsula. Thank you for the very specific roles you play in providing the students with the best environment for success at Padua and beyond.
To the Maintenance team who provide the clean and welcoming environment, I thank you all for your willingness to be flexible in providing for requests from new learning spaces and fixing hot water issues, to exam preparations. Your role in providing the right learning atmosphere is greatly appreciated.
Our Thanks
To all parents and guardians, I thank you for your support over 2022. As always, when we work in partnership the best outcome for your child is found and that is what makes Padua an amazing place in which to work. Even at times when a point of difference is found, your willingness to listen and place faith in us as educators is sincerely appreciated. I encourage parents to take the time to contact staff prior to the end of this year to thank and acknowledge their efforts in 2022. I know that many of you have already as the staff share such stories and support and acknowledgment with me personally. Such support from parents is so much more powerful than one can imagine.
Finally, I wish all families a restful, peaceful, and Holy Christmas season and I look forward to continuing to work with the Padua community in 2023.
