Dear parents and carers,
The connection between the College and the broader community plays a vital role in the education and development of our students. Through our active engagement with the community, the College aims to create a mutually beneficial relationship that fosters a supportive and enriching environment for students beyond the classroom. Community involvement enriches the curriculum and expands our students support system. On Thursday 22 June, the College had the honour of hosting Mount Waverley Secondary College from Victoria as part of their annual music tour. Our students made new connections with peers from Mount Waverley, and they were able to learn from one another as they participated in a variety of musical theory and practical workshops. It was a wonderful way to build positive relationships between students and staff and for our students to develop their skills as they learned from their peers and different musical directors. The culmination of their learning experience was an outstanding showcase concert that captivated our Year 7 students as they were exposed to classical, contemporary and jazz music pieces.
Connection and Collaboration
Connection with the community provides students with opportunities for authentic, hands-on learning experiences. Excursions, service-learning projects, and leadership opportunities enable students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. These experiences enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and develop a sense of responsibility and empathy towards their community. On the 7 June 2023, the College welcomed over 70 Year 4 students from Catholic primary schools in the area. The leadership demonstrated by our Year 9 students who cared for and led the Year 4s is to be commended. These students guided the Year 4s through a range of activities supported by our science, home economics and art departments and helped them gain an insight to high-school life at La Salle College.
Collaboration with the community exposes students to various career paths, internships, and vocational training opportunities. This exposure helps students develop skills, explore interests, and make informed decisions about their future career paths. The school-community connection thus contributes to their long-term success and transition into the workforce. As an ONSITE school we are able to provide our students with opportunities to experience life beyond the College. Throughout the year our students have experienced many different industries from mining, plumbing, business and media to help them discover their passions and connect their learning to these possible post-school options. These skills not only enhance their prospects when looking for part-time work but help them to develop their confidence. I am so very grateful to the businesses within our community that support our students in so many ways.
School-community partnerships
School-community partnerships encourage active engagement from families, community members, and stakeholders. This involvement creates a sense of ownership and empowerment, as everyone works collectively to support the educational goals of students. It strengthens community bonds, fosters a positive school climate, and promotes a shared vision for the future. An example of this partnership was our Year 11 2024 Course Selection Expo held on Tuesday 20th June 2023. The evening provided students and parents with the opportunity to discuss career goals and gain an understanding of subject requirements and pre-requisites for their preferred learning areas as they begin the journey towards life beyond La Salle College. I was very appreciative of the active engagement of our Year 10 parents as they spoke to subject specialists, university representatives and other staff to ensure that they were fully informed of the options available to our students. This engagement will continue next term as our year 10s and their parents engage in course advising meetings to discuss student goals and make an informed and achievable selection of subjects for their senior years.
Engagement
La Salle College’s Parent and Friends (P & F) key role is to encourage active engagement from families and community members with the College. Did you know that you are part of this team? Membership is not defined by who attends a P & F meeting, although we encourage parents to take the time to come along to meet other parents. As a parent/carer you are a member of this group and the community. Parents, guardians and carers are essential to student engagement, wellbeing and academic achievement. There are so many ways that parents partner with College staff from role modelling life-long learning, reinforcing our College values in the home, volunteering their time, cheering on our sporting teams, encouraging their child’s learning at home and supporting College events. An event that does need the support of our families and broader community is our annual College Quiz Night on Friday 28 July 2023. Our Music Legends themed Quiz Night is the major fundraiser that directly supports your child’s learning. So please gather your family and friends and support your students and our College by purchasing tickets.
In conclusion, I thank parents and carers for your support throughout the Term and encourage you to continue to be actively engaged in our College and your children’s learning journey in Term 3 and beyond.
God bless!
Giovanna Fiume | College Principal
