As you would be aware, we have again been working through the process for selecting an Executive Principal of Wangaratta High School. I would like to inform you that, unfortunately, there has yet again been a ‘no appointment’ through the selection process. Whilst I understand that this is a disappointing outcome, it does provide us with another opportunity to re-advertise and attract the best possible candidate for the school early in term 4. We will continue to work tirelessly with the School Council to ensure we make the best appointment for the school that we possibly can. I have agreed to continue in the Principal role for Term 4 while we commence another selection process.
We have been successful in staffing Hands-on Learning, and welcome Greg Keane, who will commence work in Term 4. We have farewelled Hannah Rees from the school, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank her for her contributions at Wangaratta High School. We wish Hannah all the best for the future. We have been successful in attracting two Teach for Australia Associates for 2022: One to teach Physics/Maths and the other will teach English/Media.
Congratulations on making it through to the final days of what has been a long and challenging Term 3. As the term has progressed it has been wonderful to see many success stories and evidence of some students thriving during Flexible and Remote Learning. As a school we have seen both ends of the scale, with those students thriving and those who have struggled, often through no fault of their own, to maintain their learning. We have welcomed back our Year 12 students to onsite learning, as they prepare for their VCE exams or finalising their VCAL work requirements. We hope that all students will be able to return to onsite learning in Term 4, but we wait for news of reduction in COVID cases and the easing of lock down restrictions.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students across all Year Levels for their efforts to continue learning during these unusual times. We have seen through this experience that you are capable, resilient and most of all prepared to adapt, be agile and try new things. Be proud of what you have achieved.
Thank you to the many parents and carers who have actively supported student learning, sometimes whilst also trying to juggle your own workload. Your support has been invaluable, and we look forward to that continuing in Term 4 as we navigate the challenges of hopefully a return to onsite onsite learning.
Finally, to our staff team. A team that has had to learn and adapt throughout flexible and remote learning. Thank you for your commitment to our students, including the endless hours of communicating with our students and parents and the huge amount of screen time to ensure students are learning and connecting. Your work often happens quietly in the background but over FRL 6.0 you have achieved amazing things, thank you.
Term 4 resumes on Monday, 4th October. The school community will be notified through COMPASS email and Facebook should it be announced during the holidays when we will return to face-to-face learning.
Students, parents, carers and staff, may you all find some down time over the break. Stay safe and healthy.
Kind regards,
Michelle Bootes
Dear Parents/Carers/Guardians,
As you would be aware, we have again been working through the process for selecting the new principal of Wangaratta High School. I write to inform you that, unfortunately, there has yet again been a ‘no appointment’ as a result of the selection process.
Whilst I understand that this is a disappointing outcome, it does provide us with another opportunity to re-advertise and attract the best possible candidate for the school. We will continue to work tirelessly with the school council to ensure we make the best appointment for the school that we possibly can.
I have liaised with Michelle Bootes, acting principal, regarding this outcome and she has agreed to continue in the principal role for Term 4 while we commence another selection process. I thank Michelle and the leadership team for their commitment and leadership throughout this term so far.
Once we have more information regarding the next selection process, I will ask Alby Freijah (Senior Education Improvement Leader) to communicate this with the school council, staff and wider school community.
Regards,
Deb Fisher
School Council President
"The Story' - Clara Rocchioccioli
(Aleka)
The day started off normally. I woke up and called out to Room Service. “Good morning, Aleka,” Room Service said in its cool, pleasant voice. “What can I do for you today?”
“Pass the e-reader, Room Service”, I commanded. A drawer slid open next to me with my new e-reader sitting in it. A TechBook 74. The best of the best. The one everyone was talking about. I’d gone to the e-library yesterday and swiped ten books onto it. I tapped on the first book. The Cursed Book by Mario Kart. It was about someone who finds an old book- an actual paper book- but a virus on its cover ends up infecting everyone.
I was not to read this e-book today. A message in red flashed onto the e-reader’s screen.
ERROR-574\TYPEA7\FILE INCOMPATIBLE\ERROR
I’d checked! The e-book said it was compatible with newer e-readers! Ah well, I had nine other e-books to read.
But the same message appeared every time.
It’s got a virus, I thought. Brand new, state-of-the-art and all! I ran down the escalator to the kitchen.
“Mum, I need to take my e-reader back to the shop,” I said. “They’ve sold us a bugged one, can you believe it?”
“Alright,” Mum sighed. “You can take the single person pod.”
When I arrived at the tech store, I saw there was a long queue outside and a sign stuck in the window.
Product recall: TechBook74 Error. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Great. I was going to be waiting a while.
I turned and wandered down an old laneway. The walls were made of brick instead of fiberglass and plastered with anti-tech stickers and graffiti. It looked like the Gaming Faction (devoted to destroying the germy, fragile paper books) didn’t come here often. It was peaceful, in an odd way. I sat down with my back against the wall and folded my hands behind my head. As I did, something brushed against my hand. Curious, I turned and looked at what I’d felt. It was a raised image of a paper book. I prodded it, hard. There was a click and part of the wall slid aside. It was a door! I stepped into the space beyond the door. A corridor.
The door shut behind me with a loud thud, making me jump. My palms were getting sweaty. I was torn. It would only be a quick look…
The corridor ended at another door. I hesitantly opened it and stepped into a massive room. There was a strange, musty smell in the air that made me feel like whispering. The room was filled with shelves and on those shelves were….
Books.
Paper books.
I’d stumbled upon a secret library.
Some crazy impulse made me go forward, walking like in a dream among the shelves. I reached out and trailed my finger down the dusty spine of one of the books, then pulled it from the shelf. The cover, protected by a layer of plastic, was smooth under my fingers. It smelled like magic and secrets. I opened the book, and it was like stepping into a new world. I read and read and read. Sadly, I realized it was getting late. “I’ll be back tomorrow,” I promised the library and turned and ran, auto lights fading out behind me as I left.
(Thorn)
“Sorry, gotta go, bye!” Aleka yelled as she ran out the door, blonde hair bobbing around her ears. This is how every day had gone for a week, with Aleka leaving early and returning late.
“I don’t get what’s with this new behaviour, do you, Thorn?” Mum said from behind her news-pad. The screen’s glow cast an eerie light on her face. I nodded. “Got to get to work early today,” I said absently, grabbing my bag and heading out the door. I heard Mum’s murmur of “like sister, like brother,” as I stepped outside.
I hopped into my pod and activated voice control. Gliding down the street, I saw Aleka’s pod turn the corner. Suspicious, I followed her. Aleka stopped near the tech shop. Waiting a second before parking my pod, I stepped out and followed Aleka down a scruffy laneway. I ducked behind a dilapidated bin and watched her.
Aleka bent down and poked something. The wall slid open like a door, and she slipped inside.
I quickly found what Aleka had pressed; it was a button in the shape of a book. A paper book.
I groaned and held my head in my hands. I knew protocol. If my sister was mixed up in illegal stuff, I was duty-bound as a member of the Gaming Faction to report her. I pressed the button and stepped into a corridor.
At the end of the corridor, I peeked around a door which had been left ajar. My worst fears were confirmed.
Aleka had found a library.
Aleka was reading a book.
I stormed into the library and snatched the book from her hands. “Thorn?” Aleka gasped.
“You have to forget about this place! None of this…” I waved my hand at the library around us, “none of this ever existed. If you come back here again, I will not hesitate to report you to the Gaming Faction.” I grabbed my foolish little sister by the wrist and tugged her towards the door. But the weight of the book she’d been reading was still heavy in my hand and seemed to comfort me. It swept away all my doubts. I opened the book and its delicate scent drew me in. I felt the subtle roughness of its pages. I couldn’t help but start reading, and the story swept me away…
“Uh… Thorn?” Aleka’s voice snapped me out of my trance. I smiled.
Date | Item | Notes |
Monday 4th October | First Day Term 4 | *COVID-19 Dependant. |
Monday 4th October | VCE Examination period begins. | |
Tuesday 5th October | General Achievement Test (GAT) | Unit 3/4 students. *COVID-19 Dependant. |
Tuesday 19th October | Last Day Year 12 Classes | |
Wednesday 20th October | Year 12 Celebration Morning | |
Thursday 28th October | Dirrawarra Proud & Deadly Awards (Online) | https://youtu.be/r-sR7cb9B0o. |
Thursday 28th October | Year 7 Immunisations | * Postponed to November 18th. |
Tuesday 2nd November | Melbourne Cup Public Holiday | Public Holiday |
Wednesday 17th November | VCE Examination period ends | |
Wednesday 17th November | End of Year Concert | *COVID-19 dependant |
Thursday 18th November | Year 7 Immunisations | *NEW DATE |
Friday 19th November | Year 12 Graduation | Tickets on sale from the front office. |
Wednesday 24th - Friday 26th November | Year 9 SEAL, 10, 11 Exams. | |
Monday 29th November - Monday 3rd December | Step-Up Week for 2022 Year 11's and 12's. | |
Friday 3rd December | Last Day of Term 4 for Years 10 & 11. | |
Monday 5th - Friday 10th December | Year 7 2022 Transition Week | *COVID-19 dependant |
Wednesday 15th December | 2021 End of Year Awards night | *COVID-19 dependant. |
Thursday 16th December | ATAR's released | |
Friday 17th December | Last Day of Term 4 for Years 7, 8 & 9. |
As part of its Random Acts of Kindness Project, the Wangaratta Youth Council is inviting community members to nominate a young person for a Pick Me Up Pack.
Go to the online form to nominate a young person between the ages of 12-25 for a pack designed to brighten their day!
Be quick - nominations close on October 3.
Please spread the word!
Look out for more random acts in the coming weeks!
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Whether you require domestic, commercial or industrial electrical installations, we have the experience and the team to complete our work on time and on budget. We can assist with computer points, control systems, hot water, stove and cooktops maintenance, cable and pipe locations, emergency lighting, TV and phone points, trenching, scissor lift hire and more. https://www.websterselectricalvic.com.au/
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When it comes supplying quality concrete and quarry products, Mawsons are specialists. The company is recognised as a leading construction materials supplier with a reputation for quality and reliability. Mawsons are able to meet customer needs from 16 quarry sites, 40 concrete plants and 7 landscaping centres. Mawsons also operate mobile crushing and screening equipment, and have a fleet of concrete, cement and quarry delivery trucks.
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Butler’s Pantry Bakehouse is proud to call ourselves your local community bakery in Wangaratta. We’re locals to the area, and we’re so happy to call this our home. That’s why we love getting involved in the local community. Not only do we feed locals and visitors alike with delicious pies, wraps, hot food, rolls, cakes and specialty items, but we also support our local sports clubs. Another part of Wangaratta life that we love is helping out with fundraisers and pie drives. We’ve been a part of fundraising for schools, clubs and organisations for a long time, and we won’t be stopping any time soon. | Dennis Family Homes is proud to be a family building homes for families. Our numerous years of building experience promises your home will be built to the highest quality, and well designed. Most importantly, we’ll ensure the home you choose will be the home you’ll love. https://www.dennisfamily.com.au/
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The team at Ravishing Makeup & Beauty Lounge understand how busy life can be & how easy it is to put everyone else first, our goal is to remind you to slow down & ensure that you put YOU first! Based in the heart of Wangaratta our salon is a place where you can come to unwind, relax & be pampered by one of our trained therapists. We want you to leave our salon feeling proud & owning the skin you're in. | The Quality Hotel™ Wangaratta Gateway offers modern and relaxing accommodation in the heart of Wangaratta with convenient access to the CBD and local attractions. The hotel is located less than 15 minutes from Wangaratta airport and conveniently close to the Wangaratta Base Hospital, Performing Arts & Convention Centre and the Court House. |
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Office Choice is your one-stop for essential office supplies, from office stationery and filing products, to printers, shredders, tech solutions and more. We have everything you need to organise and optimise the daily operations of your business, with a selection of high-quality products from reputable brands available at competitive prices. https://wangaratta.officechoice.com.au/
| Bringing together a palette of complementary colours, balanced textures and patterns and the visualisation of the scale and proportion of a space, we will produce solutions to develop an existing style or create a fresh new look |
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Your locally owned and operated septic cleaning business. Servicing septics, treatment plants, grease traps, triple interceptors, winery waste and liquid industrial waste in North East Victoria. Open Monday - Friday with 24-hour emergency call-out. | We are an established agency with a passionate team who live and breathe all things Wangaratta, we call this place home, and want you to have the best experience when you are selling, purchasing or renting your property with us. We make sure we keep the process simple, efficient and eliminate any stress you have in your real estate journey. |
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As a Ford dealer, Ovens Ford provides you with high-performing Ford vehicles designed to thrill and inspire you. Located in Wangaratta, we are your #1 choice for Ford vehicles near Yarrawonga, Myrtleford, Beechworth and Bright. | Franks Footwear has been operating for over 60 years in the same store location. We take pride in our excellence in customer service and our wide range of shoes. |
Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a progressive and award-winning university and has a well-earned international reputation for excellence through its innovative approach to higher education.
| A1 Tyrepower Wangaratta are North East Victoria's leading independent tyre experts. We specialise in supplying our customers the very best products and services. Tyres are what we know and what we do! Passenger and commercial vehicles are serviced by our trained personnel dedicated to keeping you and your family safe on our roads. |
Established in 2011, Grimshaw Signs have built a name as leaders in all aspects of modern signwriting. | We work hard to help you select the best flooring for your application. As well as the installation of new flooring, our service can also include removal of old flooring, and moving your furniture. We pride ourselves on a finish that can't be beaten and have significant experience on both domestic and commercial jobs |
Located in Wangaratta, North East Victoria, SignEffects is a locally owned and operated company that is a leader in sign fabrication and installation for over a decade. As highly experienced and qualified signwriters, SignEffects sets new standards in the sign industry. We pride ourselves on providing a professional solution for all your signage requirements. | We are locally established, owned and operated. With over 30 years combined experience we can guarantee you a wealth of knowledge when it comes to tyres. We aim to meet all of your tyre needs, keeping in mind quality and affordability. Great customer service is our mission, call in to see how we can help you today. |