School News
From the Principal
I hope you have enjoyed a safe and relaxing break with your family and friends and now look forward to welcoming you back to Term 2. You will see the tennis courts are now complete and ready for use and over this term the site of the new Science and Technology Centre will start to increase in activity as preparations commence for the start of the build.
Our parent and community information series in Term 2 will see a very topical issue discussed. In a recent study released by Reachout, parents of 12-18 year olds are more concerned about their child’s use of social media than anything else. Susan McLean is Australia’s foremost expert in cyber safety and young people and we are very happy to host her on Wednesday 16 May commencing at 7:00pm to discuss Cyber Safety. Please remember to share this invite with friends or family in the wider community, our information series is always open to help empower and educate parents everywhere.
You may have seen recently that the My School and Better Education websites have been updated with the 2017 NAPLAN data. Although there is much discussion surrounding the relevance of NAPLAN and falling Australian standards, what we learn from the data is extraordinary. Through the use of a data analytics program we are able to track skill development every year in all of our students. In the future we hope this will be used to further individualise learning programs, identify challenges and necessary areas of extension at a skill rather than content level. We have been using some of these data programs to inform our practices over the past year and am very pleased to announce that Wardle House is now ranked 22nd in primary schools across Victoria. This is an enormous improvement in academic standards, as we were ranked 178th in the previous year. Our Senior School also continues to perform at a very high level statewide, ranking in the top 50 for the sixth year in a row. I wish to congratulate all of the staff for their outstanding efforts in seeing this improvement happen which comes about through their dedication and personalised approach to every student.
Mrs Kristy Kendall
Principal
Events Calendar
Wardle House
Early Learning update
I trust that you have enjoyed spending some quality time with your families and friends over the holiday break. In Term 1, the ELC educators welcomed 50 new families to Toorak College. It has been pleasing to see how quickly families have settled and made connections with our community.
There were countless opportunities during Term 1 to participate, celebrate, learn and come together. At the beginning of the term we celebrated the start of a new year at the ELC/Prep Family Fun Night. We concluded Term 1 with our traditional ELC to Year 2 Easter Bonnet Parade. Opportunities such as these help to build a sense of belonging and celebrate school spirit.
The Kindergarten children have focused on creating connections with others in their class. The Year 5 buddy visits have been very popular with the children throughout the term.
The Pre-Prep children have expanded their learning through both spontaneous class experiences as well as their new specialist classes. The Science program was a huge success, with many parent volunteers stating that they have 'loved helping out with Science'.
Term 2 promises many exciting happenings and opportunities. We hope that you continue to enjoy, make further connections and celebrate the spirit of our Early Learning Centre community.
Ms Pat Barbieri
Head of Early Learning Centre
Key Dates
ELC Mother's Day Morning Tea
This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate community partnerships that enrich our learning.
Tuesday 8 May - Kindergarten L1, Pre-Prep P & Pre-Prep L
Thursday 10 May - Kindergarten L2, Kindergarten J & Pre-Prep T
ELC Pyjama Sharing Day Breakfast
As a celebration of our ELC community, we are inviting the children and their families to share breakfast in the School Dining Room.
Tuesday 12 June - Kindergarten L1, Pre-Prep P & Pre- Prep L
Thursday 14 June - Kindergarten L2, Kindergarten J & Pre-Prep T
Junior School update
There were countless opportunities during Term 1 to connect, share, celebrate, learn and laugh together.
One of the highlights of Term 1 is always our Wardle House Beach Picnic, a tradition started by Lady Ansett in 1956 and wholeheartedly embraced today. The Prep to Year 2 students initiated a new House sandcastle building competition and Red House were victorious on the day.
Our weekly Share Assemblies continue to showcase the capacity of our Wardle House students. The children never cease to amaze us with their enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment, as they confidently present their in-depth understandings from the Units of Inquiry. I encourage you to join us in celebrating students’ achievements at these weekly Friday assemblies throughout Term 2.
My time at Toorak College will be finishing on Friday 25 May and it is with mixed emotions that I write this my last TC News article. As you can imagine, it has been a very emotional process for me in making this decision and I feel honored to have been given the privilege to lead Wardle House as each and every day has been pure joy. I will be working tirelessly throughout the next six weeks to ensure the transition will be seamless for the students and our community.
Term 2 promises many exciting events outlined in this article, and I hope that you continue to enjoy, join in, make connections, volunteer and celebrate the spirit that espouses our Wardle House learning community.
Mrs Mandy Whitworth
Head of Wardle House, Deputy Principal
Key Dates
Monday 16 April
Classes commence - Term 2
Friends of Wardle House Meeting (7:30pm)
Where: Drawing Room
Friday 20 April
Founders Day Assembly (12:10pm – 12:35pm)
Where: Marjorie Williams Centre
Tuesday 24 April
Aerobics & Dance Display Night (7:00pm – 9:00pm)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Wednesday 25 April
ANZAC Day (Public Holiday)
Thursday 26 April
Autumn Music Concert (7:00pm)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Monday 30 April
Winter Uniform Compulsory
Thursday 3 May - Friday 4 May
Year 6 Production ‘Shrek’ (7:00pm - 8:30pm)
Where: D4 Marjorie Williams Centre
Wednesday 9 May - Friday 11 May
Year 4 Camp, Phillip Island
Friday 11 May
Mother’s Day Breakfast (7:00am - 8:30am)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Tuesday 15 - Thursday 17 May
NAPLAN Testing
Wednesday 16 May
Susan McLean ‘Cyber Safety’ (7:00pm – 9:00pm)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Friday 18 May
Wardle House Cross Country (9:30am - 12:30pm)
Years 3 to 6
Where: Athletics Track
Tuesday 22 May
2019 Prep Parent Information Night (7:00pm - 8:00pm)
Where: Prep Classrooms
Friday 1 June
Alice Sloan Walks of Life (7:00am – 8:30am)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Tuesday 5 June
Music Soiree (7:00pm)
Where: Music Centre
Friday 8 June
Student Free Day
Monday 11 June
Queen’s Birthday (Public Holiday)
Thursday 14 June
Prep to Year 6 Student Conferences (3:30pm - 8:00pm)
Where: Wardle House
Tuesday 19 June
ELC Parent Teacher Interviews (3:30pm - 8:00pm)
Prep to Year 6 Student Conferences (3:30pm - 8:00pm)
Where: Wardle House
Friday 22 June
Online Progress Reports
Friday 22 June
Classes conclude Term 2
Junior School
Senior School
Senior School update
Our Senior girls embraced Term 1 with commitment, passion and endeavour toward their studies and co-curricular activities. They supported their school at many events such as the Summer Festival, Open Days and the Science Gala Evening.
The girls were also active participants in school life, including House Swimming and Diving, House Athletics, Sport, Music Events, Debating, the Year 10 Challenge Camp, excursions and more. I hope that the girls are all enjoying the holidays as they so deserve this time to have a rest, have fun and prepare for all that Term 2 will bring.
I especially enjoyed speaking to many of you at Parent Teacher Interviews recently. I hope that our decision to bring these nights forward to Term 1 was beneficial and that you were able to get constructive feedback from your daughter’s teacher about what she can do to benefit her learning journey. I also hope that you have found the inclusion of ‘learning tasks’ and ‘effort’ into the new reporting system valuable. Our goal is to give you more information about how your daughter’s learning is progressing and if ever you have any concerns about her progress please do not hesitate to contact the relevant subject teacher or Head of Year.
I have included all the main events happening in Term 2 in this article. This does not include specific excursions. You will be notified about these via Caremonkey as they require your approval.
Girls will be able to wear both Winter and Summer Uniform in Term 2 until Friday 27 April, after this time Winter Uniform is compulsory. Many of the girls will have grown from last year so please take some time to check that your daughter’s winter skirt is below the knee. Also, from the beginning of Term 2, items of lost clothing will be stored at the Retail Centre and not Student Services.
I hope that you have all enjoyed the autumn holidays and look forward to seeing all the girls return for Term 2.
Mrs Diane Furusho
Head of Senior School, Deputy Principal
Key Dates
Monday 16 April
Classes commence Term 2
Wednesday 18 April
Cross Country (10:45am – 1:30pm)
Where: Devil’s Bend
Friday 20 April
Founders Day Assembly (12:10pm – 12:35pm)
Where: Marjorie Williams Centre
Tuesday 24 April
Aerobics & Dance Display Night (7:00pm – 9:00pm)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Wednesday 25 April
ANZAC Day (Public Holiday)
Thursday 26 April
Autumn Music Concert (7:00pm)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Friday 27 April
Year 11 Formal (7:30pm – 11:00pm)
Where: Mornington Racecourse
Monday 30 April
Winter Uniform Compulsory
Friday 11 May
Mother’s Day Breakfast (7:00am – 8:30am)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Friday 11 May
Year 10 Social (7:00pm - 10:00pm)
Where: Mornington Golf Club
Tuesday 15 – Thursday 17 May
NAPLAN Testing
Wednesday 16 May
Susan McLean ‘Cyber Safety’ (7:00pm – 9:00pm)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Thursday 17 May
Winter Classical Music Evening (7:00pm)
Where: Music Centre
Friday 18 May
Online Progress Reports
Friday 25 May
House Music
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Monday 28 May – Friday 1 June
Art Week
Friday 1 June
Alice Sloan Walks of Life (7:00am – 8:30am)
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Tuesday 5 June
Music Soiree (7:00pm)
Where: Music Centre
Thursday 7 June – Friday 15 June
Year 10 and Unit 1 Examinations
Friday 8 June
Student Free Day
Monday 11 June
Queen’s Birthday (Public Holiday)
Tuesday 12 June – Wednesday 13 June
Year 9 Examinations
Thursday 14 June – Friday 15 June and
Monday 18 June – Wednesday 20 June
Year 9 City Exploration
Monday 18 June
Year 8 Examinations
Friday 22 June
Online Progress Reports
Friday 22 June
Classes conclude Term 2
Music
Music News
Term 2 will enjoy a very busy music program, full of performances and highlights for students and parents.
Our traditional Autumn Concert is on Thursday 26 April. This concert will showcase all of our ensembles, from both Wardle House and Senior School. Our students are very excited to perform the new works that they have been rehearsing.
Our Year 6 production of ‘Shrek Junior’ is eagerly anticipated. This will take place in D4 Drama Studio on May 2, 3 & 4. Please ensure you book tickets as soon as possible, as it is anticipated that tickets for this event will go quickly!
At the same time our senior groups Sisters of Swing stage band and Grace Notes choir will head off to Mt Gambier to compete in the ‘Generations In Jazz’ festival. An expected attendance of 5000 students from all over Australia will compete and be treated to professional performances of Jazz greats, headed by James Morrison.
Our Concerto and Aria Evening has this year become the ‘Winter Classical Concert’. This event will entertain audiences with beautiful solos, and will also include classical repertoire from some ensembles. It is sure to be a stunning night of musical performance.
Piano Competition heats will begin in lunchtimes this term. Certificates will be awarded for students entered in the Novice category. For students entered in the Player or Performer category, a glittering Grand Final will take place in September.
As always, the term will conclude with a Soiree. This year we have four rooms operating at once with a total of almost 100 students performing. It is a wonderful display of hard work and emotion as our students take to their stage. We hope to see you there, and at all our wonderful events this term.
Please remember – any time is a good time to start music lessons! For an information brochure and application form please contact the Music Office.
Mrs Jayne Turner
Director of Music
Key Dates
Autumn Concert
7:00pm, Thursday 26 April
Where: Mary Herring Hall
Winter Classical Concert
7:00pm, Thursday 17 May
Where: MC1
'Shrek Junior' Year 6 Production
Wednesday 2, Thursday 3 and Friday 4 May
Where: D4 Drama Studio
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Soiree
7:00pm, Tuesday 5 June
Where: MC1, MC11, MC22, D4
Arts
Visual Arts
Term 1 has been a busy term with the start of Art Club and our VCE Arts Day where we saw Top Arts, Designs and Screens and Toorak College student, Sarah Tucker who made the final cut.
Top Screens students were also treated to a Q and A session with Sarah about her film. The VCE students were so impressed and inspired by these exhibitions and looking forward to seeing what they can do when it is their time to shine. We also saw, ‘The Triennial’, at the National Gallery and a range of other galleries and exhibitions to further immerse and engage our students in the wonderful art and culture that is Melbourne.
Term 2 is an exciting opportunity for all students with Toorak College running Arts Week, where Music, Performing Arts, Technology and Visual Arts will be coming together to provide activities, performances, and experiences in the Arts. The week will be run by the Prefects and Art Club. Students from across the school are encouraged to participate in a range of lunchtime fun and will have the opportunity to select activities that they are interested in. Guest speakers and Collegians will talk about their experiences and advice will be available to students about pathways and career opportunities in the Arts.
Arts Week will commence on 28 May and an assembly will take place at the end of the week. Stay tuned for a schedule of events.
Mr Dailan Hatherley
Head of Visual Arts and Technologies
Drama and Dance
Term 1 will certainly be a busy time for students wishing to be involved in the Drama and Dance productions in 2018.
Dance Star is running again in 2018 after a wonderfully successful first year. Dance Star is a competition based dance program which involves students learning a choreographed piece, rehearsing and performing as part of a team. There are currently three 2018 teams - one in Wardle House and two in the Senior School. Auditions were held last year and if any student who has not auditioned and wishes to be involved in Dance Star, there will be another set of auditions early Term 1. The musical for 2018 is the 'The Little Mermaid' and the auditions for this show will be held during Term 1. The cast will be made up of a singing chorus and a seperate dance chorus. There will also be opportunities for students to be involved in the many behind the scenes crews. All information regarding audition dates and rehearsals will be posted for the students to access on the Drama and Dance Co-Curricular iVE page.
Ms Emma Jensen
Head of Drama
Key Dates
Dance Star auditions
February 2018
Date and times to be confirmed
Dance Studio, Marjorie Williams Centre
The Little Mermaid auditions
March/April 2018
Date and times to be confirmed
MC1, Music Department
Visual Arts and Technology
Sport
Sports update
In Term 1, our students participated in a wide range of weekly interschool Sport including Tennis, Indoor Cricket, Softball, Diving, Swimming and Community Netball. Students also competed at major inter-school sporting events including Triathlon, Equestrian, Rowing, Golf, Lifesaving, Head of Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta and the Girlsail Sailing event.
Highlights of the term included:
- In the Girls Sport Victoria Weekly sport competition, our Senior Indoor Cricket Team, Intermediate Tennis team and Junior Tennis team all finished in first place!
- Our Swimming team placed 2nd overall at the GSV Swimming Championships, winning the Junior Division overall.
- The Toorak College Sailing Team completed at the 2018 State Team Sailing Championships. They were awarded 1st Girls School (Krystal Weir Trophy), 1st GSV school, 4th overall school in the State and the Award for Most Improved School in State.
Congratulations to all our students and their coaches for a great term in Sport!
Term 2 Sport
In Term 2, students will be competing in weekly interschool sport competitions in Netball, Hockey, Senior Waterpolo (Year 9-12) and Senior AFL (Year 9-12). We have three senior AFL teams which is exciting and reflects the growth in student interest in this sport. Our Aerobics teams will continue their preparation for the upcoming Aerobics Display Evening (Tuesday 24 April) and Regional Heats (Saturday 28 April and Sunday 29 April).
Students will also be able to participate in Cross Country carnivals, Badminton weekly competitions, Community Netball, Hurdles Development program and Basketball Skills programs. Training will commence for all Sport in Week 1 of Term 2.
All students have already completed their Term 2 Sport registrations. Information regarding each sport has been sent to parents via Caremonkey. Term 3 registration will be sent to students midway through Term 2.
Please refer to the Sport Calendar for all dates, including training and competition fixtures.
https://ive.toorakcollege.vic.edu.au/homepage/339
Mrs Deb Gardener
Director of Sport
Parents and Friends
Update from P&F
The Toorak College Parents & Friends committee plays an active role throughout the Toorak community to coordinate activities, promote goodwill and engender friendship within the parent body, to encourage participation, communication & involvement and raise funds to provide facilities & equipment to enhance the school programs.
The AGM was held early in February where all Executive and General Committee positions were made available for re-election. We are excited to formally announce the appointment of new parent members, along with former committee members, with parents and friends from across both Junior and Senior schools to fill all positions;
President - Elizabeth Lucarelli
Vice President - Anthony Brimley
Secretary - Sarah Guiney
Treasurer - Karlee Browning
Committee: Pina Brimley, Vanessa Doody, Mia Linde-Fikkers, Neil Smith, Patsy Tranter and Ian Tyler.
Photography: Mille Meldrum, Year 11 Studio Arts
The TC P&F is an open environment for all parents and friends of students of Toorak College to participate. While there are the appointed Executive and Committee Members, we welcome all who are interested to join the meetings and to participate in the events. It is with the dynamic mix of members that the TC P&F has been able to build a series of successful and lively community events that are well anticipated each year and set in to the School calendar.
Please visit the TC P&F page on IVE/School Community/Parents & Friends for the Expression of Interest link and more information about the wonderful work of the 'Friends of' groups, which offer unique ways to be involved in the areas that are of particular interest to you and your child. Contact details for all your TC P&F members can also be found on the TC P&F page on iVE, and we are all available to discuss any questions about the TC P&F you may have.
Your invitation to the much loved and celebrated Mother’s Day Breakfast is soon to be announced, the first event for the year hosted by the TC P&F, this year to be in the Mary Herring Hall on Friday 11 May. This event is a wonderful celebration for the children to give thanks to their parents and carers, spoiling them with beautifully laid table settings, exceptional catering, generous gifts and giveaways kindly donated by many Toorak family businesses and connections. Entertainment and guest speakers will fill the morning, while our dads will serve the tea and coffee. If you think you can be a 'dad helper', please contact your TC P&F Vice President, Anthony Brimley: anthonyjbrimley@gmail.com, 0455 999 639.
Throughout the year the TC P&F will announce their calendar of events for the Toorak community and we sincerely hope to see many new and existing families at the Father’s Day Breakfast and the TC P&F Cocktail Party.
There are many ways to participate, not always requiring of your time. To assist with our ongoing support of the school, the TC P&F wish to appeal to the school community for donation of goods and services that could be utilised for events and fundraising initiatives throughout the year. This could be in the form of products or services that can be used for door prizes, raffles, hampers, gift bags and silent auctions.
We appreciate that support comes in many forms and your donation would enable the TC P&F to raise funds to provide facilities and equipment that will enhance school programs. Our major fundraiser for this year is the TC P&F Cocktail Party, with funds raised from this event to be put towards the Science and Technology Centre. All businesses will be recognised for their donations. If you can assist with any donations please contact your TC P&F Treasurer, Karlee Browning: karleebrowning@gmail.com, 0418 176 244.
We look forward to an exciting year ahead and will use upcoming editions of TC News to keep you updated on the outcomes of each event, along with announcing key dates for your reference.
Everyone is invited to attend any of the scheduled TC P&F meetings, and we look forward to welcoming you on the following 2018 dates:
Term 2
Wednesday 18 April, 7:00pm
Wednesday 9 May, 7:00pm
Wednesday 13 June, 7:00pm
Term 3
Wednesday 8 August, 7:00pm
Wednesday 12 September, 7:00pm
Term 4
Wednesday 10 October, 7:00pm
Wednesday 21 November, 7:00pm
Unless otherwise specified, all meetings will be held in the Senior School Drawing Room.
P&F Event Dates 2018
Term 2 - Mother’s Day Breakfast, Friday 11 May
Term 3 - Father’s Day Breakfast, Friday 31 August
P&F Cocktail Party - Details to be confirmed
Collegian News
Notable Collegian - Paris Room (TC ’00)
Speaking to students at our International Women’s Day assembly this year was Collegian Paris Room (TC ’00). Paris is currently an Adviser to the Hon. Michael O’Brien MP, State Member for Malvern and Shadow Treasurer of Victoria.
Prior to this role, Paris was a Senior Policy Adviser to the Minister for Corrections, Crime Prevention and Leader of the House in the Baillieu / Napthine Coalition Government. Paris has had extensive experience in Victorian government departments including Justice, Human Services, Education and Police. She also worked as a Senior Team Member of the Donations Team at the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. Paris has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Public Policy and Management from The University of Melbourne with a concentration on socio-legal and justice policy.
Last year Paris was also selected as a participant in the University of Melbourne run specialist course ‘Pathways to Politics’, which exists in order to propel women into political careers. Modelled on a Harvard University course, sitting and retired politicians and public figures lead the 12 week non-partisan program, teaching the participants all about politics, including networking, policy development, campaign strategy and speech making. Paris’ message to our students was powerful - "Be bold. Be you. Never stop fighting."
Are you a Collegian? Update your details!
The Toorak Collegians are rolling out many new and exciting initiatives focusing on community, careers, archives and communications.
To find out how you can get involved and stay connected, it’s imperative we have your correct contact details. Please email collegians@toorakc.vic.edu.au if your contact details require updating.
In the meantime, you can stay up to date on all Collegians news via our social media pages:
Other News
Science and Technology Centre Update
It was an honour and a privilege to have Sir Gustav Nossal join us at our Science and Technology Centre Gala Evening held on 23 February. His keynote speech celebrated four Australian superstars of STEM in Professor Suzanne Cory, Professor Fiona Stanley, Professor Michelle Simmons and Professor Elizabeth Blackburn. Guests were inspired by his stories of female success and his plea to educators to focus on the fun of Science.
We know that our new Science and Technology Centre will shine a spotlight on scientific thinking, ensuring our students are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to be ready for a lifetime of experimentation and understanding.
The Toorak College community has embraced and contributed generously to this project. If you would like to contribute to the Science and Technology Centre Campaign and create a lasting legacy for current and future Toorak College students, please click here for more information.
Term Dates
Find details of 2018, 2019 and 2020 Term Dates here.
Term 4
Classes Commence - Monday 8 October
Mid Term Break - Monday 5 November
Melbourne Cup Weekend (Public Holiday) - Tuesday 6 November
Classes Conclude - Friday 7 December
Staff Professional Learning Days - Monday 10 -12 December
Term Concludes for Teaching Staff - Wednesday 12 December
Term Concludes for General Staff - Friday 21 December
Click here to view 2019 Term Dates
Click here to view 2020 Term Dates
Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF) - Financial Assistance Information for Parents
Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist
beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student
will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun
activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s
commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.