In this first edition of VSV Life for 2023, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students and families, and express my gratitude to our returning families for your continued support.
An important change is about to occur at VSV which will be a milestone in the life and times of our school. It is a change that will increase student, parent and community voice and involvement in the direction of our school. I’m talking about our inaugural School Council which was approved by the Education Minister, Natalie Hutchins (MP) over the summer holidays.
Our virtual school community is built upon strong partnerships between parents, staff, and students. The VSV School Council is one more way for us to work together to achieve our common goal of providing the best possible learning and wellbeing experiences for students.
Students, parents and staff have received information about the process of establishing the School Council over the last fortnight. I was delighted to receive many nominations for each member category. Information about candidates and the voting process will be provided by email this week. Please keep an eye out for your ballot paper. I strongly encourage you to participate in the process of electing your representatives.
VSV has experienced continued growth in student numbers this year. At this point in time an additional 808 students have enrolled in our school compared to the same date last year. Our school building can no longer accommodate all staff members onsite at the one time and the situation has been made more challenging by internal flooding over the school holidays.
Staff continue to work on a hybrid roster of teaching onsite and working from home. This arrangement will continue for the foreseeable future while the Department of Education secures additional space within the building at Thornbury and the flood damaged areas are repaired.
If students and parents would like to meet with their teacher/s in person at our Thornbury campus, this can be arranged by making an appointment in advance.
Unfortunately, our conference rooms were damaged by the flooding over the summer holidays and won’t be available for face-to-face seminars and events for at least Term 1. This means that wherever possible we will organise alternative venues for events and excursions so that students can enhance their virtual experiences with opportunities to meet in person.
As we navigate through changing times, our commitment to student learning and wellbeing remains unwavering. I am confident that this will be an excellent year for everyone involved. Let us all work together to make it a successful one.
