Parents will no doubt be disappointed that the vacation period is coming to a close for students. It is very clear from national media stories that education remains a hot political issue from both Federal and State perspectives.

Teachers return to duty on Tuesday 29 January and students resume on Wednesday 30 January. Books and uniforms now become a priority. Books can be collected from the College on Monday and Tuesday, 21 and 22. January Uniforms are also available at the College.

Black shoes are required and these need to be purchased from shoe retailers. All students are now required to wear the school uniform. The only exception is that Year 12 students will have their own, distinctive top. 372 students and 54 staff are expected to re-occupy the buildings.

Work is proceeding on the construction of the Science/Technology/Design Centre, Senior Study Centre, Curriculum Resource Centre and Staff Rooms. This construction will proceed throughout 2008 and the new facilities will be gradually occupied as they become available. All work is expected to be completed by 19 January 2009.

Throughout 2006 and 2007, courses of study changed significantly with the revision of the VCE and introduction of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELs). The priorities of the school focussed on course documentation, literacy, numeracy, and the performance and professional development of teachers.

Students were also consulted about individual learning styles, goal-setting, planning, and implementing strategies to improve their outcomes. Effort was made to engage the school with the community and the response from business leaders was outstanding.

In 2008, the priorities of the College will be to consolidate gains already made. Thirty percent of each student's waking time is spent at school and seventy percent is spent away from the school environment. Every family matters and every family has an important contribution to make. Research clearly shows that students maximise outputs and outcomes when families are meaningfully engaged in the education of children. It will be a priority of the College in 2008 to provide families with the knowledge and support to assist them in this regard.