Statement of Intent
We exist to secure the entitlements of every child.
Statement of Purpose
Alkira Secondary College in partnership with parents will provide, Personalised Education in a happy learning environment, addressing the needs of the students’ unique learning styles, cultivating independent thought, promoting Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Care for others and building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Respect
Having regard for yourself and others, and diversity within Australian society and accepting the right of others to hold different or opposing views.
In classrooms, evidence of this value includes:
• accepting the right of others to hold different views to your own
• listening to others without interrupting
• obeying school rules
• acknowledging the strengths and abilities of students
• affirming cultural diversity within our school community
Integrity
Being consistently honest and trustworthy.
In classrooms, evidence of this value includes:
• trusting others to work independently
• doing what you say you will do
• teachers mark students work consistently to agreed standards
• acknowledging the strengths and abilities of students
• clearly explaining and enforcing rules about plagiarism
Care
Concern for the wellbeing of yourself and others, demonstrating empathy and acting with compassion.
In classrooms, evidence of this value includes:
• maintaining friendly relationships
• making constructive and encouraging comment about other people’s work
• listening to others
• modelling skills for positive and caring relationships
Excellence
Striving for the highest personal achievement in all aspects of schooling and individual and community action, work and life-long learning.
In classrooms, evidence of this value includes:
• reaching personal best performance
• maintaining high learning expectations
• setting and meeting high standards
• acknowledging the strengths and abilities of students
• persisting through challenges and difficulties in learning
Our Identity
The Logo
The Student is represented by sum of the whole logo
The logo also captures the colours in our uniform:
– The burnt orange/red is matched to the pin stripe in our girls winter uniform
– Green/Khaki in our trousers and cargo pants
– Blue is the sports uniform
– White shirt/polo
The Name
Alkira – what does it mean?
“Alkira” is an Aboriginal word for “Big Sky”
Hence reach for the sky in all your endeavours!
Believes
Alkira Secondary College believes in personalised learning for all and respect for the individual learner.
Berry Street and Resilience Project
At Alkira, we are proud to have implemented the Berry Street Education Model and The Resilience Project to support the development of both academic and emotional wellbeing for our students.
The Berry Street Education Model focuses on trauma-informed teaching practices that prioritize the emotional, social, and cognitive development of students. By fostering a safe, supportive, and structured environment, this model helps students manage their emotions and behaviours, leading to improved engagement, self-regulation, and academic outcomes. The model’s approach is grounded in understanding the individual needs of students, especially those who may have experienced trauma or significant adversity and providing them with the tools to thrive.
The Resilience Project (explicitly taught in all PC classes and embedded in all classrooms) focuses on building resilience, gratitude, and emotional wellbeing. Through evidence-based strategies, students are encouraged to develop positive mental health habits and learn how to navigate life’s challenges with a growth mindset. The program emphasizes the power of connection, mindfulness, and emotional regulation, helping students cultivate positive relationships and strengthen their emotional resilience both in school and beyond.
Both programs have had a significant impact on our school community, leading to enhanced student wellbeing, improved emotional regulation, and a greater sense of belonging and support. By prioritizing mental health alongside academic achievement, we are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed not only in their studies but also in life.
Cultural Diversity and Student Wellbeing
At Alkira, we pride ourselves on celebrating and embracing cultural diversity, recognizing the unique backgrounds and experiences each student, staff member and family brings. We actively foster an inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our Pasifika Group is a standout example of how we support cultural diversity, offering a space for students to connect, celebrate their heritage, and share their culture. We also celebrate Harmony Week, where we promote unity and understanding through activities, performances, and events that showcase the richness of various cultures. Throughout the year, we acknowledge and respect significant religious times, ensuring our students feel seen and supported in their spiritual practices. Additionally, we embrace culture through food and other cultural expressions, providing a platform for students to share and learn from one another.
Our strong commitment to student wellbeing is reinforced by a dedicated multitiered support structure. Our team includes Youth Workers, Psychologists, a Mental Health Practitioner, and Positive Behaviour Practitioners who work collaboratively to provide tailored support for all students. Our purpose-built Wellbeing Centre is at the heart of this support, offering a range of programs and counselling services designed to nurture students’ mental health, emotional resilience, and overall wellbeing. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, empowering them to succeed both in school and in life.
Personalisation Supported by Differentiation and Intervention
We are committed to providing tailored literacy and numeracy support through a tiered response model, ensuring every student receives the help they need at the point of need. Our TLI Literacy and Numeracy Programs are designed to target students at various levels, with differentiated strategies that focus on building foundational skills and addressing specific learning gaps. Additionally, we offer the MYLNS (Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support) program, which further supports students in developing key competencies in both areas.
To strengthen our approach, we incorporate well-known, evidence-based programs such as Fountas and Pinnell and Macquarie Literacy, both recognized for their effectiveness in supporting literacy development. These programs provide structured frameworks that help students build essential reading, writing, and comprehension skills.
A dedicated and experienced team of tutors operates within a purpose-designed learning space, offering focused intervention for students who require additional support. This collaborative approach ensures that literacy and numeracy interventions are individualized, allowing for targeted, effective learning.
Complimentary to this intervention is our Inclusion team. Our Inclusion Aides play a key role in this commitment, providing individualized assistance to students with disabilities in every lesson. These dedicated professionals work alongside teachers in the classroom, offering tailored support that enables students to fully participate in learning activities. Whether it’s providing accommodations, modifying tasks, or offering additional guidance, our Inclusion Aides are integral in creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
Koori, Out of Home Care (OOHC) and students involved in youth justice receive targeted and individualised support at Alkira ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed academically and personally. Each student is assigned a Learning Mentor, who provides consistent guidance and support throughout their journey at school. Additionally, all Koori, OOHC and YJ students have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which is tailored to their specific needs and goals. These plans are regularly reviewed through termly Student Support Group (SSG) meetings, where staff, families, and relevant support personnel collaborate to track progress, set new goals, and address any challenges. This holistic approach ensures our students with additional needs are given the best opportunities to thrive, both in their education and beyond.
By providing students with the right resources and strategies at the right time, we are fostering improved academic outcomes and helping every student reach their full potential.
Sports Academy
Alkira’s Sports Academy offers a well-balanced program that fosters the growth of our total athletes by blending academic and athletic development. Our students engage in a balanced approach, where they not only concentrate on their studies but also focus on physical conditioning, strength training, and theory-based learning. Students engage in learning essential skills to look after their bodies through injury prevention, recovery, and prehab. The select entry-program also invites students on exclusive excursions to elite training facilities, offering students firsthand experience in top-tier athlete development. In addition, incursions with expert nutritionists, psychologists, and mental health practitioners provide invaluable insights into overall well-being. With a select-entry structure, Alkira’s Sports Academy ensures personalized attention to help students excel both academically and athletically, preparing them to thrive in all aspects of life.
Alkira Citizen Day
Alkira Citizen Day is a special day where all students come together to explore and reflect on what it means to be an Alkira Citizen—a responsible, engaged, and compassionate member of our school and broader community. The day is filled with targeted lessons that focus on school values respect, integrity, care and excellence helping students understand their role in shaping a positive school culture.
One of the highlights of the day is a guest speaker who shares insights on leadership, community involvement, and the importance of making a difference. During the last session of the day our Year 12 students mentor and connect with our brand new Year 7s students which has always been well received by both year levels. The celebration continues with a whole-school assembly, where students have the opportunity to hear from student leaders about their experiences and visions for the school community.
Parents are warmly invited to join this event, fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose. Our local community youth club leads fun and engaging activities during lunchtime, encouraging students to build stronger connections with each other. Alkira Citizen Day is a powerful reminder of the values that make our school a supportive and united place to learn and grow.
Art Show
Alkira Arts Domain celebrates the end of year Arts Show every year to portray our creative and talented students in all areas and showcase a variety of work in all areas such as photography, painting, media, architecture, sculpture, design, music, drama and more…There is a substantial amount of effort and passion put into each work. Families and the community, including staff are invited to celebrate our student’s success of their wonderful creations. We have been fortunate to celebrate the work of our VCE Students who got accepted into Emergent Graduation Showcase, including Top Arts. The People’s Choice awards are a great way to recognise the outstanding talent of our emerging artists.
School Production
Alkira has a long history of school productions and performances. We have participated in wider competitions of Wakakirri and Schools on Stage and many of our students have been recognised for their talents and performances statewide. We are looking forward to this year’s production: Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Conferences
Alkira has for four years running supported the notion that parents and community are a key part of a student’s success and it is only when all three work together that we can maximise student outcomes.
Our ‘First Day Conferences’ which happen at the beginning of every year provide an opportunity for a student to reflect on their progress from the previous year and allow for all parties to discuss aspects that can support them in their learning for the year ahead. 2025 sees the opportunity for this continued involvement and connection between the student, family and school as there will be regular opportunities for student to reflect on their learning and their opportunities for growth in progress conference reflections and halfway through the year parents are also supported in again having the opportunity to data to view their child’s progress via a homegroup conference.