9-12 Community News
Welcome back!
As the dust settles on the first full week of term, it is an opportunity to reflect on how well the students of the 9-12 Community have settled into the new school year. The 9-12 students have returned full of excitement and enthusiasm. There were many happy faces as students greeted their friends and teachers. Along with many familiar faces, we also welcomed a number of new students (and staff) and it was pleasing to see how well the new students were accepted and welcomed into the community as we began the year with a Whole School Mass. To be able to begin with the opportunity for the entire school community to come together, was a happy and affirming way to start the 2023 school year.
Students have begun their classes enthusiastically, worn their uniform proudly and correctly and have established a fantastic environment in their learning and recreation spaces around the College. The students have adapted smoothly to their new routines and the classes are already buzzing with energy and activity.
2023 sees the continuation of the use of the College Diary, which is provided to students from Years 7-12 to assist with organisation, planning and time management. We ask parents and caregivers to encourage students in the use of their diaries as a valuable organisational tool.
During their 20 minute TA lesson every day, students will continue to work with the curriculum developed by ‘The Resilience Project’ to further enhance the learning relating to Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM) and Emotional Literacy.
The Resilience Project curriculum delivers emotionally engaging programs to students, providing practical, evidence-based mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness. Through a variety of digital presentations, age and stage appropriate curriculum and our Student Workbooks/Diary Planners, we will continue to teach and share the benefits of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness and easy ways for our students to practise these in everyday life.
We will also incorporate Emotional Literacy, Connection and Physical Health education and activities into our program, as they are foundational contributors to positive mental health. Last year saw the College initiate the Resilience Project Parent Night and we look forward to continuing to share the Resilience Project with all members of the College community in 2023.
With the continued development of our Teacher Advisor/TA system and the introduction of new staff members and roles, we have a number of new TA teachers across the year levels. Again, the students and staff have moved into these new arrangements positively.
For all families, the TAs for the 9-12 Community are:
Year 9 TA Teachers: David Chapman, Kelly Grieve, Felicity Lewis, Bianca Moore and Brenton Thorpe
Year 10 TA Teachers: Elise Clarke, Claire Mawley, Graeme Miller, Damian McIntyre, Jenni Ryan and Loretta Shannon
Year 11 TA Teachers: Danny Dmytriw, Dilshan Fernando, Katelyn McIntyre, Brendon Lane, Rebecca Lowe, Kirsten McIntosh and Larissa Sherman
Year 12 TA Teachers: Mrs Amanda Clohosey, Nicole James, Selga Langley and Peter Schuller
Staff in 9-12 leadership/responsibility roles are:
VPC/VM Learning Leader - Peter Fawcett
VCE Co-ordinator - Sharon Darling
VET Co-ordinator - Selga Langley
Careers Practitioner - Cath Anderson
9-12 Community Leader: Community & Wellbeing - Michelle Downie
9-12 Community Leader: Student Learning and Professional Practice - Brad Downie
On Thursday 2nd February, the Year 12 VCE students participated in a session, delivered by Elevate Education, aimed at arming them with the study skills and strategies to help them maximise their lessons and study times. This session was very beneficial and the students’ engagement commendable.
The 5-12 Swimming Carnival will be held next Friday, 17th February. This is a day at which we expect attendance by all students in Years 5-12. Students are reminded to sign up for events early to avoid the disappointment of missing out. Students and families are also reminded of the dress code for the day ensuring they are sun smart and are encouraged to wear their house colours.
Michelle Downie Brad Downie
9-12 Community Leader 9-12 Community Leader
Wellbeing and Community Student Learning and Professional Practice