Dear families,

The past few years have been a period of growth and learning for our students, and I am proud to report that our school has continued to provide high-quality education in the midst of these challenging times. Our dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students have access to the resources and support they need to thrive, and I am continually impressed by the resilience and adaptability of our student body. As we move forward into the rest of the academic year, I am confident that our community will continue to work together to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students can achieve their full potential. Thank you for your ongoing support of our school and our students.

The above paragraph, while largely true, was not written by me. The paragraph was the product of an Artificial Intelligence website titled ChatGPT. This is the latest online tool that could have an impact on education. Our students have access to these sources and we as a school need to respond to this trend. I am old enough, sadly, to remember when calculators were first introduced into maths classes and there were many who thought that these new calculators would be the death of mathematics. It was only 20 years ago when you could hear the justification for banning calculators being “well you won't always have a calculator in your pocket” – enter the smart phone. As educators and parents in a rapidly developing, high tech society, it would be pointless trying to ban or block this new artificial intelligence. We need to embrace it and show this generation how it can be used to add value to their outcomes. A good teacher knows their students well and will easily detect work that is not their own.

On Thursday night, 16 Feb, we held an information night for parents of VCE students and it was pleasing to see over 20 parents in attendance. The focus of this evening was to help parents understand the support they can offer their child as they navigate the new VCE.

At the bottom of my report I will include links to free and cheap tutorial services available to all students and other information that parents may choose to engage in. Together, in partnership, we can ensure our students achieve their best.

Next week we have two important events in the College calendar and I urge parents and carers to support and build the school community by ensuring their child attends and participates fully. Of course, parents and carers are also welcome to attend. On Tuesday, we have our swimming sports, with the Grade 4-6 students from SMJ joining us, and then on Wednesday we begin our Lenten journey with an Ash Wednesday liturgy at the Church beginning at 10:10am. These are whole school events.

Stay safe,

Gerard Raven

Tuition support

RESN – free live tutoring sessions www.resn.org.au

50Coach – past students who scored a perfect score in each VCE subject deliver online tutoring for $20 per 90 minute session www.50Coach.com.au

Elevate – study skills and tutoring https://au.elevateeducation.com/home

VCAA – Past VCE exams and reports here https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/past-examinations/Pages/Index.aspx

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