Principal's Report

End of Term 2, 2021

The end of the term has come and I have once again been amazed by the resilience and capacity to ‘get the job done’ by our students and staff. The challenges of recovering from 2020 and then managing two separate lockdowns has meant that we are all looking forward to the holidays.

This term despite the challenges faced the following has occurred:

NAPLAN for students in Years 7 and 9
Transition events and evenings for Year 7 students in 2022
VCE and VCAL students have completed Unit 3 and associated exams and are now beginning work on Unit 4 and preparing for end of year exams
Implementation of the Literacy, Numeracy and Wellbeing Tutor Learning Programs across all year levels, 7-12
A variety of sporting events and successes across the College

I would again like to thank the community and in particular our parents and carers for your willingness to work with the staff to support the students of the College.

Farewells

Mr Lou Mastroianni, one of our Design Technology teachers is leaving us at the end of the Term. After 6 years of inspiring students as a member of our Technology Team Lou is now heading off to new adventures at Lynall Hall Community College. From listening to students and staff it is clear to see Lou has had a profound and positive impact around our College and on the lives and pathways of our young people. Mrs Kim Gray, Acting Assistant Principal, is also leaving us at the end of the term after a short stay during Term 2. Kim quickly settled into her role with us and ably supported our Year 7/8 Team, Student Wellbeing Team and supported the work of staff and students during her time with us.

On behalf of the School Council and staff, we thank Lou and Kim for their generous support of students and staff and for sharing their expertise with us and wish them well for their futures.

COVID Supports

Despite the recent lifting of restrictions, it can be challenging to process and manage changes to routines and the uncertainty that comes with COVID-19 and related restrictions.

To support our school community during this time and in addition to our own school Wellbeing Team, there are a range of resources and support available for parents, carers and families.

These resources will help to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students and the young people in our care during this time.

I encourage everyone in our community to access these resources and take care of themselves during this time. If you would like further advice, the Wellbeing Team at Epping can also help support families in finding the most appropriate service or support too.

Advice and resources for students on how to look after yourself and where to get help can be found by clicking here.

Senior Secondary Certificate Reforms

Victoria is transforming the delivery of senior secondary education with the introduction of a single senior secondary certificate that will offer greater access to quality vocational and applied learning pathways for all students. The senior secondary education reforms aim to provide access to education and training that is relevant, engaging and that delivers in-demand skills for the future world of work, ensuring that students can access education that leads to employment.

Next year our students will still be able to enrol in either the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) or the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The following year, in 2023, VCAL students will be enrolled in the new VCE Vocational Specialisation or the new foundation pathways certificate which will be introduced to replace Foundation VCAL.

The VCE Vocational Specialisation will be recognised internationally, be valued by employers and will build on the strengths of VCAL including providing:

flexible timetables that allow students to study at school, TAFE and work
opportunities to experience real-life workplaces
subjects that will build students skills and prepare them for life after school
greater access to high quality VET learning, either in school, a neighboring school or a local TAFE

The new certificates are part of a suite of 38 reforms recommended in the Review into Vocational and Applied Learning Pathways in Senior Secondary Schooling (the Firth Review) to lift the quality and perception of vocational education and help more students access high-quality applied learning programs.

Course selection in 2022

We are supporting all students in their course selections for 2022 and are providing the following advice and information to students considering a VCAL pathway.

If students are studying VCAL in 2022 they will transfer into the VCE Vocational Specialisation with credit for completed VCAL subjects in 2023. In 2023, students will continue to study Senior VCAL subjects in the new certificate as part of the implementation process. At the end of 2023, these students will be awarded the VCE Vocational Specialisation if they meet the requirements.

Students who are studying Foundation VCAL over multiple years, including in 2022, will transfer into a new foundation pathways certificate in 2023 with credit for completed subjects. These students will study the new foundation subjects and graduate with the foundation pathways certificate.

This approach provides assurance and clarity to current Year 10 students some of whom will be among the first cohort to receive a VCE Vocational Specialisation certificate in 2023.

The following diagram sets out the senior secondary pathways for students commencing the VCE or VCAL in 2022.

* Note: Students can also move between certificates

Students and parents who have any direct questions about these changes are encouraged to contact our Senior School Assistant Principal, Antoinette Hooper.

Holidays

As we move into the holidays I would like to wish everyone a very safe break. Let’s hope for a COVID free two weeks. Take the time to refresh and recharge the batteries before we return for a great start to Term 3 on Monday 12th July.

Brad Moyle

Principal