Semester 1 has seen our 2021 Year 10 student body take ownership of their role as the leaders of the Bentleigh East Campus. Whether it be those with official leadership positions or not, students from across the year level have been putting themselves forward to participate in a wide range of activities and events.

Across Term 1, the overwhelming majority of students have set a high standard for their academic efforts and building respectful relationships with peers, teachers, families and community. After a restrictive 2020, Year 10 students have enjoyed participating in curricular activities both within and outside the classroom, which has included camps and outings for students undertaking Outdoor Education, and taking advantage of helping to facilitate events such as the Year 8 Retreats, the Whole School Assembly, and the Easter Liturgy. Their response to Mission Action Day and the Easter Appeal has been extremely positive as they endeavour to look beyond themselves and help a neighbour in need.

Term 2 has similarly seen our Year 10 students respond to various calls, while also taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them. This has included several Year 10 students representing the campus at local ANZAC Day liturgies, acting as mentors for the ICAN program, and volunteering their time supporting Joey’s Van on Monday evenings. Congratulations also to Charlie Bruno, Zachary Fernandez and Liam Soria who gained a position in either the cast or support group for the campus production ‘The Bald Prima Donna’ which opens on 27 May 2021. Well done too to all students that tried out for a much-coveted positions in the ACC Football and Soccer teams. For those that were successful in gaining a spot, thank you for the time and commitment invested into this activity. The ACC season commenced in Week 1 of the term and will run throughout Term 2 on Tuesday afternoons. So far, both teams have been performing extremely well.

The Balnarring Indigenous Immersion experience (26 - 28 May 2021) is a Year 10 residential program (held in conjunction with Kilbreda College), which Bentleigh East students are participating in for the very first time. Congratulations to Cathal Brooks, Felix Marshall and Finn Mcleod who all applied and were successful in gaining a position on this program. These students have spent the past month undergoing some extensive formation (which includes visiting the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Centre, Thornbury) in preparation for the immersion experience currently taking place.

The Year 10 academic year is also a very important year for students as they begin to cast their eyes on what lies ahead in terms of pathways and completing either VCE, VCAL or some other training program. The PSE program has been equipping students with the necessary skills to help prepare them for the decisions they will be making in Term 3. This has included students completing the Worksafe Program and a Pathways Project. Complementing this has been the Morrisby Program which has provided students with a profile outlining where their strengths lie and potential career options they are encouraged to consider. Students have discussed these profiles with trained consultants and teachers and are encouraged to discuss these with family to further gain a thorough understanding of the career information provided.

The final weeks of Term 2 promises to be a busy and valuable time for students. In addition to their studies, Year 10 students will be receiving road safety education on 28 May 2021. This training draws on relevant research for school-based road safety education and behaviour change. Following this, students will sit examinations in Week 8 for their subjects. This is likely to be an anxious time for some students and as such, parents and caregivers are encouraged to regularly check-in on their son and see how he is feeling. Parents and caregivers are also assured of the College’s endeavours to provide the best possible support for students as they work through this assessment process.

Following their examinations, students in the final week of term will embark on a 2.5 day camp / retreat at Anglesea and 1 day of driver’s education. Historically, these activities have proven to be a highlight for students as they use the time to relax, reflect on their year, converse with their homeroom teachers and peers, and partake in activities that are often a first for them.

Please contact me at the College if you have any questions relating to any upcoming events or experiences for Year 10 students. It has been a pleasure working with all Year 10 students so far this year and I look forward to seeing them continue setting high standards for themselves and engaging in all the activities and programs on offer.

Mark Micallef

Year 10 Coordinator

Sympathy

Condolences