Principal's Report
Principal Report
World Teachers Day
On Friday the 25th of October Victoria and Lalor Secondary College will celebrate world teacher’s day. This is an opportunity to recognise the incredible amount of work that teachers put into delivering quality education to our students. Teachers are at the heart of learning, and as the college Principal I could not be prouder of our teachers and the work that they do. If you get the opportunity take a minute to acknowledge a teacher during the week and thank them for their tireless efforts.
The information below has been taken from an Article that was published by Adam Carey in The Age on September the 9th, 2019. I encourage all parents to read the included information so you are aware of the potential changes around Literacy and Numeracy testing for Graduating Students.
Students set to face new literacy and numeracy tests in VCE revamp.
All Victorian year 11 and 12 students will sit a revamped general achievement test by 2021 in which their literacy, writing and numeracy skills will be scored for potential employers to see.
For the first time, students sitting VCE alternative, the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, will also have to sit the test, as will those completing an unscored VCE who do not sit exams.
The test is being reformed in Victoria at the request of industry groups who have complained that some secondary school graduates can barely read or write properly.
The revamped general achievement test, known as "the GAT", is a key part of a major VCE overhaul first announced by the Andrews government in October last year.Advertisement
The current general assessment does not count towards VCE results and most VCE students do not study for it. The new format would significantly raise the stakes for students.
The government is proposing to split the general achievement test into two parts to better measure and report students' literacy and numeracy standards.
Currently, the three-hour general assessment test is limited to VCE students and is used to ensure school-based assessments and exams have been accurately marked.
Last year's test included a 30-minute writing exercise on the theme, "the only constant element in life is change" and another on the benefits of listening to and playing music, followed by 70 multiple choice questions.
From 2021, the general achievement test will be split into two parts, beginning with a two-hour test of students' literacy and writing skills.
Assessment items for the first component could include three short writing tasks and multiple choice reading comprehension questions.
The second part will be a 1½-hour test with other assessments of literacy and numeracy.
"Breaking the GAT into two parts will make it easier for students to demonstrate their skills and abilities," Victoria's Education Minister, James Merlino, said.
The new test will be extensively trialled next year before it is rolled out statewide as part of every student’s assessment in 2021.
Year 12 Celebration Day
The Year 12 students had their celebration day on Friday the 18th of October, with all students enjoying a variety of activities throughout the day. It’s not often that I see something new at the celebrations but on this day I was greeted by the characters from Shrek riding around the college in a Horse and Buggy. The students were extremely well behaved and appreciated the day for recognising their efforts throughout the year. We wish the class of 2019 the best of luck with their upcoming exams that commence on Wednesday the 30th of October and look forward to celebrating all of their achievements with family and friends at the Graduation dinner on Tuesday the 17th of December.
Melbourne Cup Holiday
The school community is reminded that Tuesday the 5th of November is Melbourne Cup Day. Students are not required to attend this day, as it is a public holiday. Due to the history of very poor attendance by students on the Monday prior to Melbourne Cup I have requested that parents inform us of which students will be attending on this day. A letter has been sent to all families outlining the arrangements on this day and I ask that all families please respond as requested.
As we get closer to the end of the year the pressure for both students and staff increases with due dates for assignments and report writing all taking place in a short period of time. I ask all members of our school community to remain patient with each other during this stressful time and collaborate as best we can to get through this challenging month.
If you have any questions about the above information please contact me via the general office.
Best regards,
Corey Jewell
College Principal
