Cranbourne Campus News

VCAL PRESENTATION EVENING

On Monday night, the Year 12 VCAL students made their final presentations to their peers, parents and staff. As part of the assessment students gave a 10-15 minute talk about their learnings from their course. It was particularly impressive to see the growth that many of these students have experienced in being able to present publicly and reflect so maturely on what they learned from both their successes and failures.  Also pleasing was to listen to parents tell us that the VCAL course was what kept their child at school in these final years and has prepared them well to transition to employment.  Well done to the staff who contributed to the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning team:

• VCAL Coordinator: Mr Chris O’Hara
• Teachers: Louise Mansfield, Leigh Murphy, Rhiannon Clark, Kate O’Hara, Andrew Broadley, Shaun Parton & David Fini
• Careers/VET Coordinator: Ms Melissa Dillon
• Learning Support Officer & Masterchef: Ms Cathy King

ART & TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION

This Monday evening was a busy time for staff as we enjoyed the opening of the Art & Technology Exhibition immediately after the VCAL presentations.  What was notable about this year’s event was the high standard and great diversity of artwork and technological exhibits.  It really was an amazing collection of work ranging from paintings, visual communication designs, ceramics, photography, film, furniture, sculpture, fashion and web design to name just a few. 

One of the highlights of the evening was the Arts Captain, Mikayla Van Der Velden’s performance installation piece where she recited poetry in the structure of a house as a film of houses was projected on to the performer and a screen at the back of the structure.  A copy of the poem can be accessed below.

Also impressive was the ceramic work of Phoebe Takla and she was a worthy winner of the Principal’s Art Prize.  Phoebe’s ability to express her deep faith through art continues to inspire and I hope to see her work adorning our Catholic Church’s in the near future. So too was Miguel Soliman’s bar stool beautifully constructed and a deserved winner of the Principal’s Prize in Technology.

Congratulations to all our Art & Technology staff who nurture so carefully our student’s creativity, but in particular the Arts Coach, Ms Pam Fox and Technology Coach, Mr Calen Robinson, who have brought the best out of our staff.  I imagine things will even get better once our Art Precinct opens in the next couple of weeks.

YEAR 12 FINAL LITURGY

This week the Year 12 students celebrated their final liturgy as a year level. The warm weather made it very inviting to move outdoors and gather on the Pat Grant Oval.  It was wonderful to hear the prayers of gratitude for what students have experienced over their time at St Peter’s College.  Students named parents, friends and teachers for their positive influence over their school journey. 

This group has been particularly significant for me as Head of Campus.  I started at St Peter’s at the same time that this present Year 12 cohort begun.  I note that we are all learners in this school community, I thanked God for what these young men, and women have taught me about teaching and leading a Campus.  I wish them well as they leave Cranbourne Campus and I leave my role at the end of this year to take up the cross campus role of Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching.

YEAR 12 FINAL PROGRAM

Our College Principal was also able to outline his expectations this week to the Year 12 students and remind them of the importance of finishing well.  Last week’s newsletter and a letter home to parents have been an important reminder of these and possible consequences if students do not behave appropriately.  However, our focus should be on the many positives to be celebrated and parents are encouraged to be a part of the final day of celebration.

The last two days of formal classes are outlined below:

Tuesday, 22 October 2019:

• Normal Classes
• RECESS: Year 12 students and staff shared morning tea. (Students are asked to bring a plate).

Wednesday, 23 October 2019:

• Final Day – Campus Assembly 11.40 am parents warmly invited followed by a BBQ. Year 12 students will be dismissed at 1.20 pm.
• Year 12 Graduation Mass at St Agatha’s at 6pm (please arrive at 5.45 pm). Please note that attendance at this Graduation Mass is compulsory for all year 12 students.
• Valedictory Dinner at Cranbourne Turf Club at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm dinner.

For catering purposes, we ask that you please indicate if you are attending the Campus Assembly and the BBQ, and include the number of guests attending on the Care Monkey that has been sent to parents, note RSVPS are required by Thursday, 17 October 2019.

The timing of the Graduation Mass gives the opportunity for all who have played a part in the wonderful journey of our students - parents, families, friends and teachers to come together in prayerful gratitude for what they have achieved. This family celebration continues after the completion of the Graduation Mass at the Valedictory Dinner and brings to a formal close the school life of the class of 2019.

From Thursday, 24 October 2019, students are not required at school for final exam preparation.  They are, however, encouraged to book suitable times with their individual teachers to discuss study plans and examination concerns.  Year 12 students are not required to wear school uniform for any of their final examinations.  Students are reminded that they are required to dress appropriately, as students will be sent away prior to an exam to resolve any inappropriate or offensive clothing issues.

We take this opportunity to thank all parents for their support throughout the year and wish all families the very best in the coming weeks as our students prepare for their final examinations.  We look forward to seeing you at the Graduation Mass and Valedictory Dinner on Wednesday, 23 October 2019, and if possible at the College Assembly commencing at 11.40 pm.

SCHOOL LEAVERS WEEK (SCHOOLIES) 2019

In November, Victorian school leavers will look forward to celebrating an exciting milestone in their lives – the completion of their secondary school education. This however, should not mean risking their health or safety. Good Times, Great Breaks is a coordinated, community response that provides information and on-the-ground support for young people celebrating the end of school in Victoria’s coastal regions. Young people planning to celebrate in Victorian coastal regions are encouraged to visit the Good Times, Great Breaks website for registration, information and safety tips.

Those planning to celebrate or volunteer overseas are encouraged to visit the Australian Government website Smart Traveller for registrations, safety tips and security, local laws and customs.

Local governments in coastal regions work with their communities and traders to help ensure celebrations are safe and enjoyable for school leavers and local communities. Safety response teams will be present in Victoria’s coastal resort areas, including Bass Coast, Surf Coast and Mornington Peninsula from Saturday, 23 November 2019 to Saturday, 30 November 2019.

While we want our students to focus on the final weeks of formal schooling and their upcoming examinations, we know that many are also planning for Schoolies.  We ask parents to have a conversation with your Year 12 student to consider this important information as part of their planning.

David Hansen

Deputy Principal - Head of Cranbourne Campus