Principal Team Report

Principal's Report

Welcome to Term 4

We would like to welcome everyone back from the term break and hope that everyone had the opportunity to unwind, relax and spend some quality time with family and friends. 

Term 4 is always an extremely busy time as we conclude year 12 classes, prepare for the end of year exam period and the fast approaching year 10 camp, arrange celebration ceremonies, organise step up classes for senior students, prepare the 2025 school timetable/staffing and arrange transition days for the 2025 Year 7’s, all whilst continuing with the regular teaching and learning programs. 

 Our Year 12 students are now at the final stages of their secondary schooling. We are proud of how they have conducted themselves throughout the year and applied themselves to their studies. It was pleasing to see that most of our Year 12 students took advantage of practice exams offered by staff over the Term 3 break. Through students’ participation and preparation, they are giving themselves the best chance for success via the completion of practice exams and the provision of feedback. A sincere thank you to the Year 12 teachers for giving up their term break to assist our Year 12 students.

On Thursday 10th October we held our final Year 12 Assembly, which was followed by a morning tea for staff, students and parents/carers. This was a wonderful occasion to mark the end of an era and to celebrate the class of 2024. The last day of classes for Year 12 is Friday 18th October. Students are then invited back to school on 25th October to partake in a celebration breakfast, where they can dress up. The breakfast starts at 9.30 and goes till 11am and will be held on the oval at the Raphael Drive end of the College. We look forward to all year 12 students enjoying themselves at this event and trust that they will conduct themselves in a manner that balances celebration and fun with appropriate behaviours and respect.  

The Valedictory Dinner for Year 12 students, parents/carers and teachers will be held at Merrimu Receptions, 1300 Dandenong Rd Murrumbeena, on Tuesday 10th December 2024.  Guests to arrive at 7pm for Canapes and Drinks on arrival, the evening concludes at 11.30pm.  Valedictory tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 30th October 2024. Price TBC ($100- $115 range).  The evening includes a three course meal, live band, Photo Booth and Celebratory Cake.  Drinks can be purchased at bar prices.   

A reminder to all Year 12’s and to those Year 11 students who are studying a Unit 3/ 4 sequence, a full copy of the 2024 VCE Examination Timetable is available at the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) website, and all students need to diarise when each of their exams are scheduled.

Please see below for some study tips (this article originally appeared as a media release from the University of the Sunshine Coast)

1. Be conscious about your study space. Studying in the same place works for some, whereas others may need a change of scenery as the day goes on.
    
2. Take regular breaks. This can vary, as some people might find themselves in a 'flow' and will focus for longer periods, compared to shorter periods at other times.
    
3. Incorporate movement to recharge and refocus the brain. The brain will take in a certain amount of information, then requires a break. This can take the form of walking, running, kicking a football, shooting hoops, yoga etc.
    
4. Regular food breaks and snacks – but be selective in  your choice of foods and drinks. Choose carefully when to take in foods and drinks that contain stimulants.
    
5. Use stress management strategies like mindfulness and breathing exercises, listening to music, reading a book or even just spending some time outside can help.”
    
6. Maintain a healthy sleep pattern. Prioritising quality sleep over cramming late into the night, will not only help with stress and anxiety, it’s better for the body and brain too.”

On behalf of the College Community, we wish all our VCE students all the very best for the upcoming examination period and for the future.

Judy Anderson

Assistant Principal