Senior School

Supporting your child through Results  

Article by Kate Runciman, Career Development Leader 

As results and tertiary offers begin to arrive, many students (and parents) may be feeling the weight of what comes next. It’s a time filled with relief, pride, and sometimes disappointment or anxiety. Throughout this, it’s important to remember that these results do not define your child’s worth, intelligence, or future success. 

Results are just one part of the picture 

Academic results represent performance at a moment in time. They are not a full measure of potential, work ethic, creativity, or character - qualities that shape a person’s life and career. 

Multiple pathways to success 

For students whose results aren’t quite what they hoped for, it’s important to reassure them that there are many valid pathways forward. 

These may include: 

• TAFE programs which often lead to excellent career outcomes in themselves, can also be a pathway to university. Overnewton students with aspirations to undertake tertiary study in 2026 have been supported to identify a TAFE Diploma and/or Certificate pathway.  

• Pre-apprenticeship training, giving students who want to enter an apprenticeship a head start. These programs provide students with valuable experience ‘on the tools’ through supported training in purpose-built facilities. Students undertake essential occupational health and safety training, learn core industry skills and build confidence. Completion of a pre-apprenticeship training program makes students more attractive candidates to potential employers.  

• Gap years, allowing students to gain work experience, travel, or volunteer experience. A gap year might also include study such as a micro-credential or short course, or the attainment of other qualifications that benefit employability – such as Barista training, Responsible Service of Alcohol certification, and First Aid qualifications.  

The path doesn’t have to be perfect 

It’s natural for young people to feel pressure to make the ‘right’ decision straight away, but the truth is that most adults change careers several times! What matters now is helping students make informed choices based on their interests, strengths, and values, rather than external expectations. 

How parents can help 

• Normalise mixed emotions: Let your child know it’s okay to feel uncertain or disappointed. Those feelings don’t mean they’ve failed. 

• Focus on growth, not comparison: Celebrate their effort and resilience rather than comparing outcomes. 

• Take advantage of the support available: Encourage students to access institutions in the days following the release of results. This is the opportunity to adjust their course preference, if needed, to align with their ATAR.  

• Institutions offer online and telephone support during the VTAC Change of Preference period. Go to their websites during the results period for more information. 

• Get on campus! Most institutions run campus events from 10am on Friday 12th December. These can include campus tours, presentations, mini expo’s, and 1:1 sessions or drop-in consults. If you missed the Open Day back in August, these events are strongly encouraged. 

At this stage of your child’s life, your encouragement and reassurance make a significant difference. Remind your teen that life isn’t a straight line — it’s a journey full of opportunities to learn, pivot, and grow. 

Summary of Dates 

• VCE resultsand ATAR released 7am Thursday 11 December 

• Students have until 12pm (noon) Saturday 13 December to make changes to their course preferences in their VTAC User Account.  

• This is called the VTAC Change of Preference period. Short Change of Preference periods occur in between each offer round. More information here.

• The first round of tertiary offers will be released Tuesday 23 December. More informationhere.

Parent Webinar: 'Spark Meaningful Career Conversations at Home' 19th November @ 6:30pm

Tyson Day, Co-Founder of Arrive & Thrive has presented to our Year 9 and Year 10 Overnewton students. You are invited to join him for a practical and engaging session on how to spark meaningful career conversations at home.  

In this webinar you’ll discover: 

• Simple ways to positively influence your young person’s career decision 

• How to make sense of the future of work and explore options together 

Register here.

Spring into Chinese Excursion at Monash University

Article by Sunny Huang, Head of Languages

On the 29th of October, Senior School students studying the Chinese language in 2026 enjoyed ‘Spring into Chinese’, an event organised by Monash University. Students were inspired by professors and current students from Monash University, who shared various Chinese language and cultural learning opportunities available at Monash. They discussed China’s presence on the global stage, and the ageing challenges the country will face in the coming decades. Students also analysed primary historical sources about Chinese settlers and reflected on how learning about history can shape our understanding of the present.

In addition, students showcased their Chinese language skills by communicating with peers from other schools. Students also took part in a practical session led by Monash University’s senior Chinese lecturer, Hui Huang, where they learned effective strategies for improving pronunciation. Through various interactive activities, they explored common misconceptions, challenging pinyins, and tone mark pronunciation.

“Today’s excursion at Monash University provided me with new ideas about how I could use my Chinese language beyond Overnewton. I didn’t know there were so many potential pathways and travel opportunities that I could pursue both in Australia and abroad.”

- Harper, Year 11

“I enjoyed exploring the current political climate of China through an insightful workshop; this gave me a deeper understanding of the cultural context of China. Moving into Year 11, I look forward to deepening my Mandarin knowledge and making new connections.”

- Harriet, Year 10

“Learning Chinese can help someone communicate with international businesses, especially companies that trade with or work in China. It can also create more job opportunities, as many employers value employees who speak more than one language.”

- Barnaby, Year 10

Each fortnight, the College Careers Team publishes a newsletter providing students and parents with the most up-to-date career information, events and opportunities.  

Please access via the following link.