Assistant Principal 

As we approach the end of Term 2, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and determination shown by our Year 9 and 10 students during what is a crucial time in their educational journey.

Semester 1 Exams

For our Year 9 students, this term marked their first formal examination experience – a significant milestone. These exams are not only an opportunity to demonstrate their learning in English and Mathematics but also provide valuable insight into how they manage pressure, time, and revision. I commend our Year 9 cohort for their respectful behaviour and strong effort under exam conditions.

Our Year 10 students undertook exams in English, Humanities, Mathematics, and Science, and their level of focus and preparation reflected a growing sense of maturity. The majority approached these exams with the seriousness they deserved, and attendance across all sessions was very positive. These assessments are an important stepping stone in preparing for the expectations of senior schooling, including SACs, VCE exams, and vocational assessments.

Semester 1 Reports

Insight, Reflection, and Planning Ahead

Semester 1 reports will be published on Compass on Thursday, 4th July. These reports offer a detailed summary of each student’s academic progress, learning behaviours, and attendance. They are a crucial tool in understanding not just what your child has achieved, but how they have approached their learning.

We strongly encourage all families to take the time to review the report with their children. Discuss the results, effort ratings, and teacher feedback – celebrate the successes and have open conversations about areas where further improvement is needed.

If you do not have access to your Compass parent login, please contact the General Office for assistance prior to reports being released.

This is especially important as we move into subject selection in Term 3:

• Year 9 students considering early access to VCE subjects in 2026 will need to show a strong academic record and excellent learning habits.
• Year 10 students will select their senior program (VCE, VCE VM, VET, or combinations), and subject choices will be based not only on their interests but also on their demonstrated performance, work habits, and attendance throughout the semester.
• The Year 9 and 10 teaching teams invest significant time and care in preparing students for the subject selection process, ensuring they are fully informed about the expectations and pathways available to them. However, it is important to acknowledge that students must also take responsibility for their academic progress, classroom engagement, and behaviour throughout the year. 
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• Despite the guidance and support offered, some students may find that their subject choices are limited if they have not demonstrated consistent effort, attendance, or submission of required coursework. For Year 10 students, in particular, the limited availability of places in certain subjects means that priority will be given to those who have met the program's expectations, followed all steps and met all timelines communicated by key leaders of this process.
• We strongly encourage all students and families to engage with the subject selection materials on Compass, attend upcoming information evenings, and take advantage of course counselling opportunities. 

We want every student to feel empowered in these decisions, and parental involvement in reviewing reports is an important part of the process.

Planning for the Future During the Holiday Period 

Using Data to Make Good Decisions

With reports finalised on the 4th of July, the term break is the ideal time for both Year 9 and 10 students to further research potential subjects and career pathways over the break.

• Year 9 students can use their Morrisby Profile as a starting point to reflect on their interests, skills, and the types of careers that align with their strengths.
• Year 10 students should reflect on the skills and interests developed during their work experience placement in conjunction with their Semester 1 report, using that insight to help guide their senior school program choices for 2026.

We will provide more detailed subject selection support next term, but early conversations at home are a powerful way to help students take ownership of their learning journey.

Year 10 Work Experience – Deadline this Week

Work experience is a compulsory educational program for Year 10 students and an invaluable opportunity for them to explore careers, build confidence, and develop transferable skills such as communication, punctuality, and initiative.

Despite repeated reminders, a few students have yet to finalise their placement and submit the required paperwork. This must be completed by the end of this week, and we are unable to extend this deadline due to the time required to process and prepare for placements. Our careers leader has placed a significant amount of information on Compass to support students and parents with this process. 

Students who do not attend a work experience placement without a valid and documented reason – such as a significant illness – will be ineligible to attend the Year 10 Formal later this year. Please speak with your child to ensure their form has been submitted and discuss the placement they’ve chosen or hope to confirm.

Once the placement concludes, we encourage all families to engage in reflection:

• What did your child enjoy or find challenging?
• Did the experience influence their future aspirations?
• How will this inform their senior subject choices?

Thank you once again for your continued support throughout the term. I am incredibly proud of the resilience, maturity and growth shown by our middle school students and look forward to supporting them through the exciting decisions and opportunities ahead.

Warm regards,

Jules Ryan

Assistant Principal 

Middle School