Teaching & Learning

Term Four is well underway, and the coming weeks are busy ones. Below are the key dates and events for families.

Year 12 Exams

The VCAA November exams began on Tuesday with the English exam, and the first week has gone smoothly. We wish all our VCE students the very best as they work through the remainder of their exams. This is an important milestone, and they have worked hard to reach it.

Booklists

Booklists for students in Year 8-12 in 2027 are now available and should be ordered by 30 October 2026. This will ensure orders can be delivered by 16 November in time for Step-Up to commence on 23 November.

Year 9 Exams

Year 9 exams will be held in the Oak Centre at Brigidine Campus.

Tuesday 17 November – English (Session 2) and Humanities (Session 4)
Wednesday 18 November – Maths (Session 2) and Science (Session 4)

Year 10 and 11 Exams

Year 10 and 11 exams run from Thursday 12 November to Thursday 19 November. In the week before, students will complete focused revision in class. We encourage all students to prepare thoroughly, as these exams are valuable practice for Year 12.

Step-Up to 2027 Program

Our Step-Up to 2027 Program begins on Monday 23 November. The program prepares students for their 2027 classes by introducing them to their Semester 1 subjects, classes and teachers. Senior students will also receive their holiday work during this time. Students should have their textbooks and digital resources ready for the start of the program.

Step-Up to Senior School – Parent/Carer Information Evening

On Monday 9 November, the College will hold two information sessions to help families prepare for their child’s move into senior school.

Step-Up to Senior School – Year 9 Parents/Carers

6.00–6.45 pm | Brigidine Hall

This session explains what senior school involves and how families can help their child prepare. Topics include academic readiness, study habits, organisation, engagement, and students taking more responsibility for their own learning.

Step-Up to VCE and VCE VM – Year 10 Parents/Carers

7.00–7.45 pm | Brigidine Hall and Library

This session gives families of students entering VCE and VCE VM an overview of senior school expectations. It will begin with a combined presentation, then split by pathway:

VCE families will hear about the demands of VCE, assessment requirements, study scores, the ATAR, and the study habits that support success.
VCE VM families will meet with the Work-Related Skills team in the Library to discuss program expectations, work placement requirements, and the organisation and engagement needed to complete the course.

We strongly encourage families to attend. These sessions are a good opportunity to understand what lies ahead and how you can support your child.

Year 7 2027 Parent Information Evening

Parents and carers of students starting Year 7 in 2027 are invited to an information evening covering camps, laptops, Compass, uniforms and more, to help their child settle in well at St Joseph’s.

Thursday 19 November | 6.00–7.00 pm | Oak Centre Gym, Brigidine Campus

We look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you for your continued support of your child’s learning.

Lisa Saillard

Assistant Principal – Learning & Teaching