VCE Co-Ordinator

Term One has started for our VCE students, who range from Year 12 through to Year 10 students completing a Unit 1&2 subject (accelerated). While we have had a strange start to the year with dates changing and our VCE building not quite ready for us to move in, our students have been terrific and have started the year on a very positive note.

Some reminders: Students are aware that the closing date for any subject changes is Friday 13th Feb (today).

Textbooks are a necessity for VCE subjects and students who have yet to organise theirs are at risk of falling behind in their classes. If you need some assistance with sourcing texts, please contact either myself or the Office for assistance.

Edrolo Payments - We have several families who are yet to finalise their Edrolo subscriptions (see image below for subject requirements as listed on the VCE booklist). Late last year an email was sent out and a letter was given to all students in straight VCE subjects (not VM) as many classes in Year 11 and almost all classes (with the exception of Literature and PD&T) in Year 12 use Edrolo as a study tool. Without it, some students may struggle to keep up with course work and assessments. If you require another copy of the letter, please reach out to the Office or myself for a copy asap.

Year 12 jumpers – We are still awaiting a quote from the supplier with regards to cost and estimated delivery of the 2026 Year 12 jumpers. As soon as we have information, it will be emailed directly to students and parents.

Important upcoming VCE Dates:

Friday 13th Feb – Final day for VCE subject changes Wednesday 18th Feb – Unit 3 English class excursion to Penola Catholic College to watch a live performance of the play Oedipus the King presented by the Complete Works Theatre Company.

Monday 15th June – Day Two of our Retreat Program

Tuesday 16th June – GAT (General Achievement test) Statewide testing for any VCE / VM student enrolled in a Unit 3 & 4 subject (inc. Year 11’s).

RETREAT DAY

The Year 12’s of 2026 participated in Day One of our Retreat program onsite at the Parish Hall on Monday 9th February.

We had a fantastic day as students had the opportunity to make some preparations for the big year ahead. The students all enjoyed working together and together they created some cohort goals and also individual aspirations for this year and beyond. There were many opportunities for students to connect and just talk to each other and for many a time to reflect and reset their mindset into one of positivity and determination.

Our day was led by myself and Mrs. Loretta Shannon, the new Director of Faith and Mission and we were ably supported by Mr. Chris O’Connor and Mrs. Allison Moore, with visits from Mrs. Gordon and Mr. Smith throughout the day. As a staff, we were all impressed at the efforts and participation of the group as a whole.

Before the liturgy to finish the day, the students were invited to write a letter to themselves, which was then sealed and will be given back to them on their final day of Year 12 in October. They were asked to consider what they were hoping for in the coming months and to set themselves some achievable goals as they continue through Year 12.

It was wonderful to see the students connecting as a cohort and we are all looking forward to all the possibilities of the year.

We look forward to Day Two of the retreat program in June.

Simone McLaughlin

simone.mclaughlin@smseymour.catholic.edu.au