The Western Port Word

Senior School Update

Years 10 - 12

Assistant Principal's Update

Laura Higgins

As we reach the end of Semester 1, we’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding effort and dedication demonstrated by our Senior School students. Across VCE, VM, and VPC pathways, students have embraced the challenges of senior learning with persistence, curiosity, and a growing sense of responsibility for their own future success. From academic engagement to personal development, the growth we’ve seen this term has been both inspiring and affirming. Well done to all students and thank you to our families for your ongoing encouragement and support. 

 

Career Exploration with ABCN – Year 10 Students Finding Their Path 

This term, a group of our Year 10 students were invited to participate in two engaging and empowering workshops through the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN), delivered at the Korn Ferry offices in Melbourne. Find Your Purpose supported students in identifying what is important to them - helping them connect with their passions, values, and strengths. Through reflective activities and mentor conversations, students gained greater clarity about their personal aspirations and the potential pathways available to them beyond school. 

 

Interview to Impress focused on building confidence and job readiness. Students developed critical skills such as how to present themselves in interviews, answer questions thoughtfully, and communicate their experiences effectively. Opportunities like these allow students to connect learning with the real world and gain exposure to professional environments and expectations, setting them up for future success. 

 

VCE Science Students Explore the Australian Synchrotron 

Our VCE Physics and Chemistry students were invited to attend a highly engaging workshop day at the Australian Synchrotron, one of Australia’s most advanced scientific research facilities. 

 

Students experienced: 

  • A behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and beamline labs 

  • Hands-on workshops exploring the interaction of light and matter 

  • In-depth activities on nuclear physics and radioactivity, directly linked to Unit 1 and 2 content 

This immersive experience brought textbook concepts to life and gave students the rare opportunity to see how science is used to solve real-world problems in medicine, materials science, and environmental research. 

 

Personal Development in Action – Year 11 VM Volunteering 

As part of their Personal Development Skills (PDS) unit, our Year 11 VM students are contributing 1.5 hours of volunteer service at the Hastings Toy Library. This experience not only supports a valued local service but helps students build communication skills, teamwork, and a sense of civic responsibility. These experiences are essential for developing the soft skills that employers and communities value highly. 

 

Road Safety Program for Senior VM Students 

Our Year 11 and 12 VM students have been undertaking a Road Safety Course facilitated by Intelligent Training Solutions during Monday iCARE sessions. This program focuses on building safe driving attitudes and understanding the responsibilities of being on the road—critical for young people preparing to gain their learner permits or drive independently. We’re proud to offer this practical and preventative education that could one day save lives. 

 

Senior School Information Night – Planning for 2025 and Beyond 

Thank you to all families who attended our recent Senior School Information Night. This event is a key part of helping students and families understand the pathway choices available across VCE, VM, and VPC, including options such as VET courses, School-Based Apprenticeships (SBATs), and Accelerated Learning Programs. 

 

We also unpacked key aspects of the subject selection and course counselling process, with expert teachers and pathway advisors on hand to provide tailored advice. The event was a great success, and we look forward to continuing these conversations throughout Term 3. 

 

Year 10 Outdoor Education Overnight Camp – You Yangs & Brisbane Ranges 

Year 10 Outdoor Education students recently completed an unforgettable two-day adventure that challenged their physical skills, strengthened teamwork, and deepened their connection to the environment. 

 

Highlights included: 

  • Rock climbing and abseiling at You Yangs Regional Park 

  • Camping overnight at Boar Gully in the Brisbane Ranges 

  • Cooking and sharing dinner, participating in group games 

  • Day two: packing up and downhill mountain biking 

The camp directly links to curriculum topics such as healthy outdoor environments, conservation, and the relationship between humans and the outdoors. These real-world connections make the theoretical learning more meaningful and help students develop resilience and leadership skills. 

 

She Is Not Your Rehab – Respect, Reflection & Responsibility 

A group of Year 10 male students attended a powerful event led by  Matt Brown, founder of the  She Is Not Your Rehab movement. The session was raw, honest and deeply moving, focusing on: 

  • Challenging toxic masculinity 

  • Breaking cycles of intergenerational violence 

  • Exploring emotional healing, empathy, and accountability 

Students were encouraged to reflect on their own behaviours and the influence of societal norms, with many expressing how the session shifted their perspectives on what it means to be a respectful man. This session was targeted at students who benefit from honest conversations and opportunities for personal growth. 

 

Mental Health Safety Net – Safe Talk with Year 10 

All Year 10 students participated in the Safe Talk workshop delivered by Mental Health Safety Net, a Mornington Peninsula-based charity. The session taught students how to: 

  • Recognise warning signs of mental distress or suicidal thoughts 

  • Have courageous conversations with friends or peers 

  • Know how and where to seek help 

This essential program is part of our broader commitment to student wellbeing, peer support, and early intervention in mental health challenges. 

 

Year 10 Work Experience – A Record Year!!! 

This year, we proudly saw our largest-ever participation in Work Experience, with over 80 Year 10 students placed across a wide range of industries, from childcare and construction to retail, hospitality, and healthcare. 

 Students not only gained valuable insight into the world of work but also developed independence, problem-solving, and professionalism. The remaining Year 10 students engaged in on-campus or virtual work experience options to ensure everyone participated in meaningful learning during the week. 

 

Course Counselling and Subject Selection Preparation 

Throughout Term 2, students across the Senior School have participated in a range of assemblies, iCARE workshops, information sessions, and one-on-one counselling to prepare for their 2026 course selections. This work ensures students are supported to choose subjects and pathways that align with their strengths, interests, and career aspirations. A well-informed decision now leads to more meaningful engagement and achievement in Years 11 and 12. 

 

General Achievement Test (GAT) – Strong Student Effort 

Our VCE students recently sat the General Achievement Test (GAT), an important assessment that supports subject moderation and literacy/numeracy benchmarks. The day was extremely smooth, and we were proud to see our students approach the test with maturity, focus, and a commitment to doing their best. 

 

Celebrating Academic Excellence – High Performance Learning Awards 

To conclude the term, we celebrated academic excellence at our Senior School Assembly through the presentation of High Performance Learning Awards. These were awarded to students who achieved a Very High result on a Unit 3 SAC (School-Assessed Coursework).  

 

Congratulations to the following students: 

  • Max Wanklyn – Unit 3 Outdoor and Environmental Studies 

  • Marcus Harwood – Unit 3 English & Unit 3 Ancient History 

  • Lily Smith-Watson – Unit 3 General Maths & Unit 3 Biology 

  • Lachlan Adair – Unit 3 Chemistry & Unit 3 Psychology 

  • Kimberly Rose-Nixon – Unit 3 Work Related Skills 

  • Zach Panting – Unit 3 Legal Studies 

We are incredibly proud of the commitment these students have shown, and we look forward to seeing more success as the year progresses.