Principal's Report 

WELCOME BACK  

I hope that all students enjoyed a relaxing and enjoyable break with their friends and family over the term break. Term 4 is a very busy time in the school as we continue learning and teaching in the classroom and also conclude many college programs. This includes conducting VCE exams, attending many end of year presentation ceremonies, writing reports, implementing the Transition Program including the Year 9 Phillip Island camp and undertaking planning, staffing and preparation for the 2024 school year.  

Over the coming weeks students (particularly Year 11 and 12 students) need to be focused on maximising opportunities for attaining their best results during this important stage of the year. Feedback from ‘Cycle 3’ reports (available online via the parent portal) and third term ‘Student Progress Conferences’ (held on Thursday 14th September) should be taken on board and acted upon. Remember that classroom teachers and Student Managers are there for advice and support! 

Today, Thursday October 12th, we had our final Senior Assembly for our Year 12 students where they were formally farewelled by the college. The last day of official classes for Year 12 is Thursday 12th October and the time is rapidly approaching when our Year 12 students face their final exams. Their last day of official attendance for Year 12 is tomorrow, Friday 18th October; when our students will enjoy a breakfast prepared by staff at Vermont and then participate in their Annual End of Year Concert. 

In past years the college has been immensely pleased with the maturity of the majority of our students during this time which has been marked by a balance of fun, celebration, good behaviour and respect. This expectation has ensured that all students and staff can enjoy this special occasion and that our students leave positive memories for our college community.  

The Valedictory Dinner for Year 12 students, parents, guardians and family members will be held at ‘Palladium at Crown’ on Thursday 16th November with 7.00 pm door opening. If you arrive earlier, you may wish to get your photo taken. 

Our Year 12 students are about to enter a vitally important stage of their secondary schooling and if they have worked consistently throughout the year, they will be well placed to perform at their best during the exam period. It was pleasing to note that many Year 12 students took advantage of opportunities provided by their teachers over the Term 3 study break to complete set work, complete practice exams at school and begin the revision process. These students are giving themselves the best chance of VCE success. Thank you to our Year 12 teachers for giving up their vacation time to assist their VCE students. We wish all our VCE students well during this important and often demanding time. 

YEAR 12 VCE EXAM PREPARATION 

With Year 12 exams rapidly approaching a full copy of the 2023 VCE Examination Timetable is available at the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) website and ALL students need to be clear as to when each of their exams are scheduled – do not rely on word of mouth! 

Also with Year 12 exams fast approaching it is crucial that students take advantage of the VCE guides produced by a range of organisations. One such guide is The Herald Sun ‘Exam study tips and tricks’.

All VCAA 2023 Study Designs  HERE

These guides give useful and timely information on VCE exam preparation and all Year 12 students need to be reading them now! 

Dr Michael Carr Gregg, well known expert in adolescent mental health has a range of information on his website around VCE study habits. Here are his Eleven Top hints for Effective Study 

• Establish a routine - set aside a particular time each day for study and revision and stick to it.    
• Create a study environment. 
• Set a timetable - with a timetable you can plan to cover all your subjects in an organised  way allotting the appropriate time for each without becoming overwhelmed. 
• Look after yourself - Drink and eat right. Get enough sleep each night –    Regular physical exercise makes you feel great, boosts your energy and helps you relax. So try to keep up regular sporting activities or at least fit in some regular exercise. Reward yourself for studying. Watch your favourite television program,   spend time with your friends, walk to the park, play sport. 
• Have variety in your study program - study different subjects each day. 
• Do different types of work and revision in each study session. 
• Avoid interrupting your concentration. Have all the appropriate materials with you before you start a session of study to minimise distractions.  
• Test yourself on what you have studied - ask your parents or family members to quiz you on what you have learnt. 
• Use draft questions from books, past assessments or major exam papers. 
• Don't panic at exam time. 
• Ask your teachers for guidance. 

Another useful article written by Dr Michael Carr Gregg called ‘9 ways to manage Year 12 stress’ can be found here

I wish the Year 12 class of 2023 all the best over the next two months. 

REGIONAL ATHLETICS 

On Monday 9/10/23 the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Athletics were held at the Knox athletics track. Vermont Secondary College sent along 50+ students to compete against all schools in the Eastern region.  

Well done to all students that competed on the day with special congratulations to the 8 individual students who won through to the State finals, as well as the 2 relay teams, being held at Albert Park – Lakeside Stadium on Monday 16th October. 

Thanks to Amy Malander and Shaun Gillespie for all their work leading up to the event and to Shaun, Leanne Callegaro, Tom Smyth and David Clements (supporting the relay teams), for their work and support of our students on the day. 

For a full report of the athletics program see the sports section of this newsletter.