The Falcon Newsletter

Teaching and Learning

Term 3 Assessment and Reporting

Over the past few weeks, students have been completing their assessment tasks (including CATs and SACs) to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout Term 3. Teachers have been working diligently to assess student progress, and feedback has been, and will continue to be, entered into Compass under Learning Tasks.

Our Term 3 reports will also be published on the first day of Term 4, giving you the opportunity to discuss your child’s achievements and areas for improvement.

 

If you have any concerns about your child’s progress, please don’t hesitate to contact their teacher via email. Working together is essential to ensure that every child’s learning needs are supported.

 

Subject Choices 2026

By now, all of our students should have made their subject selections for 2026.

  • Year 8: Students select their language subject.
  • Year 9: Students choose their Art, Technology, and Language subjects.
  • Year 10: Choice expands significantly, with a wide range of electives available across English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and PE, Arts, Technology, and Languages. Many students also choose to begin an Accelerated VCE VM pathway, completing two units of VCE VM Work Related Skills and VCE VM Personal Development.
  • Years 11 and 12: Students select from a broad range of VCE or VCE VM subjects, with many also opting to undertake a VET course (see more information below).

 

If your child has not submitted their subject choices for next year, please make sure they go and see their Year Level Coordinator. 

 

Applied Learning: Preparing Students for Real-World Success

In Victorian schools, Applied Learning is about much more than textbooks and exams, it’s about connecting learning to real-world experiences, practical skills, and pathways beyond school. It recognises that students learn in different ways, and that hands-on, meaningful experiences can inspire deeper understanding and lasting confidence.

 

By engaging with real projects, workplaces, and community partnerships, students develop not only knowledge, but also teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.

 

Some of the key features of Applied Learning programs in Victoria include:

  • Vocational Major (VM): A senior secondary pathway that blends literacy, numeracy, personal development, and work-related skills.
  • VET (Vocational Education and Training): Courses that give students nationally recognised qualifications in areas such as trades, health, IT, and hospitality.
  • School-based projects and community connections: Opportunities for students to tackle real-world problems, from organising events to developing sustainability initiatives.

 

The benefits are clear. Students often report feeling more motivated because they see the relevance of their studies. Employers value the practical skills and work-ready mindset these students bring. 

 

Families appreciate the way Applied Learning supports different strengths and opens multiple pathways — whether to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or direct employment.

At its heart, Applied Learning is about choice, flexibility, and preparation for the future. It ensures students are not only successful in school but ready to thrive in the wider world.

 

The Five Pillars of Applied Learning 

As one student reflected: “Applied Learning showed me that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom - it happens when you work with others, solve problems, and make something real.”

 

Instrumental Music

We are excited to share that our iRock program and instrumental music lessons are expanding in 2026. This means more students than ever will have the chance to explore their passion for music, learn an instrument, and experience the joy of performing.

 

Through iRock, students can come together to form bands, develop performance skills, and build confidence on stage. Instrumental music lessons provide one-on-one and small group opportunities for students to develop technical ability, music theory knowledge, and creativity. This week alone, we have our first outdoor ensemble performing on the deck at lunchtime for students to enjoy.  Our vocal ensemble is also participating in the Ceremony of Song with a range of other local schools in Term 4. 

 

Whether your child is a beginner or already experienced, our music program provides an exciting pathway to grow as a musician, so please have a chat to your child and see if they would like to get involved next year. 

 

Jessica Quinn

Assistant Principal – Staff and Student Learning

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International Students Discover PUFFING BILLY

Recently our International Students were thrilled to visit Australia’s favourite steam train, Puffing Billy. 

 

From the moment they arrived at the historic Belgrave Station, there was a sense of excitement and curiosity as they were ready to board the beautifully restored carriages. Students enjoyed the scenic ride through the Dandenong Ranges. The train’s open-sided carriages gave everyone a perfect view of the winding tracks, the towering gum trees and the lush fern gullies.

 

The students also enjoyed a relaxed lunch at Lakeside Park. They were surrounded by the peaceful lake, native birds and beautiful gardens. It was a great opportunity for students to chat and take photos of the beautiful surroundings. After lunch, they enjoyed a nature walk around the lake and further explored Australia’s flora and fauna.

 

This trip was more than just a day out, as they got to experience a special part of Australian culture and took plenty of photos to send home!

 

Maria Okoumousis

EAL KLA Leader

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YEAR 10 FOOD TECHNOLOGY 

LET THEM EAT CAKE

This term Year 10 students undertaking Food Technology- Let Them Eat Cake, have been learning about the processes and science behind baking. In doing so they have also learnt new processes in decorating some baked goods, including cakes. Their common assessment task was to produce cupcakes and decorate these to a particular theme of their choosing. 

I’m sure you’ll agree that some of our students have created some very clever and very appealing cupcake designs. 

Well done everyone.

 

Adam Nettleingham

Food Technology Teacher