Learning  

Dear Parents and Guardians 

One of the highlights for me this term was to have the privilege of accompanying eleven of our curious Year 8 students and Academy teacher Mrs Natalie Patuto to the Junior Thinkers Conference at Camberwell Grammar School.  Our Year 8 students, along with other likeminded students from other schools, stretched their thinking and engaged in deep conversations, exploring topics ranging from the science of the universe to what it means to have a soul.  You can read more about this in the article on the Junior School page of this newsletter, that was written by two of the students who attended the conference,  Mia and Lauren.

Transition 

I’d like to thank all students and parents for engaging in the various transition activities for Years 8 – 12; from the Year 8 students choosing electives for the first time and considering the Year 9 Synergy Program, the Year 10 students choosing their VCE programs to Year 12 students setting up VTAC accounts in preparation for tertiary education.  All these students are well supported by their mentors, subject teachers and in particular their Wellbeing Leader, Lauren Sach, Careers Practitioner, Emma Spreckley, Learning Administration Leader and Sally Dane and Louise Wilson, Learning Enhancement Leaders.  I would like to thank these staff members for their support of students.  

All Year 9 – 12, 2027 students should have received instructions about submitting subject selection preference.  Students should complete these before the end of the day on Wednesday, 26 August.  This allows students to discuss their options with teachers at Student-Parent -Teacher Conferences to be held on Monday, 24 August and Wednesday, 26 August. 

A reminder that all these subjects are preferences, and while we strive to give all students their top preferences, it may not always be possible.

Supporting Students in their Learning 

Term 3 is a time for students to reflect on Semester One, think about their aspirations and set goals.  We provide students with strategies to help with goal setting and improve their learning.  Elevate Education who deliver study skill workshops to help build effective learning habits and other skills, speak to different year levels throughout the year.  If you would like to explore some strategies, you can register for some of their free parent webinars that run throughout the year here https://go.elevateeducation.com/auparentwebinars 

Another recommended resource to help students who might be struggling with homework or study is “Work smarter not harder – study skills for students who don’t like homework”by Andrew Fuller.  It is an easy read with some practical tips.  If you think this would be helpful for your child, we have several copies in the MacAuley Resource Centre that students can borrow. 

If you have any questions or wish to provide any feedback about any matters related to student learning, please feel free to contact me. 

Ms Lucy Neil 

Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching