Mentone Girls' Secondary College Newsletter

Senior School News

The end of semester is fast approaching. We are impressed with how the students are focussing on their CATs and current SACs. 

Uniform

As the weather is getting colder, VCE students may wear either wear the full summer or winter uniform until 1 June. Navy pants are permitted as part of the winter uniform; however, tracksuit pants are not acceptable and should not be worn. In addition to this, please ensure your child is wearing a pale blue shirt underneath their school jumper. We appreciate your support in ensuring your child is wearing the correct uniform.

Year 11 Exams

The Year 11 Exam period starts in Week 8 - Wednesday 11 June - and runs through to Thursday 19 June. All Unit 1 Subjects will have an exam and it is expected that all students will attend their exams unless they are unwell and have a medical certificate. Students should use these exams to practice revision skills and reflect on what revision techniques work best for them.This is a good learning opportunity in preparation for Year 12 Exams.

Changing Subjects - Year 11

Over the next few weeks, the Year 11 students are able to now consider changing their Unit 2 subjects for 2025. The students will be emailed the process which includes a strict closing date for their application of Friday 6 June. We ask that parents/guardians sign the form once it has been completed. We cannot guarantee that their new subject request will be met, but we will do our best. Changes will not be made until the end of the exam period as it is expected that all students will attend their exams unless they are unwell and have a medical certificate.

GAT - Tuesday 17 June

All students who are enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence, are expected to complete Sections A and B of the GAT. This is a compulsory assessment and it can not be rescheduled for any reason. The GAT is held on Tuesday 17th June in the school Gym. The GAT has two sections:

 

Section A: Literacy and numeracy skills

 

Section A is a literacy and numeracy assessment comprised of:

  • a 2-part writing task – 30 minutes
  • 50 numeracy multiple-choice questions – 45 minutes
  • 50 reading multiple-choice questions – 45 minutes

Section B: General knowledge and skills

 

Section B is comprised of:

  • an extended writing task – 30 minutes
  • 25 mathematics, science and technology multiple-choice questions – 30 minutes
  • 25 arts and humanities multiple-choice questions – 30 minutes

All students completing the GAT will have a familiarisation session to ensure they understand the format and tasks required of them. No special study is needed for the GAT, however students can view sample questions and past GAT papers on the VCAA website. For more information on the GAT, please click on the LINK.

 

There are no Year 11 or 12 classes or exams running on the day of the GAT. Students are allowed to wear casual clothes. We encourage students to wear warm clothes as most students are sitting the GAT in the Gym.

VCE - Attendance

VCE attendance emails are sent monthly for students who have accumulated absences from school. This serves as a reminder that to be eligible to pass a Unit, students must not exceed five (5) unapproved absences and five (5) approved absences. Unapproved absences include:

  • Unexplained absences
  • Parent choice or family holidays
  • Illness beyond five days without a medical certificate
  • School activities that exceed the approved absence limit

To pass a Unit, a student’s combined total of approved and unapproved absences must not exceed 10 sessions of the total class time for that Unit.

Approved absences include:

  • Medical (e.g. dental, psychologist, or psychiatrist appointments)
  • Certified illness
  • Counselling sessions
  • School sporting events (up to two approved sports; Year 11 students may coach a team as one sport)
  • School excursions or incursions

The VCE office may also consider approval for other educational activities or significant personal circumstances, such as bereavement.

 

You can monitor your child’s attendance through Compass. For any questions or to discuss specific circumstances, please contact the VCE office.

 

Emma Holman

Director of Senior School