Teaching & Learning Report

Assistant Principal's Report

We have had a smooth start to the term with students commencing their studies enthusiastically.

Year 9 Hindi AVID and Acceleration Parent and Student Information Evening via Teams

Please join us on Tuesday 14th May at 6:30pm for our Teams Hindi Elective Parent and Student Information session. We're excited to announce that next term, we'll be offering a Year 9 Hindi elective. This session is designed to offer families insights into WCC's designation as a Beacon School for Hindi, highlighting the many opportunities available for students to broaden their cultural understanding and language proficiency.

Following the Online Hindi Elective Parent and Student Information Session at 6:30 PM, we're excited to continue our engagement with you. At 7:00 PM, on the same Teams link, we will host the Acceleration and AVID Elective Parent and Student Information Session. This session presents an opportunity for you to learn about the AVID Elective Program and discover how your child can potentially undertake a Year 11 subject while in Year 10 next year, in 2025, as part of our Accelerated Study Program.

Parents and students are welcome to join the session relevant to their interests at the following times:

6:30 – 6:55 PM: Hindi Language Elective
7:00 – 8:00 PM: AVID and Acceleration

Please familiarise yourself with the WCC Teams protocols before joining the Team meeting.

We look forward to seeing you online.

Enrichment Expo 6th May

The recent Enrichment Expo, held on Monday May 6th, was an exceptional showcase of our students' achievements and learning, and we were delighted to witness a strong parental attendance and participation.

At the Expo, our students displayed their knowledge and abilities through a diverse array of interactive and captivating activities. Their demonstrations highlighted not only their creativity but also their sharp critical thinking and genuine passion for learning. It was evident that they had invested considerable effort into their projects, and we took great pride in witnessing their accomplishments.

The Expo was also a great opportunity for parents to connect with teachers and staff, and to learn more about our school's programs and curriculum. We hope that you found the experience informative and enjoyable, and that you came away with a greater appreciation for the hard work that goes into educating our students.

We extend our gratitude to our Enrichment Leader, Ms. Sue Butcher, as well as our Enrichment Tutor Teachers, Mr. Stephen Stellini, Ms. Anne Vlahos, and Ms. Melanie Kosinski, along with all Enrichment Mentors, for their unwavering support in guiding our students.

Your continued support and active participation in your child's education are deeply appreciated. We eagerly anticipate your presence at future events and look forward to our ongoing collaboration in nurturing your child's success.

AVID Family Night

Attendees enjoyed a vibrant evening filled with engaging activities, including the entertaining "guess the logo," a stimulating Trivia Quiz, and the eagerly contested Spaghetti Bridge Building competition. These activities not only brought joy but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among families, creating a supportive network around each child's educational pursuits.

The event also served as a platform for families to connect with their elective teachers and fellow AVID families, reinforcing the importance of community in enhancing educational experiences.

Additionally, we proudly announced our 2024 AVID Captains:

- Liam Power, Year 11

- Nicole Sarmiento, Year 11

- Eva Bricknell, Year 9

We extend sincere appreciation to our AVID Captains for their invaluable contribution in orchestrating the evening's activities alongside our esteemed AVID Leader, Ms. Amy Cole.

Furthermore, we express gratitude to our dedicated 2024 AVID Elective teachers for their steadfast commitment and guidance of the students:

- Ms. Woloszczenko, Year 9

- Ms. Cole and Ms. D’Eau Sundanum, Year 10

- Ms. Bellin and Mr. Walter, Year 11

- Mrs. Cutter and Ms. Sharma, Year 12

Events like the AVID Elective Family Night play a vital role in nurturing a supportive educational community. Through collaborative efforts between parents, teachers, and students, we can empower each child to realize their academic potential and thrive. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child's education.

Education Week, Monday 13th May to Friday 17th May.

This year, Education Week runs from Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May. The theme, Spotlight on STEM, celebrates the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in our everyday lives, in the classroom and beyond.

To find out more about Education Week 2024, visit www.vic.gov.au/education- week.

Teachers will be organising class activities for students to celebrate Education Week.

Parents/carers can learn more about encouraging your child with STEM skills. The following external websites may also help provide for further ideas:

Maths video resources for young children can be accessed through the Mathscots animation series and Everyday Maths animations.

EXAMS

Exams are set to take place once again this year, both in semester 1 and semester 2. It's crucial for students to equip themselves with the necessary skills to tackle exams effectively, not only during their senior secondary years but also in their future endeavors.

For Year 7 and 8 students, exams will cover English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities exclusively. Meanwhile, students in Years 9 through 12 will be examined in all of their subjects.

Families can anticipate receiving an exam timetable for their child in the forthcoming correspondence.

The exam period is scheduled as follows:

Year 12 Exams: 30th May- 6th June
Year 11 Exams: 30th May- 6th June
Year 10 Exams: 3rd June -6th June
Year 9 Exams: 3rd June -6th June
Year 8 Exams: 5th June -6th June
Year 7 Exams: 5th June -6th June

In the weeks leading up to exams, students will dedicate their efforts to revising the material covered in Semester 1. Cultivating effective work and study habits is vital for student success. Hence, it's crucial for all students to establish a robust homework and home study routine, ensuring regular revision and reinforcement of knowledge and skills acquired.

An integral component of the home study program aimed at supporting your child's learning journey is the implementation of the Cornell note-taking system. This method not only enhances comprehension during class but also facilitates effective review and retention of key concepts.

As exams draw near, it's imperative to reassess and refine the study timetable to ensure best preparedness. This proactive approach not only maximizes your child's readiness for the upcoming exams but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their academic endeavours.

Cornell Notes

Students are expected to continue to use the Cornell Note taking format and complete all steps of the note taking system. Completion of Cornell notes must be part of your child’s regular homework and home study program.

Cornell notes are a proven focused note taking method for students to improve learning. When all steps of the note taking system are completed, students are guaranteed to increase their knowledge and raise their grades in any given class.

The Cornell note taking system includes:

Topic, date and Essential Question at the top of the notes
Notes in the right-hand side with key words circled and important information underlined
Questions relating to the notes in the left-hand column
A summary at the end of the notes

Students are expected to use the Cornell Note system and complete all steps using the 10- 24-7 method. That is, review and revise their notes 10 minutes or the night after they first receive the notes. Complete questions related to the notes 24 hours later and write a summary of the notes seven days later. The completion of Cornell notes must be part of your child’s regular homework program. Parents can support their child by encouraging them to use the repetition strategies and review notes regularly as this will help them

Connie Faranda - Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning