Junior Sub School

Last week the Year 7s attended Adekate Adventure Camp in Dean. 117 students enjoyed supplementing their regular learning program with this co-curricular activity. Students were able to participate in orienteering, rock climbing, a quiz night, sport and dining together. We were lucky enough for Dani and Stacey from the Wellbeing Team to join us for an evening, where we split into boys and girls groups for some activities.

A highlight of the camp was the adventure based learning that took place, where students needed to work in groups to complete a series of physical challenges. The communication and resilience that was displayed by students was admirable. We are sure that those who attended will be able to apply the skills they have learnt back at school, and that their experiences will support them in their learning journey.

The Junior Sub School expresses their thanks to all the staff who supported the camp. In particular, the senior VCAL team should be applauded for sending students for the peer support program. The Year 7s loved being able to spend time with their Year 11 buddies outside of a school setting.

Next Thursday night the 23rd Melton Secondary College is hosting an Open Night for all families interested in sending their young people to the College in future years. This will be a fantastic opportunity to meet with staff and tour the facilities, as well as meet current students and ask questions of them.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Middle Sub School

As we head towards the end of the first term, the focus will be on student reports. We encourage parents to log onto Compass and discuss their students’ reports. If you are unable to access Compass please contact the school. The Middle Sub-School will be reviewing reports in order to ensure that we are supporting all students in their learning for this year. Students will also be using their reports to set goals for the rest of the semester.

School holidays are the best time to revise the work completed in Term 1 in preparation for Term 2 and their end of semester exams.

We have two types of memory:

Short term memory
Long term memory

When a student first learns something it enters their short term memory. If they can link the new knowledge to something they have already stored in their brain then it will be retained. If the information proves useful, like their password to their Facebook account and it is used, then it is transferred to their long term memory and retained.

If information is neither linked or useful and used again, it will slip out of the short term memory. Literally, in one ear and out the other. Parents, when helping your student at home, try to assist them to draw the dots and make connections in what is being taught in the classroom to their life experience. Not only will it assist your child to retain the content, in finding its relevance to their life experience they will retain it in their long term memory.

Year 9 Camp

There is a Year 9 Camp to Phillip Island Adventure Camp on the 15th to 17th May. The cost is $265. A note has been sent home with Year 9 students and is attached to the news feed on COMPASS. Can you please return the permission slip and the deposit as soon as possible.

The purpose of the camp is to improve connectivity to teachers and peers.

If you have any questions please contact the Middle Sub School.

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We recently held sub-school assemblies for Year 9 and 10 and recognised the achievement of students who had upheld the STARR values of the college. Students were awarded certificates during the assembly.

Senior Sub School

The senior team would like to congratulate all Year 11s and 12s for the hard working and positive start to 2017. Our focus has been on acting as role models and living the school’s STARR values. On the 22nd February a guest presenter – Darren Pereira – from Success Integrated, addressed Year 12 VCE students to motivate them to set challenging goals and deliver advice to “Be Your Best!”

VCE Students have access to an online tutorial program “Edrolo”. Parents please ask students about it and support its consistent use.

VCE Students are expected to keep an updated Summary Book for all subjects this year. Students are advised by Study Skills teachers and VCE Mentors on how best to create them and use them for study.

All students sitting a Unit 3&4 Exam this year will be expected in the second week of September break for practice exams. Please do not plan holidays during that time.

Year 11 VCAL students have demonstrated excellent Teamwork and Responsibility in our new Peer Support program. These students attended training last year and are now delivering activity programs to our new Year7 students at school as well as while on camp.

The Study Centre has been a hive of activity during Study Periods as well as after school. We encourage all senior students to make use of it when necessary.

Keep up the great work!

High Achiever Profile - Brianna Argall

Achievements: 2017 MSC Vice Captain, 2016 Year 11 Academic Excellence Award, Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar, 2016 Science Specialism Award and Esprit De Corp Music Award.

Best subject: Biology 2016 Study Score of 47, Math/Science)

2017 Goal: 95+ ATAR

2018 Goal: University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Science

Students advice: Prepare for end of year exams and use practice questions throughout the year.

STARR Award winners:

Senior Sub School Team

Ms Andrèe Poulter Assistant Principal

Mr David Kershaw Sub School Leader

Ms Michelle Clark Year 12 Team Leader

Ms Kate Hollins Year 11 Team Leader

Mr Daniel Taylor VCAL Team Leader

Mrs Joanne Galea & Career/Pathways

Ms Maria Hassan Counsellors

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