Dunhelen

                                                                 Mrs Francis Scuderi

Term 3

Welcome to Term 3. I hope that all families managed to stay healthy and enjoyed some time together over the holidays.

Learning Never Stops and Home Learning

'Learning never  stops.' This is a message that we try to instill in our students every day. We try to teach them that they should take every opportunity they have to learn. In reality, they cannot escape learning - they do it every day. They learn by reading, playing games, talking, exercising, cooking, watching YouTube, visiting grandparents, and the list goes on. In every facet of their life, they are learning; they just don’t always know it. Whether one is in the classroom or not, whether one is 5 or 95, learning still happens. Today, learning is a lot easier than when I was young. I did not have internet or social media. Our students are very lucky and the fact that they can be at home with their track pants on and engage in Home Learning is a privilege. I am sure Home Learning will change the way the world does things. Sometimes out of bad things, good things are born. Teachers are trying their hardest to ensure that your child learns something new every day and I would like to remind students and parents that all work set by the teachers, Zoom lessons, activities and discussions are learning lessons. As I may have mentioned last term, upon our return to school, there will be no ‘catch-up’ time as the work we are completing now is what your child would have been doing on site (even though there may be some variations in delivery). Please encourage your child to be ready every morning by 9am. Most students cope very well with Home Learning; however, if you feel your child needs some assistance, please call on their teachers, Assistant Heads of School or me.

The Victorian Government, Department of Education and Training has some good information and tips for parents about Home Learning. You can access the information by visiting https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/home-learning.aspx.

I certainly hope I am still learning at 87 and that I am reaping the benefits of all the learning that has gone on in my lifetime. 

Dunhelen Chapel and Assembly

A reminder that Chapel and Assembly are happening via Zoom. Students receive a link to Zoom in at a specific time on Mondays. It is wonderful to see the students and it helps us maintain a sense of connectedness. Each year level Assembly/Chapel only runs for 15 to 20 minutes. If your child is not attending, please speak to them about the importance of doing so.

Year 9 Food Studies and Year 8 Pizza Competition

Late last term, the Year 9 Food Studies group baked cookies and Mr Patchell was invited to taste and judge the cookies. While Mr Patchell was tasting cookies, Ms Armstrong was busy tasting and judging the Year 8 pizza competition. Here are a few photos of the students and their work.

Year 9 Cookies

Year 8 Pizza

VCE Subject in Year 10

I am receiving quite a few requests from Year 9 parents asking that their child be considered for a VCE subject in Year 10. Please note that the study of an accelerated subject is assessed on a case by case, student by student basis. There are many factors in determining who would be a suitable candidate for an accelerated subject. It must also be noted that not all students are suited to doing an accelerated subject and it must be researched by parents and students quite well before deciding. If your child is a candidate for a VCE subject in Year 10, Mr Patchell and I will be contacting you later in the year. 

Happy Term 3!