Senior News

Monash Scholarship 2022-2024

Congratulations to Hannah G, Stephanie M and Sophie V, all in Year 10 Macedon, for being accepted to the Monash University Scholarship Program for 2022-2024. 

Students placed in the scholarship are the top academic achievers for their year level and have demonstrated outstanding community leadership. 

We wish the students every success for the next 3 years.

Peter Henderson- Head of House- Macedon

Year 12 English / EAL

Congratulations, Year 12 Students!

Last Wednesday, our English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) students completed one of their major VCE assessment tasks. This required them to independently research an issue currently facing Australia, then write and deliver a persuasive speech on their own point of view. 

Whilst voicing strong opinions may seem like a skill which comes naturally to teenagers, performing in front of a panel of teachers for assessment is a whole new challenge. 

For many students, this was a daunting experience, especially as the pandemic reduced opportunities to practise performing face-to-face over the past two years. 

However, despite some shaky hands and voices, our magnificent young people rose to the challenge and made their English teachers proud. 

Their speeches reflected an insightful and mature understanding of significant challenges currently faced by society and by members of our own school community. Many chose to advocate for the less privileged and spoke with so much passion and compassion that their proud teachers may have shed a tear or two.  

It is fair to say that our Vermont SC students clearly demonstrated that they care. They are ready to participate in society and approach their contributions with insight, purpose, fairness and respect. 

Students’ sophisticated understanding of topics from the housing crisis to the Royal Commission into Aged Care, from the plight of workers in the gig economy to climate change mitigation strategies was simply impressive. When the assessors came together at the end of the day to review this year’s performances, they had all learnt a thing or two and felt that our future is in good hands. 

We thank Year 12 English/EAL teachers who gave up their time, including during the school holidays, to guide students’ preparation – and of course we also thank the family members and friends of our students who helped them rehearse and gain confidence.

Ms Sabine Kioussis, EAL Leader

Ms Tarnya Greer, English Leader