In a year like this, connecting back to learning has never been so important. Returning to face-to-face learning has been challenging for some students and easy for others. However, we are very proud of the way our students have transitioned back this term.

Our Year 12 students are into their final week of VCAA exams, with many students having now completed all their external exams. There is no doubt that our students are applying themselves to their learning and are rightly proud of their progress. Our Year 11 VCE students have also completed their exams now, although nervous, have every right to be proud of the learning that has taken place.

As we draw closer to the end of the year, we acknowledge there is still much to do in terms of adjusting to this ‘COVID Normal’. We continue to add extra emotional, wellbeing supports as well as additional supports to ensure all students have returned to face-to-face learning in the best possible way. We expect to have a comprehensive suite of Tutors in place in 2021, in line with the Department of Education and Training announcements. If you are worried about your child and how they are coping with the return to school, please let us know so that we can put the appropriate supports in place.

2021 Induction & Preparation Program

All families and students should have received a detailed letter from via Compass outlining the details of our two week 2021 Induction & Preparation program, commencing on Tuesday 23 November and running to Friday 4 December for 2021 Year 11 & 12, thus Years 10 & 11 roll over to 2021 Year 11 & 12 classes.

The purpose of the Induction & Preparation Program is to empower the individual student through flexible, targeted and engaging curriculum, building and developing positive relationships with others and collectively enhancing the school community.

In 2021, all schools must focus on 3 key priority areas. These are mandated AIP priority areas by DET and will be the focus of our induction program and AIP for 2021.

1. Learning catch-up and extension

a.Transitions

b.Introduce next year’s curriculum program

c.Response to COVID - curriculum design and adjustments

2. Happy active and healthy students

a.Build rapport and relationship with staff

3. Connected schools

a.Introduce key programs for induction

b.Enhance school culture and House culture

In addition to starting their 2021 classes, students are participating in various sessions and activities focusing on the essentials to success in Year 11 & 12, these will all follow key COVID safe guidelines.

The program will finish with an Engagement Day on Friday 4th December - This will be run on the final day of the Induction & Preparation Program which will take place on Friday 4th December. The intent is to engage students in staff led activities that serve to develop and recognise relationships as a significant contributor to school connectedness, social and emotional wellbeing and academic achievement.

READINESS FOR LEARNING

The key to success is organisation so students are being encourage to arrive to class with all of their equipment being ready to learn. This means bringing the correct books, pens and other equipment you might need for particular classes. We have noticed in particular students are not always bringing their fully charged laptop to classes. Many are saying they forgot or don’t have one. At Tarneit Senior College we have a 1:1 laptop policy which means every student should have their own dedicated device. It is crucial these devices are brought to school fully charged each day. We have an excellent IT Department who will service any issues on student laptops. Ensuring students are bringing and using their own equipment is also very COVID safe and helps us to continue to keep our community safe.

Kind Regards,

Simon Haber

College Principal

Congratulations Tyla