The Hamilton and Alexandra College Newsletter

Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning 

 

Social commentator Bernard Salt offered readers an interesting insight into his connection with careers and young people, in an article titled 'Pitch Perfect' (The Australian, 16/7/22). Playing on the idea of presenting a pitch to a new employer or a pitch to present your case per se seemed too good not to use with my Year 12 English students. We are currently preparing for a SAC - presenting a point of view and persuading the audience. I was struck by Salt's reference to the fact that 'show and tell is a kind of training for the modern workforce' and I would argue so is this assessment for the Year 12s. What you say and how you present is integrally linked to your self-confidence and preparedness to connect with your audience.

 

Salt says that 'no employer expects a 22 year old to offer insights into business but they do expect courtesy, warmth, self-confidence and a story'. And I would have to agree. Our young people at College are being prepared to be confident, articulate and thoughtful individuals. They are being challenged to communicate clearly and effectively, to engage with an audience and be specific about what they want, where they hope to go and how they will get there in a future or work or study.

 

I remind you - teachers, students and parents - that at The Hamilton and Alexandra College our role is to walk together and prepare our young people to make a perfect pitch. A pitch to a solicitor, a medical specialist and Agribusiness expert, a diesel mechanic, a designer, a nurse or administrator.  A pitch to confidently use their skills and knowledge to engage with work that they are passionate about and make a difference in the world.

 

This term all of our students are in the process of selecting subjects for their learning program in 2023. They will make choices, discuss programs with senior staff, seek advice from our careers practitioners and confirm a course of study. Emerge describes our Year 10-12 program, Explore is what our Year 8-9 students do as they experiment with a range of electives and our Year 7 students Engage with a core foundation program. 

 

Key Dates: Subject Selection

  • Week 1 Year 12 2023 Subject selection due 20/7/22
  • Week 2 Year 10/11 2023 SS due 29/7/22
  • EXPLORE Curriculum Information Session 28/7/22
  • Explore Student EXPO @ THAC 29/7/22

Please note that students in Year 11-12 2023 have been invited to participate in interviews to discuss subject selection and confirm their courses. In the coming weeks interviews will be organised for students in Year 10 2023 for those who need specific guidance. We look forward to partnering with you as we prepare your child’s program for next year.

 

What underpins all the work we do at College - the importance of people skills, to look someone in the eye, shake their hand, introduce themselves and make a pitch…"Hello, my name is…."

 

Susan Bradbeer

Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning

RIST Taster Day

On Monday 18 July, 14 of our students attended a Taster Day at RIST. The focus of the day included:

  • Agri Tech 
  • Agronomy 
  • Livestock
  • Shearing & Wool Handling

Students spent the day on various activities such as dog handling, shearing and analysing soil. They were able to have hands on experience in a wool shed with nationally renowned shearers. A highlight was observing Dr Kathyrn Robertson complete an autopsy on a ewe. We are thrilled to have our recently appointed Head of VET, Ms McGoon work with our students who are studying a VET subject.

 

Susan Bradbeer

Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning

Our Senior Library continues to offer a vibrant, welcoming, warm space for students to study.  The library is open at lunch time for students to work as well as after school for Academic Assistance from 3.45 pm – 5.45 pm Monday to Thursday.  These nights are supervised and supported by staff.  Monday and Wednesday nights have a Maths focus and Thursday nights have an English focus.

 

Making the most of Edrolo: VCE students have all been sent a link via TEAMS, encouraging them to watch the 5 minute video on how to use Edrolo to study effectively and revise for exams.  This is a valuable resource for students, and it is important that students learn how to use it well.  The hints shown on this video also translate to study generally.  Watching this will be 5 minutes well spent.

 

That link can be found here:

Using Edrolo to study effectively and revise for exams - YouTube

 

Lunchtime clubs: Our lunchtime clubs will continue to operate during Term 3 with Art Club on Monday and Chess Club on Tuesday.  New people are most welcome.  

 

The library also has a range of board games, so students are invited to seek out this warm space during lunchtime and enjoy a game with friends.  If any students are interested in a new club for Term 3, “Yarn” - to knit, stitch and chat, then please see Mrs Dempsey.

 

Premier’s Reading Challenge: Our Junior School students are making great progress with the Premier’s Reading Challenge.  Already 19% have completed the challenge!!  Thank you to parents who continue to assist with logging students’ books.  It is also wonderful to see the reviews coming in from students.  The challenge closes on September the 2nd – so 44 days left … keep reading.

 

Mrs Kym Dempsey

Head of Library and Information Services