Learning and Teaching
Remote Learning Update
Most students have settled into the remote learning process and they continue to make the most of the learning opportunities available. We ask that parents ensure that students are engaging in each lesson during the day.
Whilst we aim to continue to deliver a rigorous learning program, it is essential that students manage screen time carefully. Remember to review the Marian College Remote Learning Protocols for Students and Families, which include a plan of a “sample student day”. This builds in time for screen breaks and other activities. A copy is available on the SEQTA Welcome Portal Page.
Teachers will continue to deliver a balanced mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning takes place in real time with the teacher and a group of learners, for example, through a live “Google Meet”. Asynchronous learning is more learner-centred with tasks being set for students to work on in a more self-directed way, at their own pace, with teachers on-hand to provide guidance and feedback.
Whilst we know that this is not ideal, we are confident that with the programs and resources in place provide the opportunity for students to continue to make progress. In particular, this is an opportunity to develop the skills and capabilities of the resilient, independent, assessment-capable Marian Learner.
Subject Selection Processes
We are now underway with the subject selection process for Year 10, 11 and 12 students for 2022. However, given the current situation with lockdown and remote learning, we have had to adapt. Again, we are unable to hold our annual Marian College Pathways Expo and Subject Information Evening. Instead, there will be Pathways and Subject Selection Information Webinars for parents and students on Monday 2 August and the plan, at this stage, is to run a mini tertiary expo at school on the afternoon of 2 August for students only.
All details will be provided via a letter to be sent out via Operoo over the coming days.
In addition, students will have information sessions during their remote or onsite learning program with information provided by key staff including Learning Leaders and teachers. Year 9 students participated in their iExplore Unplugged Day on Friday 16 July where they had an opportunity to hear information about Senior Pathways and the Year 10 Program at Marian College. They also had an opportunity to meet with Learning Leaders and ask questions.
All Year 10 students have competed the Morrisby Profile and almost all have had a one-to-one mentoring session with one of our Careers and Pathways Staff. Homeroom/Mentor Teachers and other selected staff provide additional mentoring for students through this process. More information will be provided in forthcoming pastoral care sessions.
Applications for VCE and VET Accelerated Studies open this week and close on Wednesday 4 August. As one component of our Marian Accelerated Learning Track Program, students who have demonstrated excellence in achievement and Marian Learning Behaviours may apply for one or two VCE and VCE VET Accelerated Studies for 2022.
The subject handbooks and all other information related to the subject selection process will be available on the Subject Selection Information Portal Page on SEQTA.
Reporting to Parents
Semester Reports were published on SEQTA for all Year 7 to 12 students on Friday 16 July. These reports provide us with a valuable opportunity to review the progress of our students. Some students will be recognised for academic excellence. Other students will be recognised as exemplary Marian Learners based on learning behaviours on the report. Teachers will use this information to monitor student progress and target their teaching programs.
Our next Parent - Teacher - Student Conferences are scheduled for 12 August and will be again conducted via Google Meet. These conferences provide an important opportunity for you to talk with your daughter and her subject teachers about her learning and progress. These conversations provide valuable feedback on areas of strength and areas where improvements can be made. Strategies can then be discussed and implemented.
Furthermore, for students in Years 9, 10 and 11, the interviews provide another important opportunity to discuss pathways and subject selection for 2022, before choices need to be finalised.
Jane Goddard
Assistant to the Principal - Learning and Teaching