Clyde North Campus News

Term Four  - Welcome back

It hardly seems anytime since we finished term three and left for holidays and now, here we are at the end of week two term four. 

Term four brings sunshine, warmth and longer days. It also brings much excitement as students experience finishing their current year level and moving into the next during November with Head Start. 

Our focus for the first three weeks of the term is of course on the year 12 students as they prepare to leave and adjust to exams, work, further study, and life beyond the gates of St. Peters. They can leave full of confidence that they have the support of the St. Peter’s Community now and always. 

Over the next week we have several celebratory events for the year twelve students and their families, including a Graduation College Assembly, Graduation Mass, and Valedictory dinner. This year we have been so fortunate that remote learning was not part of our landscape. This has meant that the year twelve students had the task of modelling to their peers what it means to be a senior student at St Peter’s College in person and not through the lens of zoom. This is a critical role for senior students because after all every year seven student from their first day at high school longs to be a year twelve student. This year’s seniors have set a fine example for our juniors.

Alongside the year twelve activities, term four is busy with things including year nine camp, the Art, Design and Technology Exhibition, the 2023 Year seven welcome evening and Retreat for the year twelve 2023. 

This week I was very privileged to be invited to be an assessor for the Year twelve VCAL Project Presentation Evening.  This is the finale for the year twelve VCAL students. They present their work in front of their parents and members of the College leadership and VCAL team. It was my honour to be the assessor for Chelsea, Mana and Hanoor who excelled in bringing to life their year’s work in a ten-minute presentation. It is a special evening as parents marvel at the significant series of achievements their child has produced through out the year.  Such achievements include, on average seven certificates including first aid, CPR, RSA (responsible serving of alcohol), food handling, and VET certificates in a range of career options.  The highlight for was the Story Book each student had to write for young children. Mana’s story of a homeless child was touching but hopeful as he was able to narrate a way forward for the young child through the discovery of friendship.  From story books, academic debate on critical social issues and the $20 Boss entrepreneur project each student was able to fully articulate the learning and personal growth they experienced because of the VCAL pathway. Well done to all and thank you for allowing me to be part of your final assessment.

As one senior pathway ends with the completion of projects and modules, other students choosing the VCE pathway are about to enter their final period of examinations.

So, what better time for VCE parents, caregivers and guardians to equip yourself with some tips and ticks on managing and supporting your son or daughter as they prepare for these exams via this very useful resource from School TV.

In this edition of SchoolTV - EXAM JITTERS

Every year, more and more emphasis is placed on achieving good results in exams causing many students to feel extraordinary pressure and having unrealistic expectations. This month on SchoolTV, parents will find advice on how to help students cope with the pressure and how students can work smarter to achieve the results they desire.

Exams are like a game. Once you know how to play the game, your chances of achieving great results rapidly increase. Parents can learn how to assist their kids to maintain perspective and keep their sanity intact during exam time.

Diet, exercise and sleep all play an important part in helping a student balance a busy schedule and study smarter. Keeping stress levels to a minimum and reducing anxiety can be easily achieved through careful planning and having a supportive environment.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Exam Jitters edition of SchoolTV

A Shared luncheon

A very special thank you to the year twelve students who provided such a wonder array of food for the shared luncheon with their teachers this week. It is a long-time tradition that our seniors join their teachers in the staff room, sharing food and stories of their time at the college.  A tradition that we have not been able to enjoy during the COVID years. Its return was indeed welcomed.

Next week we will conclude our graduation celebrations and traditions and we give thanks that we are able to do this in person with each other cherishing the past, thankful for the present and hope filled for the future.

I wish you all a safe and productive week.

Julie Banda

Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus