Assistant Principal (VM, 9/10) Report 

Report from Assistant Principal VM, Year 9/10

Travis McIntosh

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students of Middle School,

Week 6 marks the run home for students in Middle School, and with only two weeks left until the end of the semester, students are encouraged to continue working hard as they finalise their major assessments (CATs). These assessments determine the results on their school reports, and the level of achievement received in the form of a letter grade, which provides important feedback for both students and their families. This feedback offers an opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges experienced throughout the year, and to consider what can be done in the future to improve performance.

This period is soon followed by the Year 10 Exam Week, beginning on the 25th of November. This is an opportunity for students to consolidate what they have learned over the semester, and for some, a chance to redeem previous results and prove to themselves what they are capable of. I have provided a link below with the top 10 study tips that students may find useful in preparing for exams:

Top 10 Study Tipshttps://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/study/studying-and-exams/top-10-study-tips

Vocational Taster Experience Pilot

The Vocational Taster Experience Pilot is a Victorian Department of Education initiative that gives Year 9 and Year 10 students practical, curriculum-linked exposure to priority and growing industry sectors. Holmesglen’s pilot focuses on three key pathways:

• Construction Essentials

• Caring Careers (Health, Community, Early Childhood)

• Year 10 VET Taster (10-Week Program) – providing a select group of students with an in-depth series of learning experiences that build real-life skill sets and confidence to support their transition into further VET study.

All experiences were designed to create a deeper and more practical understanding of key industry areas while aligning with VETDSS and VET pathways. Students attended Holmesglen for a fully immersive experience in state-of-the-art, award-winning training facilities.

Congratulations to all participants in this year’s program. Below is an overview of the learning they engaged in.

Construction Essentials Overview

Students built skills across five core construction trades: tiling, carpentry, painting, plastering and bricklaying. Over the duration of the taster, they worked towards completing a chessboard project that they were able to take home—an ideal experience for hands-on learners who enjoy making, fixing and seeing immediate results.

Activities included:

• Tile Laying & Grouting – safety, fundamentals, adhesive application, spacing and finishing

• Timber-Frame Introduction – hand-saw technique, accurate cutting, joinery and carpentry skills

• Painting & Finishing – sanding, stencilling, coating methods, varnish and chemical safety

• Project Assembly – frame fitting, quality checks and final chessboard finishing

• Plastering – cutting, patching, flushing joints, tools and techniques

• Bricklaying Basics – mortar mixing, levelling, pyramid wall construction, decorative pier building and site clean-down

Caring Careers Overview

Students rotated through health, pathology, early childhood, nursing and community-services workshops to explore people-focused careers and gain a deeper understanding of industry pathways. This program was delivered across both Moorabbin and Chadstone campuses.

Activities included:

• Care in Motion (Allied Health): patient transfers, hygiene, food safety and care fundamentals

• Pathology – Swab to Science: specimen collection, slide staining and sample analysis• Early Childhood – Learn by Play: emotional literacy and communication with young learners

• Nursing – CPR Intensive: adult and child CPR and AED use• Healthcare Sustainability Escape Room: SDGs, problem-solving and PPE skills

• Dental Assisting & Technology: chairside protocols and model-casting technology

Congratulations to Year 10 Students

To all Year 10 students, congratulations on completing your time in Middle School. I wish you all the very best as you transition into Senior School, where your studies begin to take focus on life beyond secondary education.

To our Year 9 students, I look forward to working with you as you transition into Year 10 during Head Start and throughout 2025 as the leaders of Middle School.

Student Announcements

Congratulations to Baylee Filipaina for being selected to represent Victoria in Under 19 Ladies division at the upcoming 2025 Senior Indoor Netball Australia Nationals. We wish her all the best. 

Other News

Year 9 Wellbeing Day – Chesterfield Farm

Tuesday 25th November

A wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate the end of the year, take time out from the rigours of school, and reflect on their experiences.

Mr Travis Mcintosh

Assistant Principal (Yr 9-10)