Teaching & Learning
Interpreting your child’s Semester report
Semester 1 reports will be available to families through your child’s Compass portal on Friday 4th July.
Student reports provide a valuable insight into your child’s progress and achievement. They are an essential tool for parents, guardians, and students to understand how learning is developing across the Victorian Curriculum F–10 achievement standards and, for senior students, against the expected outcomes of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE and VCE-VM) pathways.
When interpreting your child’s report, it is important to understand the Achievement standards:
- A student assessed as "At Standard" is achieving the level of knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected for the end of the reporting period.
- A student assessed as "Above Standard" demonstrates knowledge and skills 6 months or more beyond what is expected at that stage of learning.
- A student assessed as "Working Toward" may still be making significant progress, but has not yet fully met the expectations for their year level.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the Semester 1 report with their child and take the time to:
- Celebrate achievements and progress made so far this year.
- Discuss any areas for improvement with a focus on growth, not just grades.
- Set realistic goals and strategies for Term 3 to support continued success.
Understanding and reflecting on feedback is a crucial part of the learning process. If you require assistance in accessing your child’s report, need help interpreting the results, or would like advice on strategies to support your child’s learning journey, please contact your child’s Year Level Leader.
More information can be found on the College Assessment and Reporting policy located on the College website.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s individual learning progress.
Instrumental Music Program
It’s been a fantastic term in the College’s music and instrumental programs!
In Week 5, Acacia and Banksia Year 9 music students came together for a recording incursion at Banksia. After weeks of rehearsal, they spent the day performing and recording their pieces – a great display of talent and teamwork.
Our Year 7 bands have also been busy preparing for their debut performances. Banksia’s Year 7s took the stage in Week 6, delivering an excellent first concert. Acacia’s Year 7s are set to perform on Monday, June 30 at 6pm in the Acacia Gym.
Senior bands and ensembles from both campuses, including the Acacia Stage Band, are now preparing for the Victorian School Music Festival in Term 3. Their progress was boosted by our first-ever college music camp at Arrabri Lodge – a great success! (See the full article by Band Managers, Asher and Justin.)
Banksia’s Year 8–12 ensembles will perform on Wednesday, July 2 at 4pm in the Banksia Theatre – all are welcome! This concert will include first performances from our Year 8s and the new Banksia Rock Band.🤘
Meanwhile, Acacia’s Year 8 Music Masters performed at the Harmony Day celebration and are now rehearsing for Term 3 visits to local primary schools to inspire future musicians.
As we look ahead to more performances and festivals, we remind students of the value of regular practice. Even short, consistent sessions help build skills and confidence. Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals can keep practice purposeful—and remember to have fun by playing music you enjoy!
Practice not only improves your playing, but also builds focus and discipline that supports learning across all subjects. So, take your instrument home and get playing!
Ms Pennefather - Banksia Music Leader
Music Camp
This week, Keysborough College attended its very first Music Camp!
With the combined excitement of a school camp and the band's musicality, the experience was filled with enthusiasm and eagerness from the students participating in the Music Program!
The College greatly displayed its RED values and great collegiality between the Acacia and Banksia Campuses as they embarked on a plethora of activities.
The main feature of the Music Camp was rehearsals in preparation for our Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF) Competition. There were daily rehearsals across the three days, experimenting and creating a more social and connected community by participating in ‘The Very Big Band’ rehearsal with all 72 students.
Of course, as in all camps, there were many opportunities to enhance our collegiality and have fun outside rehearsals! The first night of our stay, we watched a musical as part of our Movie Night, and our students joined in singing along to the songs.
On the second night, we (Justin and Asher) hosted a Trivia and Charades night for all the students and staff members to participate in. The winning team was tightly contested with the teachers, giving the staff a run for their money! This was followed by an Australian Bush Dance hosted by Jimmy Eng (Acacia Year 12) —a fun and thrilling experience for all! Lastly, it was a karaoke night with an exclusive teacher performance from Mr Kenneth and flash mob performance of ‘Careless Whisper’ on the Saxophone by Andy Truong (Acacia Year 12)! There was so much laughter - it was a very memorable night.
On the last day, to end it all, an outstanding performance from each band and ‘The Very Big Band’! Afterwards, we departed from camp, and our first-ever Music Camp had concluded!
Both our peers and even teachers had wonderful times during camp. It is not just a place to rehearse—it is a place to socialise and enjoy, create an exciting community, and especially give the students a well-deserved break after finishing the first semester!
Justin Dela Cruz and Asher Lilburne - Banksia and Acacia Band Managers