Principal's Post
Italian Study Tour
Wishing all the students and staff embarking on the Italian Study Tour from the College an incredible and enriching experience! May this journey deepen your understanding of Italy’s rich culture, history, and language. Enjoy every moment, from exploring iconic landmarks to connecting with the local traditions. Stay curious, embrace new experiences, and return with unforgettable memories and newfound knowledge. Safe travels, and may this adventure inspire and transform you all! Buon viaggio!
Year 12, 2025 Retreat
The 2025 Year 12 Transition Program commenced on Wednesday and Thursday of this week with the Year 12 Retreat. For all the Year 12 students and staff at Mazenod College this was a truly meaningful and transformative retreat experience. This special time was an opportunity for reflection, growth, and connection, both individually and each other. I hope that the Year 12s find inspiration, strength, and clarity as they navigate the final year of their journey at Mazenod. I am confident that this group will embrace the chance to deepen their faith, build lasting memories, and strengthen the bonds of friendship. May this retreat bring peace, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose as you continue to strive towards your goals. Best wishes for a memorable and enriching Year 12 experience!
Unit 3/4 VCE Exams
A letter was sent home during the week to both parents and students sharing information from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, following the errors with this year’s VCE exams. The letter outlined the process to ensure each student is marked fairly. When the marking of each examination is complete, the VCAA will use statistical analyses and additional student data to identify whether there is evidence that any student has gained an unfair advantage over other students. This is called the Anomalous Grade Process.
Following this process, if questions are identified as providing any student with an unfair advantage, appropriate adjustments to student marks will be made. This includes invalidating questions and awarding all students full marks for that question, if necessary. Please be assured that if students have accessed the published material on the sample examination covers, this will not be considered a breach of the rules. The VCAA has published information including Q&As on their website, see: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au
For other questions or additional support, please speak to our Dean of Studies Mr. Chris Pye.
Staff Professional Learning
On Friday November 22, all staff had the pleasure of joining St Bede’s College in a full day of professional learning facilitated by Professor Dylan Wiliam. Professor Wiliam’s career has spanned decades and continents. After completing degrees in mathematics and physics, he taught in inner-city schools in London before moving into academia. He held key positions at University College London, King’s College London, and the Institute of Education, and his work has had a profound influence on educational practice worldwide. His academic and professional contributions have been instrumental in shaping policy, improving teaching, and fostering innovation in schools everywhere.
His influential books, including Embedded Formative Assessment, Creating the Schools Our Children Need, and his recent work with Arran Hamilton and John Hattie – “Making Room for the Impact” have all become foundational texts for educators and school leaders alike. His work is more relevant than ever, especially as we navigate the emerging role of artificial intelligence in education. Thank you for the generosity of St Bede’s College staff in hosting the event.
All the best,
Dr Paul Shannon
Principal