DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING & LEARNING REPORT 

Vision for Teaching and Learning at St Mary MacKillop College - a statement that drives the development of a high performance learning culture at SMMC

At St Mary MacKillop College we have high expectations of our students as we equip them with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for lifelong learning. We pursue excellence through a teaching and learning environment that is inclusive, engaging and encourages growth. We value collaboration, innovation and building strong relationships.

We find ourselves almost at the end of Term 3, with one week to go before the holidays start. I hope our community has had a great term.

VCE Trial Exams and Exam Preparation

The first week of the upcoming holiday break provides an opportunity for our students completing Unit 3/4 subjects to rest and recharge away from their computer screens, to organise the notes and summaries they have made for their Unit 3/4 subjects, as well as reread novels and texts. This targeted preparation is the foundation for the trial exams that will start in week 2 of the holidays.

In preparation for the VCE exam period in October and November, all students studying a Unit 3/4 subject will complete trial exams during the September holiday break from Monday 30 September to Wednesday 2 October. These exams provide an opportunity for students to experience the same exam conditions as they will for their actual exams. The trial exams help to identify areas of strength and areas that require focus in the lead up to the VCE exams, and provide practice in time management. I wish our students all the best as they prepare for their exams. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We ask parents to support their child to approach the trial exams with determination and commitment.

It is important to keep in mind the following as you prepare for your exams:

• Be organised and prepare early rather than later. The more organised you are will assist in achieving success in your exams.
• Prepare a study plan and routine. Make sure you give yourself enough time to study for the exam. Studying in small blocks of time on a regular basis is more effective than revising once a week for a subject.
• Organise a study space away from distractions (turn off your phone and the television)
• Take regular breaks to recharge
• Study with a group of friends if that works for you, but make sure you remain focused
• Complete practice exams if available
• Actively seek feedback from your teachers when there is something you still need to clarify
• If you catch the bus to or from school, make use of that time to review your notes or cue cards
• Using online sites such as Quizlet might be useful for creating flashcards
• Approach your studies with a growth mindset. We know there are times for all of us when we face challenges, but if we approach things with a growth mindset then we are more likely to succeed.

When it comes to revising for exams (and SACs for that matter!), variety makes learning fun. I encourage our students to be innovative in the way they study for their exams. You might consider some of the following:

• Use a mini whiteboard to test yourself
• Use the voice record function on your phone and record responses to questions or summaries you can listen to later
• Handwrite flashcards (or create them on Quizlet) and test yourself as you walk around the block – exercise and study at the same time!
• Find some chalk and brainstorm a response to a question on the driveway at home

When our VCE/VCE VM / VPC students return in Term 4, they only have a couple of weeks of their secondary schooling left, and they need to maintain focus in order to achieve their personal best in their final SACs, assessment tasks and end-of-year exams. Many thanks to our committed staff who continue to support our VCE/VCE VM/VPC students in achieving their academic goals for 2024.

English Novels Early Orders

Students in Years 8-12 in 2025 are now able to purchase their English novels for next year, through the Campion Early Order link: https://order.campion.com.au?school-code=98E599E6. The Resource List code is 7V4W . 

It is highly recommended by your teachers that you purchase these texts for extended reading during the holiday period.

All orders are to be completed online by Wednesday 30th October 2024.  Please click on the link below to view the list of early resources for each year level. 

Powering up for a renewable energy future! 

Last week, a group of Year 7 and 8 students had the opportunity to learn and impact the lives of children living in energy poverty, by assembling almost 100 JuniorBuddy lights. This innovative program was delivered by Daniel and Ember from the Bendigo Tech School to educate students on the issue of energy poverty and inspire them to help create a brighter future for those who lack safe and sustainable sources of lighting. 

This practical program is aligned to the Sustainability Goals and creates real world impact*:

100 lights assembled

500 lives impacted 

730,000 extra study hours created at night over 3 years

100 family wages saved for 16 weeks

Equivalent of 2,130 seedlings planted over 10 years

128 tonnes of CO2 emissions reduced  

Ember Chittenden, Acting Director at Bendigo Tech school said that "this amazing initiative will truly give the gift of light, illuminating the futures of children living in energy poverty. It also helps our local students make a difference and build a deeper understanding of those impacted by energy poverty in developing communities." 

Together, the students at St Mary MacKillop College have joined the global movement for a sustainable world. Let's continue to spread light and hope, one solar buddy at a time!

* All calculations are based on field research conducted by SolarBuddy and their field partners, drawn by data metrics used by the US EPA website

Text provided by Ember Chittenden from the Bendigo Tech School.

We wish our community a safe and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school at the start of term 4, refreshed and re-energised for another term of learning.

Academic Recognition Program – from the Academic Captains

Over the past few weeks, teachers have nominated students from their Year 7 and 12 classes for academic excellence/class achievement and student endeavour.

Congratulations to the following Year 7 students for being nominated for academic excellence/class achievement and endeavour.

Academic excellence and/or class achievement: 

Ava Bissett, Ekamroop Kaur, Ella Davis, Emey Alexander, Francesca Bray, Georgia Martin, Hattie Merrett, Jed Ingram-Cutts, Larni O'Brien, Logan Sutterby, Shiman He, Sophie Kentish, Willow Smits

Student endeavour: Angus Potter, Brody Stevens, Byron Loats, Chance Kirby, Charlee Witty, Charli Woodward, Chelsea Tucker, Fox McMahon, Kelland Parsons, Lawson Buckley, Leila Krahnert, Maddyn Free, Marli Doyle, Parker Bray, Wajeha Erfani

Congratulations to the following Year 12 students for being nominated for academic excellence/class achievement and endeavour.

Academic excellence and/or class achievement:

Brooke Thomson, Ella Vrolijks, Gabby Atkinson, Miranda O'Sullivan, Tess Meney, Trinity Sutton, William Rush 

Student endeavour: Evita Caruso, Krystal Donohue, Mia Garner, Molly McGowan, Sean Adams, Tyson Zucco, Wilhelm Hawkins

Thank you to the Academic Committee for organising this initiative.

Nathan Lane

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning