From Tim Campbell

The term that was

What an exciting, jam-packed Term we have had. With numerous extra-curricular activities and learning opportunities taking place, it would be remiss of us as a College not to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our students, our staff and our College community.

This term we have participated in Parish Masses, Mother’s Day Mass, Reconciliation Week Mass, ANZAC Day ceremonies, Outdoor Education excursions, Careers Expos, Swimming programs, Year 9 camp, School Cross Country and numerous interschool sporting events, to name just a few. We also held our College Open Day, Information Evening for prospective families and our 2025 Year 9 – 11 Subject Selection Information Evening.

Our College has a great history of providing the best opportunities we can for our students across a broad range of curriculum areas and we will continue to do so as best we can into the future.

Reports and Accessing PAM

Reports for Semester 1 will be released in Week 11 and will be accessible via PAM. For those of you who do not know how to access PAM, please visit our website (see top right) or alternatively, go to: https://pam.sakyabram.catholic.edu.au/Login/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f

If you have forgotten or lost your login details, please contact the College.

For students in Years 5-12, assessment tasks and comments are uploaded throughout the semester and can also be accessed via PAM.

Extended holidays

If you and your family are planning an extended holiday during the school term, please contact Nicole Elliott to discuss how the College can best support you during this time.

General Assessment Test (GAT) – Tuesday 18 June

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills taken by students in the course of completing their senior secondary studies.

The GAT plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments and also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards expected at a senior secondary level.

What is the GAT?

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a standardised test that assesses general knowledge and skills in areas such as writing, mathematics, science, and humanities. It is an essential part of the curriculum and helps gauge students' overall educational development.

Who Needs to Take the GAT?

Both Sections A and B

Students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence, including:

• students not planning to undertake scored assessment
• students who have met the literacy and numeracy standards in a previous year

Section A only

Students enrolled in one or more VCE Vocational Major (VM) Unit 3–4 sequence but who are not enrolled in any VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequences

If a student has already met the standards in a previous year and they are enrolled in VCE VM but not in any VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequences, they will not be expected to sit Section A. However, they may opt to do so if they wish.

Preparation for the GAT

To help students prepare effectively, our teachers have been integrating GAT preparation into their lessons and providing study resources. We encourage students to:

Review Past Papers: Practicing with past GAT papers can help students become familiar with the format and types of questions they will encounter.

Focus on Core Skills: Emphasising critical reading, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills will be beneficial.

Maintain a Balanced Routine: Ensure students get adequate rest, nutrition, and relaxation leading up to the test.

On the Day of the GAT

Here are a few important reminders for the day of the test:

Arrival: Students should arrive at school by 8:30 am to ensure they are settled and ready for the test, which will commence promptly at 9:00 am.

What to Bring: Students must bring their photo ID, pens, pencils, an eraser, and a ruler. A clear water bottle is also recommended.

Support and Resources

We understand that tests can be a stressful experience, and we are here to support our students every step of the way. College staff are available for any student who may feel anxious or stressed about the test. Additionally, parents can help by providing a calm and supportive environment at home.

If you have any questions or need further information about the GAT, please do not hesitate to contact the College office or your child's teachers. We are committed to ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Tim Campbell

Deputy Principal

Student Learning & Professional Practice