9-12 Community News
As we approach the last weeks of what has been another busy term at St Augustine’s College, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our students, staff and families for your continued support throughout this term. The students are to be commended on the resilience they have shown in ensuring that they have maintained their positivity and application to their studies and the life of the College throughout the long and busy term.
Year 9 Camp
Week 7 saw the Year 9 students attend their camp, at Camp Jungai, Rubicon. The conditions were ideal for the camp, while the students experienced high ropes, canoeing, bush walks, learning bush skills and indigenous games and cultural activities. The way in which the students engaged with the staff and activities, and supported each other as students faced challenges which took them into the ‘stretch zone’, was very impressive. A report from Lily S is presented below.
On the 29th of May, our Year 9 students went to Camp Jungai in Rubicon. Students arrived at 12:00pm and once off the bus the students ate their packed lunch and went to find out their cabin and activity groups. There were 10 cabins for the students and each cabin had an aboriginal tribe as their cabin identification. For example cabin group 5 was Yorta Yorta.
There were four different groups for the activities and 10 activities completed over the course of three days. One of the activities completed were bush skills in which we built a shelter in a small group of our choice and learned how to set up, build and light a campfire. We also all gave the high ropes a shot and competed on who could go the highest. We then had our dinner which was a baked dinner consisting of potato, peas and chicken. For dessert custard and apple pie was served. After dinner students went into the carpeted room and learned all about Aunty's culture. She also shared some Dreamtime stories with us and the importance of looking after each other and the land. On the 30th of May we completed more activities but before we did we had a good breakfast. All students had croissants or juice. Another activity was one in which the students would be given a word and use the environment to explain the word. We then participated in canoeing which was a group favourite. We played multiple games in the water and a lot of students went back to their cabin drenched. For lunch we had jacket potatoes. Students also went for a bush walk and collected a stick for the later activity. Another activity was painting a story in aboriginal signing to hang up at school. That night after dinner everybody went into the carpeted room and did some Puzzle with Hubble trivia. The next morning on the 31st of May, we had some cereal and/or toast for breakfast and made aboriginal message sticks out of the sticks we previously found and string or feathers. Our last activity was playing a game all together passing the ball ten times without it hitting the ground. We all had morning and afternoon tea between activities and made subway sandwiches for our lunch on the 31st. The camp was educational to all about aboriginal tribes and an overall great experience for everyone.
GAT - 18 June
June 18th will see the Yr 11 and 12 students undertake the General Achievement Test (GAT), an important examination in the overall VCE journey for our students. In preparation for the GAT, students had the opportunity to complete a practice test in Week 7.
Students received the details of the GAT through a brochure (detailed below) and in seminars conducted at school.
The GAT is compulsory for all Yr 11 and 12 students who are undertaking Unit 3/4 subjects and/or scored VET courses. There will be no VCE classes on this day.
Success Integrated
Last week, our Year 9 and 10 students heard from Darren Pereira from Success Integrated.
Our Year 9 students participated in a presentation titled, ‘Power to Persist’. This program is designed to develop resilience and grit in students. Research suggests that students that are equipped to deal with setbacks, disappointments and failure in a healthy way, are able to handle the pressures they face socially, academically and emotionally; both within and outside of school. Our Year 9 students thoroughly enjoyed the engaging presentation and learnt some valuable strategies to help them on their way to achieving success.
To coincide with the subject selection process for 2025, the Year 10 students were involved in the highly engaging program, ‘Pathways to Success’. This seminar was specifically designed to help students to identify and align their innermost desires to their talents and unique abilities, to set goals and develop a plan of action to achieve it. Students learned ways to develop powerful strategies to become and stay motivated during their senior years and how to boost their confidence. The workshop provided valuable information to help our students plan and decide on their pathways for the future.
For education to be successful it must work as a partnership. This partnership between the school, the student and parents is crucial for ensuring positive and successful outcomes. When a teacher sets homework, assignments or a task to be completed, the expectation is that the student completes this to the best of their ability, to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and understanding, so formative or summative assessment can take place. If the student fails to submit the work or fully complete the task, it makes assessing, grading and reporting very difficult. As parents and caregivers, we can play an important supportive role by having conversations with our children about school work, assignments and homework and help support and encourage them to complete these requirements in a timely manner.
Research suggests that children are more successful in school if parents are able to take an active interest in their education as it demonstrates to the child that what they do is important. As parents and caregivers, you can support your child/ren by demonstrating what good organisation looks like and helping them with some study skills. Sometimes, you can also assist by simply encouraging your child/ren to have a break if they have been stuck on the same question or task for an extended period of time.
Below is an image and a link to the Success Integrated website that provides access to a study timetable that can be customised to suit individuals.
https://successintegrated.com/tools/
Password: SMBTI
Work Experience
In Week 11, the students of 10A will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the world of work, commencing their Work Experience placements at workplaces including local Primary Schools, Plumbers, Electricians, Accounting firms, Real Estate Agents, Mechanics workshops, and Pharmacies. We wish our students all the best and hope that this experience will provide them with an understanding and appreciation of the possibilities for ‘life after school’.
In week 11, students will receive their reports. During the term break, we encourage students to reflect upon the feedback and look at opportunities to improve and grow. Learn the lessons of what has created success and what has held you back. When you return for Term 3, build on the good habits and consider what makes for success in the classroom.
As a term comes to an end, it is always good to reflect upon the great things that have been achieved during the term and think about areas in our day-to-day schooling that we may be able to improve upon in preparation for Semester Two.
We trust you all have a restful break and stay safe. We look forward to working with you in Term 3.
Michelle Downie Brad Downie
9-12 Community Leader 9-12 Community Leader
Wellbeing and Community Student Learning and Professional Practice