From the Deputy Principal – Strategic Development & Organisation

It is fair to say that Summer has long gone, the days are colder and with this is the signal for all students to buckle in for solid blocks of learning leading up to peak assessment season. This is the time for students to be present, not just in respect to attendance but also showing up for classes ready to engage with the learning on offer.

Summative Assessment and Communication with Teachers

As we dive into the middle of the semester, it's crucial to keep ourselves informed and equipped with the tools necessary to perform to our best academically. Here we will discuss the significance of summative assessments, effective study habits, communicating with teachers, and the importance of Student Learning Conferences

Summative Assessments: What They Mean

Summative assessments are an essential part of our academic journey. They evaluate student learning at the end of a unit by comparing it against the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). These assessments provide valuable insights into what students can do, say, make and write and where they may need additional support. Whether it's a project or a presentation, summative assessments help students gauge their understanding of the material and guide our teachers throughout the teaching and learning process. Remember, they're not just about grades; they're about understanding and growth. Summative assessments will be available to parents and guardians at the end of the semester, however, you will be able to see some assessments after May 24th on the SPACE class pages.

Study Habits to Achieve Goals

Success in academics often hinges on the habits we cultivate. Establishing effective study habits is key to achieving our goals. Here are some tips to help you maximise your study sessions:

● Create a designated study space free from distractions.

● Break down your study material into manageable chunks.

● Use active learning techniques like summarising, teaching, and self-testing.

● Maintain a balanced schedule that includes regular breaks and sufficient rest.

● Stay organised by using planners or digital tools to track assignments and deadlines.

By adopting these habits, you'll not only enhance your learning experience but also alleviate stress by feeling organised.

Communicating with Teachers

Effective communication with teachers is vital for a fruitful learning experience. Whether students or parents have questions about the material, need clarification on an assignment, or require extra support, don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers. They're here to help you succeed and are more than willing to provide guidance and assistance. Remember to be respectful, proactive, and specific in your communication to ensure that your needs are addressed effectively. The best way to contact subject teachers is through email where a meeting or phone call can then be organised.

General Achievement Test (GAT) 2024

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the upcoming General Achievement Test (GAT) for all Victorian students undertaking VCE and VCE VM studies.

The 2024 GAT will be held on Tuesday, June 18th, and all students undertaking Unit 3 & 4 VCE, Senior VCAL and those studying a Unit 3 & 4 VET must attend.

It is essential that students arrive on time and bring the necessary equipment, including pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, and a calculator. Please note that mobile phones and other electronic devices are not permitted in the examination room.

We encourage all students to take the GAT seriously and to prepare thoroughly for the assessment.

The GAT is an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, and to show how they have developed throughout their VCE studies.

Completing the GAT can have several benefits, including:

1. Preparation for other standardized tests: The skills required to do well on the GAT, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis, are transferable to other standardized tests such as the UMAT / UCAT or Casper.

2. Improved academic performance: By taking the GAT, students can gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses in various subjects. This can help them to focus their efforts on areas where they need more support, leading to improved academic performance.

3. Better university prospects: Some universities in Australia use the GAT as a selection criterion for their courses, particularly those that are in high demand. Doing well on the GAT can therefore increase a student's chances of being accepted into their desired course.

4. Enhanced employability: From 2022, VCE and VCAL students will receive a statement of their GAT results, which will indicate whether they have ‘not demonstrated’, ‘demonstrated’ or ‘demonstrated at a high level’ literacy and numeracy standards. Employers in some industries may ask for GAT scores as an indicator of a candidate's aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving. Having a strong GAT score can therefore improve a student's employability in these industries.

5. Personal development: The GAT is designed to challenge students and push them to think critically about a range of complex issues. Completing the test can therefore help students to develop important skills such as resilience, perseverance, and self-motivation.

We wish all students the best of luck in the upcoming GAT, and we look forward to seeing the great results that our students will achieve.

There will be no Year 11 or 12 classes running on Tuesday 18th June. Students in Year 11 not involved in the GAT are not required to be at school. Supervised study will be available if required.

Year 10 Work Experience

Our annual Year 10 Work Experience program will run in June and allow students to discover an industry or specific job for a week to gain valuable insight and assist with future course and career decisions.

Forms were due back to the office at the start of the term. We still have several students looking for placement. If you can help by placing a student in the week of Monday 3rd June to Friday 7th June, please let Jenny Damon know via email at jdamon@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au

Year 11 Structured Work Placement

Our Vocational Major students have a two-week block release for structured workplace learning. If you can help by placing a student in the period of Monday 3rd June to Friday 14th June, please let Jo Knox know via email at jknox@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au

Elevate Education Parent Webinar Seminars

Elevate Education continues to provide parents of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional Student College exclusive access to their Parent Webinar Series for Term 2, 2024.

To reserve your spot, you can register for free below,

Wednesday 22nd May

How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams

Click here to register for free

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:

✅ Prioritise your child’s high-impact work to maximise marks

✅ Improve your child’s time management to avoid last-minute preparation

✅ Help your child study effectively using past papers

Wednesday 5th June Help Support Your Child During Exams

Wednesday 19th June Ask Me Anything (Live Q&A)

The webinars are run live online from 6.30pm – 7.30pm (AEST) where the presenter will share Elevates key research and skills, and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly. If you are unable to make the webinar, don't worry! If you sign up to attend, you'll receive the webinar recording on Thursday morning.

Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below.

📞 1300 667 945

✉️ auscoaching@elevateeducation.com

💻 https://au.elevateeducation.com

👍 https://www.facebook.com/ElevateEd/

Music @ MMCRC

Beth Winterhalter - Instrumental Music Coordinator