Student Engagement Team

 

Year 10, Year 11 & Year 12

Engagement Leader's Report

Reflecting on the last ten weeks - it is clear this has been an extremely busy (however rewarding) term. Our students have taken on many new challenges, showing real purpose and a strong desire to be the complete ‘Homesteader’. 

Learning went beyond the classroom with various class and year level excursions run across numerous domains.  

Our sports program has also been a major success, building school spirit, with the HSSC athletics day being a standout example of our students' hard work, determination and resilience. 

Finally, our recent PST conferences were a fantastic way to connect home and school, helping us celebrate student progress and support for future student successes.

Tim Harris - Leading Teacher - Engagement

Rescheduled SAC process

Thank you to many students who are attending their rescheduled SAC sessions afterschool when they have been absent on the day of their original SAC due to illness or an approved school event. This has been a new initiative this year to avoid student’s missing vital classroom instruction upon their return to school. 

A reminder that our rescheduled SAC sessions run in Assessment Centre room 1.01 from 3:20pm - 4:20pm. This afterschool rescheduled SAC session will be displayed on the students Compass Dashboard. It is the responsibility of the student to check their Compass dashboard and ensure they attend their rescheduled SAC session. 

Please note, if a student is absent on the day of a scheduled SAC/SACs, the student must obtain and submit a medical certificate within seven school days to receive a graded score for this assessment. If a student fails to submit a medical certificate for a day where they have missed a SAC, they are still required to attend the rescheduled afterschool SAC session though they will receive an ungraded (UG) result and the completion of the SAC can contribute to a student’s overall satisfactorily or not satisfactorily pass the Outcome/Unit, and a student will obtain 0% for the task as reflected on the end of Semester report.  

Policy for rescheduled SACs

During Term 1, students who were absent from a scheduled SAC during class time due to illness or a school-approved event were provided with a two-week window to complete the SAC in an afterschool session.

Following a review of our afterschool SAC reschedule process, this will now be strengthened to only allow students two consecutive afterschool SAC reschedule dates to complete their SAC following their absence from the original SAC date. 

This means that students who miss a SAC during scheduled class time (due to illness or a school approved event) will be scheduled into the very next afterschool SAC reschedule session. If they fail to attend this afterschool SAC reschedule session, their final opporunity will be the very next session. 

If a student does not attend either of these two opportunities, then a meeting will be scheduled with the student, their family and the relevant Student Manager to discuss the circumstances regarding why the student has failed to complete the assessment during the reschedule sessions. Students and their families need to be aware that failure to attend the rescheduled SAC sessions can result in a N result for the Outcome and Unit overall. 

We believe this change will support students in completing assessment tasks in a timely manner while maintaining fairness and consistency across all year levels.

Please remember, if a student is absent also on the rescheduled SAC date, the student is required to provide a medical certificate for this absence to receive a graded score for the assessment. 

Please note that if a student does not submit a new medical certificate for this absence during the rescheduled SAC session, the student is still required to sit the SAC during the next available rescheduled SAC session, for Satisfactory or Non-Satisfactory purposes only; however, the task will not receive a score and will be recorded as ungraded, with 0% reflected on the Semester Report. 

Furthermore, an extended family holiday is not an approved absence and therefore the student will be scheduled into an afterschool rescheduled SAC session to complete this assessment however, will be awarded an ungraded result (UG).  

Please ensure to contact the relevant Student Manager or Tim Harris the Engagement Leader if you have any further questions regarding our College’s rescheduled SAC process. 

Candice Smith - Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Year 10 Report

Term 1 is drawing to a close Year 10’s! 

As we take a moment to reflect on the term so far, we are incredibly proud of the way our students have embraced their journey as Homesteaders!

Our recent Luna Park transition day was a fantastic highlight, symbolising what we like to think of as the “official indoctrination” into the Homestead community. It was wonderful to see students building connections, stepping outside their comfort zones, and truly beginning to feel a sense of belonging within our college.

We have also been thrilled with the positive start across the board. Students have shown great commitment in developing routines, engaging with their learning, and building their understanding of course content. Just as importantly, they have demonstrated a growing awareness of our college values and policies, helping to foster a respectful and supportive environment for all.

Looking ahead, we are entering an important phase of the term. Exam workshops will be commencing soon, followed by senior school exams. We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities, as they are designed to build confidence, strengthen skills, and support success in assessments.

As the holiday break approaches, we hope all members of our community take the time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a well-earned break. Whether travelling, spending time with family, or simply relaxing at home, please remember to stay safe and look after one another.

Thank you for your continued support in making Homestead such a positive and thriving community.

Isaac Duffy & Lauren Romanczukiewicz

Year 11 Report 

As Term 1 draws to a close, our primary objective remains assisting Year 11 students as they settle into their VCE studies. This pivotal phase brings new responsibilities, such as managing a heavier workload, fostering personal autonomy, and meeting more rigorous academic standards.

To help students adapt, the College offers dedicated wellbeing support and advice on balancing school life with personal time. Our staff are collaborating with students to build effective study habits, handle stress effectively, and keep up with their curriculum requirements. We invite parents and guardians to support these efforts by encouraging consistent study routines at home and reaching out to teachers. Students who need extra assistance should reach out to their subject teachers or the Engagement and Wellbeing team directly.

Year 11 Student Guidelines at Homestead:

• Dedication to Studies: Submit all work on time, prepare diligently for SACs and exams, and stay organized. Use the S Checklist to track your goals and aim for success in Units 1 and 2.

• Punctuality and Attendance: Be present and ready for every lesson. A reminder that the school day starts at 8:45am with Period 0.

• Active Participation: Join in class discussions, ask for help when needed, and use feedback to grow. We recommend visiting the Homework Club on Thursday’s afterschool.

• Respectful Conduct: Follow school values by treating staff and classmates with respect to ensure a welcoming learning atmosphere.

• Pathways Planning: Start looking into career paths and their requirements. Keep updated by reading the Pathways Newsletter on Compass.

• Prioritize Wellbeing: Balance your academic stress with healthy habits. Support services are always open to students who need guidance or someone to talk to.

Lachlan Mallia & Nerida Michetti

Year 12 Report 

The Year 12 cohort has made a fantastic and purposeful start to the year, setting a positive tone for the months ahead. It has been particularly encouraging to see so many students approach their learning with focus and determination, with many already completing their first round of SACs to a strong standard. These early assessments are an important milestone, and students should be commended for the effort they have invested in preparing for them. As always, we encourage all students to continue reflecting on their progress and seeking feedback to further strengthen their performance as the year unfolds.

A highlight of the term was our Athletics Day,  which was a wonderful celebration of school spirit and community. Year 12 students led the way with outstanding participation across a wide range of events, demonstrating both enthusiasm and teamwork. It was fantastic to see so many creative and entertaining costumes on display, adding to the energy and excitement of the day. Moments like these play an important role in building connections and creating lasting memories in students’ final year.

Students also had the opportunity to attend the VCE workshops, which provided valuable insights into effective study habits, exam preparation, and strategies for success throughout the year. These sessions are an important part of supporting students as they navigate the demands of Year 12, and we hope they feel more confident and well-equipped moving forward.

Looking ahead, there is a growing sense of excitement for the upcoming Year 12 Camp, which will take place in Week 1 of Term 2 (Wednesday to Friday). Planning is well underway, with cabins organised and activities selected, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all involved. Camp is always a highlight of the Year 12 calendar, offering students a chance to strengthen friendships, step outside their comfort zones, and create lasting memories together. I am very much looking forward to joining the cohort for what promises to be an engaging, rewarding, and memorable experience.

Ben Jackson