SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

The Importance of Practice Exams for Year 8–11 Students

As we move into the end of Term Two our Year 8–11 students will be sitting practice exams in several subjects. These practice exams are a valuable opportunity to support student learning and growth, and we encourage families to view them as a key step in each student's educational journey.

Practice exams provide students with the chance to experience an exam environment without the pressure of formal assessment. This helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence in their ability to manage time, read questions carefully, and structure their responses under timed conditions. Importantly, sitting a practice exam is about more than just the grade. It’s an opportunity for students to identify what they know, what they still need to revise, and where their strengths and gaps lie. Teachers use the results to tailor future lessons and provide more targeted support.

Effective revision before a practice exam is essential. It encourages students to consolidate their knowledge and deepen their understanding. Developing revision techniques—such as summarising notes, creating flashcards, or practicing past questions—helps students take ownership of their learning and builds habits that will support them in later years, including during VCE.

Families can support revision by helping students create a quiet study space, encouraging regular study routines, and talking positively about the value of effort and persistence.

Getting used to the structure and expectations of formal assessments takes time. By sitting practice exams in the earlier years of secondary school, students become more familiar with exam-room conditions, such as working quietly, managing time effectively, and staying focused without distractions. These experiences help normalise the exam process and reduce stress when students approach senior assessments.

We are proud of how our students engage with these opportunities and encourage them to view practice exams as a step forward, not just a test. With support from home and school, we can help all students build the skills, confidence, and mindset to succeed.

If you have any questions about your child’s upcoming practice exams, please don’t hesitate to contact their teacher or year-level coordinator.

Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS)

Over the coming weeks, students will be invited to participate in the Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS)—an important annual survey conducted by the Department of Education.

This confidential survey gives students the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences about school life, including teaching and learning, student engagement, wellbeing, and safety. Their honest feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we can improve.

The AtoSS is important because student voice matters. When students feel heard, they are more engaged, connected, and empowered in their learning. The results from the AtoSS are used to inform school planning and decision-making, helping us create a learning environment where every student feels supported and can thrive.

We encourage all students to take the survey seriously and to know that their perspectives make a real difference. We have spoken to students about the survey and encouraged them to choose agree or disagree rather than neutral, so that the information provided is more accurate. We also thank families for supporting this process and reinforcing the message that each student’s voice is valuable and respected. Students will complete the survey in their classes over the next week.

If you have any questions about the survey or how the information is used, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can ensure that our school continues to grow as a safe, inclusive, and inspiring place to learn.

Focusing on Timely Feedback Through Compass

As part of our commitment to keeping families informed and engaged in student learning, we are continuing to focus on timely and ongoing reporting through Compass.

This means that instead of listing every individual learning task on the end-of-semester report, we are using Compass to provide regular feedback throughout the term. Learning tasks on Compass include assessment details, results, and comments from teachers—giving you real-time insight into your child’s progress and areas for growth.

We encourage all parents and carers to regularly check Compass to stay up to date with your child’s learning. This approach allows for more meaningful conversations at home and supports students in taking greater responsibility for their progress.

End-of-semester reports will still provide an overview of achievement and growth, but Compass is the best place to see the details of what your child is working on and how they’re going. If you need any support accessing or navigating Compass, please contact the school office—we’re happy to help.

Thank you for partnering with us in supporting student learning.