Senior School

Easter: A Beacon of Redemption and Sacrificial Love

As we approach the Easter holidays, our attention turns to the profound message of redemption and sacrificial love that the season brings. Easter is more than a mere holiday marked by colourful eggs and chocolate bunnies; it is a sacred time when we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for us—the sacrifice that brings a promise of hope, forgiveness, and eternal life for all.

As we prepare to spend time with friends and family in celebration, Easter reminds us of Christ’s journey to the cross. His willingness to bear our sins, to endure unimaginable suffering, and to conquer death itself is itself a testament to His boundless love for humanity. Through His sacrifice, we can each find redemption, a second chance, a fresh start, and the promise of reconciliation with God.

Just as Christ willingly laid down His life, we are called to lay down our burdens, our pride, and our selfish desires at the foot of the cross. In doing so, we discover the transformative power of grace. Our mistakes, our brokenness, and our shortcomings are not the end of the story; but speak to the beginning of redemption.

As parents and teachers, we have a unique opportunity to model Christ’s sacrificial love to those young lives which have been placed in out care. We can teach them that love is not merely a feeling, but an action, a conscious choice to put others before ourselves. When we sacrifice our time, our comfort, and our resources for the sake of our family, friends, and community, we mirror Christ’s selflessness and guides our journey with Christ.

Psalm 119:105 beautifully captures the essence of our journey:

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

This kind of lamp only gives enough light for the next sure step. You can make the whole journey, step by step guided by the flicker of a candle, but you need to keep referring back to it, just as we are called to do with the Word of God as we look to Christ for direction, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness through the auspice of a servant heart.

As we celebrate Easter, let us allow Christ’s sacrifice to shape our lives. May His love inspire us to forgive, to serve, and to extend grace to others. Let us be beacons of hope, reflecting His light in a world that often feels lost and uncertain.

Upcoming Changes to Year 7, 8 and 9 Reporting and Assessment: Mid-Year Examinations

Following an extensive review of assessment and reporting practices in the Senior School, we have decided to move away from semester examinations for students in Year 7 and 8. Instead, we will focus on a more holistic approach to evaluating student progress.

Capstone Assessment Tasks (CATs) will take the place of traditional exams for Year 7, 8 and 9 students. Year 9 students will still be required to sit exams in Semester 2 for their core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, and Humanities (Geography and History) and complete Capstone assessments for their remaining subjects and elective.

The CATs will provide valuable insights into your child’s learning journey and will be just as rigorous as examinations. The assessments may vary in format across different subjects, will continue to provide a summative assessment and review, offering a comprehensive view of your child’s achievements for the semester. The CATs will also be reflected in the semester reports, ensuring transparency and accountability.

By replacing exams with CATs, our teachers will have more time and flexibility to tailor assessments and teaching approaches to individual student needs. CATs will also allow teachers to delve deeper into the curriculum and content, enriching the learning experience.

It is expected that the shift away from traditional exams will help to reduce anxiety and foster a positive learning environment. We want students to concentrate on their learning journey rather than worry about pending exams. The extended teaching and learning period will also provide our students with increased opportunities to seek formative feedback from their teachers, promoting growth and improvement.

We believe that these changes will enhance the overall educational experience for our students. As always, we value your partnership and encourage open communication. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us.

Term 1 2024 Recap

2024 NAPLAN (Years 7 and 9)

Students and teachers are very excited to announce that the 2024 NAPLAN assessments have successfully concluded. Students across Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 participated in these important tests, showcasing their literacy and numeracy skills.

Our students approached the online tests with enthusiasm and resilience. The new online adaptive format allowed for personalized assessment, ensuring accurate results.

Schools will receive their full results from June 2024 and parents will receive their child’s Individual Student Report at the start of Term 3. Our dedicated teachers continue to assess and support your child’s growth throughout the year with NAPLAN serving as just one piece of the educational puzzle.

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement during this period.

Year 7 Camp

We are thrilled to share that the recent Year 7 camp at Anglesea Valley Lodge was an outstanding success. Our Year 7 students immersed themselves in a series of memorable outdoor experiences at the Anglesea Valley Lodge.

Our Year 7 Coordinator Vinita Seago, Head of Middle School Students David Cutler and incredible teachers and staff led our students through the wilds as they explored the stunning natural surroundings. The camp provided an opportunity for them to bond, learn, and appreciate the beauty of God’s world together.

In addition to the exciting camp activities, our students enjoyed recreational times and participated in daily devotions. These moments fostered camaraderie, personal growth, and a deeper connection with nature.

Thank you to all the teachers and staff who attended and contributed to this enriching experience. Their commitment and enthusiasm made the camp truly exceptional.

For more details and photo gallery about this event click here

Year 9 City Cite

During the final two weeks of term, our students explored the vibrant heart of Melbourne’s CBD through a dynamic and engaging program.

The program’s highlights have been:

Immersive Excursions: Our students embarked on exciting excursions, including a visit to the iconic Eureka Tower and a thrilling CBD treasure hunt.
Distinguished guest speakers from various fields shared their insights and experiences with our students. Notable sessions include talks by The Big Issue, Fareshare Australia (a meal relief charity), and representatives from Victoria State Parliament and Victoria Police.
Urban Learning: The program also included sessions at Intersection Urban Learning, where students gain practical knowledge about urban planning and sustainability.
Legal Insights: A visit to the Magistrates Court of Victoria provided valuable insights into the legal system.
Personal Stories: Our students engaged with an ex-gambler who shared their personal journey, emphasising resilience and decision-making.
Art and Culture: Exploring the vibrant lanes of Melbourne, students discovered Art in the Lanes and soaked in the city’s creative spirit.
Market Adventure: A trip to the Queen Victoria Market provided culinary delights and cultural experiences.
The City Cite Experience was capped off with a Parent Evening where students, in their allocated groups, presented their Big Question findings.