Once again, we find ourselves in this altered space, with challenges that will continue to impact us as we navigate the rest of the year.

I want to start by congratulating all senior students on their continued effort, resilience and perseverance under these testing circumstances.

In the short space of three weeks, we have managed to secure course counselling, subject selections, VCE Acceleration, VTAC registration, and Semester 1, Unit 1 and Unit 3 Awards – and ALL remotely via MS Teams!!

It certainly has been extremely challenging delivering such a comprehensive and engaging list of programs remotely, and we must acknowledge the hard work, dedication and inspiration of the teachers who have persevered so that we can continue to feel connected and in control of our learning.

I also want to acknowledge that remote learning 2.0 is proving to be a difficult time for some. Motivation is a challenge, demanding much of us in terms of time and energy. However, we can take some inspiration from others around us who are finding new ways to work and do things, and who are responding proactively to what is the uncertainty of the next few months.

I want the senior students to know that we will continue to support them to achieve their best in 2020, especially to our Year 12 students. This truly will be an unforgettable year for them!

Students, I urge you to remain supportive of one another. Wellbeing has been a huge focus for us at the moment so please seek the support you need from your Level and Wellbeing Leaders, Mentors, the Welfare and Pathways Teams, and the significant people in your life.

Your teachers and Level Leaders are doing an amazing job at keeping programs alive and engaging during this time. Check your Teams page for daily messages and initiatives and stay connected.

Learn from each other on how to respond to this set of changes which are affecting us all
Support one another so that we can restore our wellbeing
Keep connections with your people alive
Maintain perspective and don’t lose sight of what you can control rather than be overwhelmed by what you can’t.

Stay safe and healthy. Together, we will emerge stronger and better versions of ourselves.

Make-Up SACs

Our move to remote learning has once again impacted the delivery of the Make-Up SAC sessions at school. To accommodate our changed conditions, Make-Up SACs will be conducted on Teams, every Wednesday, under the remote supervision of Mr Eagling and Mr Carter. Students will need to follow the usual process of contacting Ms Do and Ms Dashwood, and to forward a medical certificate for their absence. We encourage students to attend all school-based assessments, however, we do recognise that this is sometimes unavoidable. To maintain the integrity of the SAC process, we must request a medical certificate to cover the student’s absence. Once the absence is approved, Ms Do or Ms Dashwood will be in contact to confirm the Make-Up SAC date.

VTAC Applications

The VTAC applications are now open and all Year 12 students should complete these before September 30. The process includes the creation of a VTAC account and applications for tertiary courses, SEAS and scholarships. In completing their application, students may enter up to eight tertiary courses in order of preference. Once VCE results and ATARs are released on December 30, students will still be able to change their preferences before tertiary course offers are communicated to them via their VTAC account and emails. All required information on this process can be found on the Year 12 Teams page under the 2021 Pathways channel, or on the VTAC website here.

Awards!!

Our inspirational Level Leaders have created wonderful videos highlighting the achievements of our senior students during Semester 1, Unit 1 and Unit 3.

The awards at Years 10 and 11 have a somewhat different perspective this year to reflect our time in remote and flexible learning. Hence, the recipients of the Endeavour Awards are students who have shown excellent commitment, engagement, positivity and resilience during Semester 1 on-site and remote learning.

At Unit 3, the award description has not changed.

Recipients of Achievement Award are those students who have demonstrated:

Outstanding academic achievement
Commitment and effort to their school work
Continuous and regular attendance throughout the year.

Recipients of the Endeavour Award are those students who have demonstrated:

Outstanding progress through significant endeavour
Commitment and effort to their school work
Continuous and regular attendance throughout the year.

Students have been recognised in the videos below and will also receive an e-certificate via their Viewbank emails in the next week or two.

Finally, we acknowledge the hard work and commitment of ALL students in Years 10 - 12.

Our aim is to support and encourage ALL students to pursue their interests and achieve THEIR best.

Please take the time to view the attached videos compiled by our wonderfully talented Level Leaders: Ms Lemar (Yr 10), Ms Olsen (Yr 11) and Ms Do and Ms Dashwood (Yr 12).

Year 10 Awards

Year 11 Awards

Year 12 Awards

Again, I thank you for your understanding and support.

I will keep you informed of any changes if and when they become available.

If you have any further questions, or you are concerned about remote learning, please contact the relevant Level Leader.

Thank you,

Sue Calder

Senior Years Leader