Senior Years
Year 12 Retreat
On Wednesday 22 - Friday 24 July, the Year 12s attended the annual MAX Retreat at El Shaddai, with the nostalgia hitting many of us as soon as we arrived at the site of our Year 8 Camp. This retreat is a chance for all Year 12s to recharge and regather before the final push of the year. During the retreat, students were given a variety of activities to participate in, both during the day and at night. All students heard from guest speakers Dave and Katie Kobler over an online video chat due to the current circumstances. Their high level of accommodating and adapting to change was greatly appreciated. Their personal advice and stories on taboo topics was eye opening and truly heartfelt.
On the last night, we all participated in a candle ceremony to either give thanks, rekindle or restore past relationships.
This was an emotional night for many and further strengthened the bonds within the year level, where these relationships are important as we move onto a new chapter of our lives. During our free time, we were given a chance to participate in activities such as tennis, yoga, football, the flying fox, trampolining, walks to the river and a bonfire at night. As a cohort, we are truly appreciative of all the planning that went into the retreat and we are grateful for the time we were able to spend together as it was refreshing to spend a few days outside of the school environment. The retreat is something we will all cherish and remember as a highlight of our schooling years.
The Student Executive
Senior Years Course Information Sessions for 2021
This year we tried a new process for sharing information about future course options and course counselling processes with families in the senior years. In the first instance senior staff produced a series of video clips outlining information relating to each year level as well as details about the SACE, VET and flexible learning options. We then ran a live Q&A session, where families could pose any questions they had to a panel. While there were some glitches, these were well received by those who were about to connect in. If you were unable to logon at this time, then I would encourage you to either have your child approach their course counsellor or if moving into Year 10, send me an email.
If you have had a chance to watch the videos and attended the Q&A session, we would be keen to receive any feedback on the format and information presented. If families preferred this format to the face-to-face evening, then perhaps we can make it a regular fixture in our calendar.
I would also like to thank all staff involved in this evening whether in front or behind the camera, for their creativity, willingness to try something new and graciousness in making it all come together.
Sandra Barry
Director of Learning
Year 12 Learning Conversations August 3 2020
As we pass the more than half way mark of the academic year for Year 12 students, it is timely to provide the opportunity for students and their parents/caregivers to meet with their subject teachers. It is a good time to learn more specific details about a student's level of application and achievement so far. It is also a critical time for teachers to offer advice on ways to improve as we move into the last 8 weeks of teaching. Students and families are encouraged to make appointments with their subject teachers via schoolinterviews.com.au using the details sent via email and in hardcopy form in the report envelope. This Learning Conversation evening for Year 12 students, will be occurring next Monday, August 3 from 4.00pm.
To comply with all current restrictions, the Learning Conversations will take place spread throughout the Senior Years Centre. Maps will be displayed at both entrances and throughout the centre. Should parents/caregivers and students be unable to attend on this night, they are encouraged to either email or call the subject teachers should they have any questions.
SATAC Information Session
Usually this evening would include a SATAC information session, where key information regarding SATAC applications for entry to tertiary institutions, would be presented. In light of the current restrictions, this session will now be recorded and emailed to all families in the next week. Alternative pathways into a range of courses, key dates, additional requirements for some courses and information explaining the role of the ATAR, adjustment factors and SACE completion will also be covered.
Thank you to all members of our community for their patience and willingness to try some things a little differently!
Sandra Barry
Director of Learning