Senior School Report

Senior School Report

Anna Papagiannopoulos

Coordinator of Senior School

Term 2 is now well underway and Senior staff and students are hard at work preparing for the conclusion of Unit 1 and Unit 3 studies and the commencement of Unit 2/4.  

I want to start by officially welcoming our new VCEVM Coordinator, Mr Travis Mcintosh. Mr Mcintosh has already proven to be an incredible addition to the Senior School team and has provided our VCEVM students with much-needed stability and direction. 

Our Year 12 students have officially passed the halfway mark for their final year of schooling as they undertake a multitude of SACs and SATs in fervent preparation for their end-of-year exams. 

To support them, we have launched the 2023 Student Mentoring program by pairing Year 12 students who signed up with an experienced Senior Teacher Mentor. These lucky students will benefit from one-on-one mentoring with a staff member who will support and guide them in key development areas such as organisation, study habits, resilience and self-care. These partnerships will prove invaluable to these students as they work to complete their school-based coursework and begin to enter the trying times of exam preparation. 

Thank you to the teachers involved; Ms Ellen Rankin (who also organised and facilitated the program), Ms Loan Luong-Nguyen, Ms Smrithi Buyya, Ms Jacqueline Binder, Mr Jason Tickner, Mr Jeffrey Ji, Mr Hieu Minh Tran, and Mr Jonathan Roberts. These programs would not be possible without teachers giving up their time for their mentees. 

Senior Students have also begun to undertake Study Skills workshops provided by Elevate Education and are continuing to engage in Wellbeing workshops during their Study Space time. It is vital that students maintain both good study habits and appropriate self-care and self-check in routines as they work through their final years of schooling. We encourage parents and guardians to actively encourage young people to practice the tips and tricks they pick up in these sessions. 

We also had the Westall Careers Expo take place on Tuesday 16 May. Thank you and huge congratulations to Ms Geraldine Borgonha for organising such an incredible event. These opportunities for our students to meet and talk with universities and employers is critical for their future goals and plans. 

Meanwhile, our Senior VCAL students went on their Personal Development Skills Camp to Wilson’s Prom from the 15th of May until the 17th of May. Thank you to Mr Gary Bottomley for organising this incredible experience and to Ms Kristina Vasilakis and Mr Tia Junior Euese for attending. 

Finally, below are some reminders regarding upcoming events and Senior School policies. Please read them carefully and do not hesitate to get in contact if you have any questions: 

• The General Achievement Test (GAT) will be held on Thursday 15 June. All students undertaking a Unit 3 and 4 subject must complete the GAT. VCEVM students will complete Part A: Literacy and Numeracy and VCE students will complete both sections.   
• Due to the shortened term, there will be no Year 11 Mid-Year Exams this year.  
• Parents/Guardians are reminded that all absences must be explained with a medical certificate and that you must call the school if your child is going to be absent. This is especially important for when students miss a SAC – providing a medical certificate will ensure that they do not receive a 0 grade for the task.  
• Please remember to check Compass regularly to stay abreast of your child’s attendance and schoolwork, as well as any notices or forms that require your attention.  
• Term 2 and Term 3 are exclusively winter uniform only. If there are any issues procuring items of uniform, please contact the Senior Sub-School.  

The King’s Birthday Public Holiday is on Monday 12 June. School will not run on this day. 

Thank you, 

Ms Anna Papagiannopoulos 

Director of Learning – Senior School  

 Year 11 EAL Excursion

Written by Mr Jeffrey Ji and 11EAL Students--Sky Tran & Thanh Vu

In term 1, all the year 11 EAL students went on an excursion as a part of the education program--Immigration Museum. The visit left a lasting impression on students, providing insights into the challenges, triumphs, and cultural richness brought by immigrants. Here, I would like to reflect upon my experience and share my thoughts.

One of the most powerful exhibits was the "Identity: Yours, Mine, Ours" display. This exhibit explored the concept of identity and its complex relationship with migration. It showcased the diverse cultural heritage of migrants, their contributions to Australian society, and the importance of acceptance and inclusivity. The museum also addressed the darker chapters of Australia's immigration history, such as the policies that imposed restrictions and discrimination on certain groups of migrants. It was both confronting and important to learn about these instances of injustice, as it highlighted the importance of advocating for fairness, equality, and social justice in our society.

Sky Tran:

One aspect that particularly resonated with me was the interactive nature of the exhibits. The museum provided engaging activities that allowed visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the immigration experience. I had the opportunity to listen to first-hand accounts through audio recordings, explore virtual maps highlighting migration routes, and even simulate the process of applying for a visa. These activities fostered empathy and encouraged me to reflect on the challenges faced by migrants during their journeys.

Thanh Vu:

I believe that this excursion to the Melbourne Immigration Museum has broadened my perspective and instilled a greater appreciation for the experiences of migrants. It has inspired me to actively promote inclusivity, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited this remarkable museum and to have gained a deeper understanding of the journeys and contributions of migrants to Australia.

Mr Jeffery Ji

Year 11 EAL Teacher

Year 11 Biology - Rat Dissection

On Friday 19th of May, the Year 11 students studying biology had the opportunity to link their learning about cells, organs and systems by identifying organs in a rat by dissecting it. Some students were a little nervous at first but took the courage to open up its body and identify the organs. We couldn’t believe the liver was so big in a rat!

Ms Loan Luong-Nguyen

Numeracy/STEM Learning Specialist

Art Making and Exhibiting TOPS ARTS NGV Excursion - May 2023

The VCE AME students visited the TOP ARTS Exhibition at the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square this term. The students explored art and art spaces. The TOP ARTS exhibition was most inspiring where the students saw A+ folios from the previous year. The explored art form the curator's point of view, examining presentation techniques, materials media and conservation of the artworks. 

The Melbourne Now Exhibition with its abundance of installations and contemporary media/ideas was a huge hit! The students immersed themselves in a world of colour, lights, sound and movement. Interactive art making was on offer in many of the spaces where you explored the work of the artists.

Ms Helen Ifandis 

Arts/Technology Coordinator

Year 12 Vocational Major Camp at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Last week, students were able to go on camp as part of their Personal Development Skills project that they had chosen and elected to do. Wilsons Promontory was the destination where leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills were put to the test through bushwalking, kayaking and other camp activities. 

The weather was surprisingly good with rain on one night only, whilst many appreciated that food, wombats and tents don’t mix. It is hoped that students were able to learn from their hands-on experience of camping in the bush, working together and taking on leadership roles in one of Victoria’s most beautiful and pristine environments.

Special thanks go to Ms Vasilakis and TJ who gave up more than what was expected, including their most valuable time, allowing the camp to take place. Thanks also go to our Acting Principal Mr Michael Tuck, Assistant Principal Mr Jason Tickner and our coordinator Mr Travis MacIntosh for their support and advice and Brittany and the Bindaree crew who covered camping logistics and food under the State Government’s Positive Start Program.  

Gary Bottomley 

VCM teacher

Landscape, Architecture and Design

Students in LAD icreate have been working all term on a range of projects both indoor and outdoor to beautify school spaces and imaginary spaces. Dioramas are based on 'what could be a potential space', for example 'a caravan park' and 'art gallery'. 

The projects were developed according to student research on ideas, interests, skill level and knowledge with materials. You will notice both interior and exterior wall murals based on the galaxy and people. LAD students have been busy beautifying garden beds outside the International House to create a more welcoming and interactive environment for students when at their leisure.

Painting has been a huge hit with the students, they have indulged themselves in the world of colour, shapes and texture. You will notice a 'bird house' that is yet to be installed and other individual timber projects. 

Ms Helen Ifandis 

Arts/Technology Coordinator