9-12 Community News
We are almost half way through the term and the students in the 9-12 Community continue to build on their positive start to the year, involving themselves fully in the life of the College. And, at this stage of the term, classwork is in full swing, with assessment tasks underway at all levels, including important OATs (Outcome Assessed Tasks) at Year 11 and SACs and SATs (School Assessed Coursework, School Assessed Tasks) at Year 12. The way in which our Year 12s are using their study lessons has been very pleasing, setting a great example to other students. The before and after school study sessions have been very popular as students across Years 9-12 give themselves the best chances of success in completing their assessments and coursework.
As well as students, the classrooms have also welcomed many parents and guardians as we have commenced our Semester One TA meetings, in our current ‘normal’ mode, via Zoom. Thank you to all families and staff who have engaged in these valuable conversations in support of the students. These conversations are an essential component in supporting our students as they progress in their education. We encourage all families to make the time to engage in conversations with TAs. TA meetings have been scheduled to occur from Weeks 4 to 6. If you have yet to make an appointment to meet with your child’s TA, we encourage you to do so.
The College’s policy on mobile phones - “Off and Away All Day” - is well understood by students. We congratulate the students on their continued positive approach to the expectations of the College on this matter. However, it is timely to provide a reminder to students and families about communications between the school and home. We ask parents to ensure that, if communication is required, that messages be directed through the College Office. Similarly, if students need to contact parents, we ask that they approach their TA or other staff members and/or the Office staff to assist them in managing such situations.
Students are also looking impressive in their school uniforms, with most students wearing their uniform with pride.
However, at times, some students have struggled to comply with some requirements of our Uniform Policy. An aspect of uniform that we are finding some challenge is in compliance with our policy on school shoes. In developing our uniform policy, there was an extensive consultation process with students and parents. With the challenges presented by Covid restrictions, the College extended the transition time to allow students and families to be able to ensure that they were able to source the preferred styles of school shoe.
We seek the support of families in helping us reinforce the importance of all students wearing all parts of our uniform correctly. Students taking pride in the way they wear their uniform is an aspect of education that extends beyond the classroom. As a College community, our expectations of students are about enhancing their growth and development and together, the College and its community families, we can be so much more impactful in that space. We ask our families/caregivers to help us reinforce the importance of students wearing the recommended black, leather school shoes.
To help support students to wear their uniform correctly, we ask parents/guardians to familiarise themselves with students’ timetables, so that they can guide students in wearing their formal and/or sports uniforms on the correct days. Sports shorts being worn, instead of academic shorts, is another area for some of our students to address. Both the College’s Uniform (and Mobile Phone) policies can be found on SIMON if students, or parents, have any queries about these policies.
There has been much to celebrate in the breadth of experiences available to students over the last few weeks. The students in our VCAL program have had the opportunity to complete Barista and First Aid training and a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course. These skills will be in high demand as the VCAL Cafe swings into operation this week. In addition, with the help of the 9/10 and VCE Foods classes, this team will turn their hands to mixing and cooking over 800 pancakes for students and staff in marking Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day next week. Today, the Year 11/12 Boys Cricket team are competing in the local schools competition, hoping to follow in the victorious footsteps of last year’s team on the way to the Loddon/Mallee Region competition. While Covid restrictions have required us to postpone and reschedule our House Swimming Sports, students who have aspirations to compete in the Campaspe Swimming Championships were, this week, given the opportunity to post qualification times. We have also launched The Resilience Project (TRP) Student Journals/Diaries for students and staff so that we can all undertake the TRP journey together. Please be on the lookout for the launch of the Parent/Carer Hub to the Resilience Project.
Despite the challenges of having to reschedule some events because of Covid, planning around our 2022 Camps program continues. The VCE Unit 1 Outdoor and Environmental Studies have a day trip coming up and the Unit 3 Outdoor and Environmental Studies class are looking forward to a three day canoeing trip later in the term. Details of the Year 9 Camp Jungai and Year 10 Top End camps, to be held later in the year, will be provided in the coming weeks.
Last week, an important VCE/VCAL/VET information session was provided to the Year 11 and 12 students. A link to this information and presentation has been provided to parents/guardians through an Operoo letter. We ask parents/guardians to ensure that they access this letter and make themselves familiar with the relevant information, procedures and guidelines. If you have any questions relating to this information, please contact the College.
Michelle Downie Brad Downie
9-12 Community Leader 9-12 Community Leader
Wellbeing Student Learning and Professional Practice