Curriculum

Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations

Year 12 begin their dress rehearsal for the HSC examinations next week on Monday 31 July and will conclude two weeks later, on Monday 14 August with this day also being an examination “catch up” day for those students, for whatever medically valid reason, missed a scheduled examination.

The Trial HSC timetable is available on CANVAS, as are a set of examination rules and expectations. Students are reminded to thoroughly familiarise themselves with this documentation as well as the College’s Assessment Policy also available on CANVAS.

Ignorance of the College’s Assessment Policy or examination rules will not constitute a valid excuse and penalties will be incurred for breaches of policy and procedures. It is the College’s expectation that all senior students conduct themselves in an exemplary and serious manner during examinations. In particular:

• Students must arrive to an examination 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. A student who arrives late to an examination will not receive extra time beyond the scheduled finish time. Misreading the timetable will not constitute a legitimate reason for appeal.
   
• No student will be allowed to leave an examination before the scheduled finish time. It is the College’s expectation that students completing an examination early are to check their work during the remaining time.
   
• Students must bring their equipment in a clear plastic sleeve into the examination room.  Pencil cases will not be permitted in the examination room.
   
• Students are not permitted to bring mobile phones or other electronic devices – including any ‘Smart’ technology, into the examination room.
   
• Students must wear the College uniform to all examinations. Students must also be appropriately groomed as per the normal College guidelines (including shaving).
   
• Students are not to talk in the examination room other than with a supervisor.
   
• Students are not permitted to borrow items directly from another student during an examination.
   
• Students are not to deface question or answer papers with graffiti or unnecessary scribble. 
   
• A student who is absent for one or more examinations must submit, immediately on the student’s return to school, an illness/misadventure application form with an attached valid medical certificate to the Year Coordinator, Mr Fox, and the relevant Head of Department.

In the event of absenteeism due to illness or misadventure during the Trial HSC examinations, parents/carers and students are reminded that a telephone call to Mr Fox must be made prior to 9:00 AM on the day of the examination. Notification of absence to Mr Fox over the phone before an examination, although required, will not constitute a legitimate excuse on its own. Where possible, an alternate paper for the missed examination will be arranged within the Trial period.

Given the current surge of cases with COVID-19, cold and flu, it is strongly recommended that Year 12 students take adequate precautions and maintain hygiene practices such as regular washing and sanitising of hands.

In the event of a COVID-19 related absence, i.e., the student testing positive on a RAHT, a PCR test must be taken by the student. The result of a PCR test acts as a medical certificate and Mr Fox must be notified immediately. Note, that a medical certificate is required following a negative PCR or RAHT test to confirm the student with cold/flu like symptoms is fit to return to school and resume his examination schedule.

I would like to wish all our Year 12 students well for these very important examinations.

Reminder: Subject Selection for Year 9-2023 and Year 11-2023

Students of Years 8 and 10 are to make their elective choices for 2024 online via the Edval Choice facility. Instructions with a link and log-in code for Edval Choice were emailed to the students last Wednesday 19 July.

The deadline to submit elective choices online is Monday 31 July 2023. Students are also required to submit a copy of their parent signed choice form to their homeroom teacher the next day, Tuesday 1 August.

Parents/carers and students of Year 10 are to note that application forms to appeal College subject recommendations are available on the TASS Parent Lounge and on CANVAS. Appeals regarding class placement in a subject for Year 11-2024 are due to Mr Cutrupi and the relevant Head of Department by no later than Friday 6 August.

Years 7 to 10 Semester 1 Academic Awards

In recognition of academic excellence over the first two terms, the following students will be presented with their Academic Excellence in Course certificate for Semester 1 at their respective upcoming Year meeting.

From Year 10:

From Year 9:

From Year 8:

From Year 7:

Michael Cutrupi 

Director of Curriculum

Market Day 2023

On Thursday 20 July one of the biggest events of the Year 9 calendar finally arrived - Market Day. There was a sense of excited anticipation for Year 9 Commerce as the students started the preparations for their market stalls based on the theme "pre-prepared food from home". 

To provide some context, the Year 9 Commerce students have been learning the topics of “Running a Business” and “Promoting and Selling” throughout Term 2. The Year 9 students were split into groups of four and five and allocated roles based on key business functions of Marketing, Finance, Operations and Human Resources. The task required a written component and the practical running of their business during lunch on Market Day.

The students came with a great attitude. They started the day in Periods 1 and 2 planning their market stalls and operational roles on the day within the business. During Recess and Period 3, the stalls were set up and final preparations and food drop-offs were made. 

The boys’ ideas for market stalls were creative and it was evident that all groups put in a lot of effort. Some groups even handmade all their items for their stalls. There was a mixture of savoury and sweet food on offer to all the potential customers. Some of the dessert stalls included acai bowls, dessert pizza, pancake balls, milkshakes, lolly stand, Italian custard cannoli, Greek desserts and waffles. Some savoury stalls included Lebanese food and wraps, gyros, empanadas, fried chicken, loaded fries, souvlaki, and burgers.   

Finally, lunch time had dawned on the young men of Year 9 Commerce. The boys put their operational organisation and business management skills to the test in a very busy Junior School yard. It did not take long for the stalls to sell out of all their produce. After the bell sounded and lunch ended, I am sure the Year 9 Commerce students appreciated how difficult it was to run a successful business. 

The Finance Manager of each group then went and counted the money and calculated the profit for each group. The profit for the day will be donated to charity.  The day was a huge success, with a significant amount of money raised, lessons learnt, and enjoyment had by the SPC community. 

A big thank you to all the parents/carers who put their time and effort in to help and support their son's business. Also, a special mention to Mrs Sinadinos, Ms Laoulach and Mr Mullen who put in countless hours organising such a great event. 

George Sacco

Head of HSIE B