Senior School Report

The Year in Reflection

2020 has definitely been a different and challenging year; however, senior school students, parents /guardians and staff have faced these challenges and we find ourselves at the end of the school year ready for a well-deserved break and all planning for hopefully a more normal 2021.

Though we experienced periods of remote learning from home this year, senior school students continued and completed their studies and their required assessments, Year 11 and 12 VCE students participated in Elevate study skills sessions, Year 11 and 12 VCE students completed their end of year exams, Year 11 and 12 VCAL students completed a number of projects, and Year 10 and 11 students completed the Head Start program to be prepared for their 2021 VCE or VCAL studies.

The Senior School team would like to thank all staff who supported the senior school students during 2020. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Senior School Coordinator’s - Mr Santos (Year 10), Ms Wood (Year 11) and Ms Manioudakis (Year 12) - for all their work this year. They have been a tremendous support to the students and myself.

Central Australia Camp - Year 10 and 11, 2021

The college is offering a 9-day camping tour of Central Australia to all students in Years 10 and 11 in 2021. The dates of the tour are from Thursday 16 September to Friday 24 September, 2021. These dates include the first week of the Term 3 school holidays.

Educational opportunities being planned include: the Umoona Opal Cave, Standley Chasm, Anzac Hill, Alice Springs sites, Kings Canyon, Uluru National Park, the MacDonnell ranges, and the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

This camp has proved to be a very valuable experience in the past and one which is a highlight in the students’ school life. The tour will be provided by G.E.T tours, an educational travel company with whom our school has had a long and reliable association. Apart from enjoying the splendour of Central Australia, students also gain experience of living with a large group and taking on a variety of responsibilities.

Information about the camp, with the expression of interest form, have been distributed to interested students. It is also available in student and parent / carer Compass newsfeeds.

Year 12 Residential Camp 2021

The Year 12 Camp - the Residential - will be held at Ormond College, University of Melbourne from Monday, 1 February 2021 to Tuesday 2 February 2021. This is a compulsory camp for 2021 Year 12 students to attend.

The program for the Residential will contain workshops and activities for both the 2021 VCE students and the 2021 VCAL students to prepare for and to manage their final year of secondary school. For example:

VCE students will participate in sessions to boost their English results, build understanding about the ATAR and develop knowledge, skills and the required mindset to help students achieve their best in the VCE.
VCAL students will prepare for the projects that they will be required to lead in 2021 by completing training in leadership, planning and problem-solving. The VCAL students will also develop knowledge, skills and the required mindset to achieve their best in the Senior level VCAL.

The Residential consent form and payment need to be finalised and returned to the college prior to Wednesday 16 December 2020.

VCE Unit 3 & 4 Results Release - Wednesday 30 December 2020

VCE study scores, ATAR and VTAC Scaled Study Scores will be available to students on Wednesday 30 December. Ms Haines will be available at the college on Wednesday 30 December from 10am to 12.30pm to help students with their VTAC preferences and 2021 pathway options.

Ms Haines will also be available via Webex appointments until VTAC Change of Preference closes on 4 January and again once tertiary institution first round offers are released on 14 January. Ms Haines will be in contact with the Year 12 students with full details about her availability.

Return to School 2021

All Year 11 and 12 students will commence 2021 on Thursday 28 January, with Year 10 students commencing on Friday 29 January.

Any Year 10 student completing a Unit 1&2 VCE enhancement subject who has class on Thursday 28 January is expected to attend that class. Other year 10 students return Friday 29 January.

All students must ensure that holiday homework is completed to a high standard and that they come to school ready to learn and do their best. VCAL students are reminded of the importance of their VET courses and work placements; these are mandatory requirements for satisfactory completion of the VCAL. These must be organised with Ms Haines in the Careers office.

Finally, on behalf of the Senior School team, I wish all students and their families a restful and relaxing break and we look forward to working with our senior school students in 2021. We wish our departing Year 12 Class of 2020: VCE and VCAL all the very best for the future and we look forward to hearing about your achievements in the future.

Mr Tony Stirling

Head of Senior School