Senior School

Helping Young People Find Opportunities in an Increasingly Uncertain World

As we approach the end of Semester 1, students across the Senior School are each facing myriad pressure points, time sinks and challenges. Our Year 7-9 students are wrapping up the semester and will soon be completing their Capstone Assessments. Meanwhile, Year 10 and 11 students are in the midst of their Semester 1 Exams, and Year 12 students are on the cusp of entering their busiest SAC period for the year, with Year 12 exams, ATAR/study score reflections and university selections just around the corner. Amidst all these academic challenges, it is becoming increasingly clear how crucial it is to equip our young people with the tools and opportunities to navigate an increasingly dynamic and uncertain world.

Embracing a Growth Mindset

One of the most valuable skills that students can look to cultivate is a growth mindset. Developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, posits that personal ability and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work and perseverance. Individuals with a growth mindset see challenges as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than view them as insurmountable obstacle that should be avoided. 

Promoting Lifelong Learning

In a previous Vine article, I noted that “VCE Starts in Year 7”, and “a student's experience in Senior School is more than their ATAR.” Every teacher hopes that they will help to instil each of their students a love for lifelong learning. In a world where industries and job requirements are constantly evolving, the ability to continuously learn and adapt is invaluable. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions, stay curious, and engage in continuous personal and professional development will prepare them for whatever the future holds.

Exploring Interesting and Diverse Pathways

A growth mindset can help students to adapt and thrive when amidst adversity and uncertainty and allow them to step outside their comfort zones and take appropriate risks to improve their skills and general outlook on life. Encouraging students to explore a variety of opportunities can open doors they might not have considered. Each student's time within the Senior School serves as a time when students can explore their signature skills and interests and match them against career paths and future learning opportunities. 

Capstone Assessments and Semester Examinations are more than just summative assessments that are issued at the close of a semester, they are an opportunity for students to reflect and task stock of what they have achieved and consider how and where they need to improve so that they are well-heeled and suitably equipped to pursue the interests and opportunities that come their way.

Encouraging Community Engagement

Community engagement and volunteering can provide students with a broader perspective and a sense of purpose. These experiences not only enhance college and job applications but also help students develop empathy, leadership skills, and a stronger connection to their community. I have joked that some of our students have so many badges on their blazer lapels that they have started to resemble military uniforms. There are many opportunities for our Senior School students to engage by pursuing their interests and skills and putting those interests and skills to use in service to the wider Senior School Community. 

Leveraging Technology Appropriately, Effectively and Responsibly

Technology is a common mainstay of modern life, and for young people it often extends as additional limb. In a time when technology pervades every aspect of life, students do not need have technological advances brought to their attention, they need to be shown how to use it appropriately, effectively and responsibly as a tool for lifelong development and career development.

Key lessons regarding the use of technology needs to be taught at home as well as at school so as to ensure that students do not find that they miss out on certain opportunity simply because they posted the wrong thing online, engaged with the wrong group or delved into an area of interest that should have been left alone.

Digital etiquette is a key component of digital literacy that will help young people understand the importance of respectful and considerate online communication. Students also need to be aware of their digital footprints and what they post about themselves and their friends online and need to be shown how to safeguard their personal information on various platforms.

As a teaching and learning resource, technology is without parallel. From using educational platforms for research, homework and projects to promoting the use of collaborative online tools such as Microsoft Teams and social media, technology is no longer an additional skill but an imperative amidst today's job market.

Final Thoughts

As students navigate the pressures of the academic year (and there is another semester still to go), it is vital that parents, teachers and peers help equip students with the skills, confidence and frame of mind that they will need to succeed. By fostering a growth mindset, promoting lifelong learning, helping them to explore their interests and pathways, encouraging them to engage with the wider College community and showing them how they can properly leverage the use of technology, we can help our young people not only cope with current challenges but also thrive in their future endeavours. 

2024 Senior School Cross Country

Please join me in congratulating the Zion Crusaders, who is the winning house for the 2024 Senior School Cross Country. The Crusaders brought in a commanding score of 954 house points, wrenching victory away from Gibeon Warriors by 39 points. Tabor Trojans came in a close third place with 728 points. 

Thank you to all the students who participated and firm round of applause for Mr Kotzé and teachers who helped put together such a memorable day of camaraderie and stiff sporting competition.

Finally, please offer your condolences to Mr Mancev who dared to brave the running track on the day and feel free to ask him what on earth he was thinking when he decided to compete against runners who were more than half his age.

Student Attendance PSA

Sitting in my office, I hear a veritable chorus of sniffles, sneezes and coughs echo through the halls as the Winter months creep around the corner. As the cold seeps into our bones, ravages our immune systems and saps our energy, it is inevitable that schools see student attendance rates decline during the slow march to Spring. 

It is important that students stay home when they are sick so that they are able to recover in time, but it is also important to note that a day off school is a day when a student is also missing out on valuable learning opportunities. Teachers will always post lesson details and assessment information on SEQTA and will DM students directly when it is needed, but students learn best when they are in class, and it is important that students maintain regular attendance at school so as to help secure the best chance for academic success.

• A student’s attendance is Excellent if they have missed four or fewer days over the course of the semester. Excellent attendance will help teachers provide your child with the opportunity to achieve the best results for their ability and will set them up for success in the future.
• A student’s attendance is Average if they have missed up to six days this semester. Average attendance may indicate that your child is performing well at school but may have missed out on some valuable learning opportunities.
• A student’s attendance is Below Average if they have missed up to eight days this semester. Below Average attendance may make it difficult for your child to keep in touch with the learning that is taking place in their classes. They may also find it challenging to maintain friendships and a sense of connection with the College. 
• A student’s learning may be At Risk if they have missed out on more than eight days this semester. Your child may be at risk of experiencing difficulties at school. They may be missing on so much that it may be extremely difficult for them to keep up with learning, maintain friendships and feel connected with the College. The College may contact parents at this point to help with the student’s attendance and / or seek out ways to ensure that their studies are appropriately supported whilst they are at home.
• VCE students are required to maintain a 90% attendance rate or above in order to attain a satisfactory pass (S) for their VCE units. Year 10 students who are fast-tracking a VCE class are required to maintain a 90% attendance rate or above for their fast-tracked unit.

VCE Subject Information Evening / Subject Selection Information Evening

A letter was sent out to current Year 9, 10 and 11 students with details regarding the VCE Subject Information Evening and the Subject Selection Evening presentations.

This is a very important night for students and parents as teachers will be on hand to provide an overview of the subjects and electives that will be available in 2025. Students will also be given important information regarding subject selections, the subject selection online portal, VCE expectations, VCE fast-tracking opportunities and application requirements and more. 

Information booklets and resources will be handed out to students at the door, parents are asked to review the letters that were sent out via the Oxley App and to RSVP. 

Please remember to bring a coat or an umbrella as it is Winter, and we do live in Melbourne and presentations will run in the BPAC and information booths will be set up in the Middle School Building.

Though the sessions are scheduled primarily for this year’s Year 9 and 10 students, students and parents from Years 7-11 are invited and encouraged to attend.

Upcoming Events

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

James Avram

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School