Important information and Reminders
Every day Matters
Year 12 Trial Examinations and Year 12 Reports
Preparing for Exams
Dear Parents/Carers and students,
As we approach the final stretch of the academic year for our Year 12 students, it's important to focus on the upcoming trial exams. These trial exams are a significant milestone in our student's educational journey, and we want to ensure that both students and parents are well-prepared and informed. It also sets students up well for their final VCAA exams next term.
Exam Dates and Schedule
The trail exam period will begin on Thursday 12th September and conclude on Friday 20th September. Detailed timetables, including specific dates and times for each subject, have been emailed and made available. Please encourage your child to check their exam timetable to ensure they attend their exams on time and are prepared.
Preparation Tips
- Create a Study Plan: Encourage students to develop a realistic and structured study plan. Break study sessions into manageable chunks and ensure all subjects are covered. Balance study time with breaks to avoid burnout.
- Practice Past Papers: Familiarity with exam format and question types can be incredibly beneficial. Past papers are available through the school’s online resources. Practice under timed conditions to build confidence.
- Healthy Routine: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are crucial for optimal performance. Ensure that students are maintaining a healthy routine to support their well-being during this busy time.
- Seek Support: If students are struggling with particular subjects, remind them to seek help from their teachers or consider additional resources such as study groups or tutoring.
Support at School
Our teaching staff are committed to supporting students throughout this period. If students need additional help or resources, they are encouraged to speak with their teachers.
Parental Support
Your encouragement and support can make a significant difference. Here are some ways you can help:
- Create a Conducive Study Environment: Ensure that your child has a quiet, organised space for studying.
- Stay Positive: Encourage a positive mindset and reassure your child that their best effort is what matters most.
- Manage Stress: Help your child manage exam stress by maintaining a calm and supportive home environment.
Important Reminders
- Attendance: It is compulsory for students to attend all scheduled exams. If a student is unwell, please contact the school as soon as possible.
- Exam Essentials: Students should ensure they have all necessary materials for their exams, including pens, pencils, and any allowed calculators or resources. Students please check with your teacher if unsure.
We wish all Year 12 students the best of luck in their upcoming trial exams. With preparation, focus, and support, we are confident they will perform to the best of their abilities.
-Wayne Abrahams
Leading Teacher of Engagement
Year 12 Trial Exam Reports
To provide further support to our Year 12 students, a Year 12 Trial Exam Report will be made available on Compass on Wednesday 16th October. This report will outline the letter grade and percentage achieved for each trial exam undertaken by the student. These results are not the official VCAA exam grades, and will have no impact on the calculation of student academic results (e.g. Study Score or ATAR score). The purpose of these results and the report, is to provide feedback to students on the progress they are making towards the final examinations and provide guidance on how they can further improve to achieve their personal academic goals for 2024.
Additionally, Year 12 teachers will provide students with specific feedback on areas of strengths and those requiring further improvement, in revision classes throughout Term 4.
What can parents and carers do to support students throughout the revision period?
We encourage all parents and carers to download the Year 12 Trial Exam Report and engage in a constructive conversation with your child about how they can best support their child in the upcoming VCAA exam period. Please also encourage your child to reach out to their teachers for subject specific support such as locating practice exams, assistance with revision of key knowledge and the development of key skills.
Further Assistance / Guidance
Should you wish to discuss your child progress’ towards the VCAA examinations, please contact the relevant classroom teacher via Compass, Mr Tim Harris - Year 12 Student Manager, Mr Wayne Abrahams - Leading Teacher (Student Engagement Leader), or Ms Aimée Thorpe - Leading Teacher (Teaching and Learning).
-Ms Aimée Thorpe
Leading Teaching – Teaching and Learning
Year 12 VCAA Exams
Year 12 VCAA exams begin with the English Exams on Tuesday October 24.
Our students have by now practiced exams upwards to thirty times and have show exemplary skills in undertaking what can be a stressful task.
Students were also provided with the VCAA Exam Navigator, this is the document that outlines all the rules and regulations with respect to external exams. Homestead models all exams on this which means our students are well aware of the standard.
Please find below a link to the VCAA exam timetable as well as the Navigator handbook.
Year 12 Valedictory Dinner
Donations following Graduation
Our students wear their uniform with perfection and pride and they are ready for learning with all the required resources. Each year Homestead supports many students who may otherwise not be able to. To continue to achieve this, we need your help.
As we approach the end of the school year and as students graduate or move away to other schools, our school is always pleased to accept donations of:
- Good quality 2nd hand uniform
- Text books/resources
All items can be handed in to Reception. We really appreciate all of your support - thank you!
Wyndham City Council-Citizen of the Year Award
On behalf of Wyndham City I’m delighted to share the launch of the Wyndham Citizen and Young Citizen Awards, with nominations set to open from 1 – 31 October 2023.
These Awards recognise the efforts of Wyndham City residents who, through hard work and dedication, have significantly contributed to our community.
Young Citizen of the Year is open to residents aged 16 – 25 years, with Citizen of the Year open to ages 26 and above.
This could include areas such as education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, art, the environment and others.
Do you know a young person, or someone within your school community who is making a difference for Wyndham?
We know our community is filled with people doing amazing work to help others and community recognition can make a big difference in a young person’s life.
Nominations will open 1 – 15 September 2024, but you can start preparing for your submission at www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/citizenawards with details on eligibility, timelines and criteria.
If you would like any further information about the program, please feel free to get in touch with Wyndham City Council via citizenawards@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Parking, Drop Off and Pick Up
The safe pick up and drop off of our students is essential.
Parents are reminded that pick up and drop off for Homestead is on Coaching Parade only and the available spaces are up alongside the gymnasium.
The school day starts at 8:45AM with Period 0. Students are expected here by then. Any student arriving to class after 9:15AM is late and the Student Management Team will follow up with this. While the majority of students are on-time or early, we are seeing some students arriving late and claiming they were dropped off by parents. Parents, please ensure you support your child and the school, by insisting they are on time.
Bus Stop
Please note that the bus stop, marked by the yellow lines is for the school bus only, between the hours of 8AM-9AM and again between 3PM and 4PM.
We have had families be fined for dropping students off in this space during these times.
Grass nature strip on Point Cook-Homestead Road
Families are reminded that this is a nature strip and not a parking space. The speed at which vehicles drive on this road is often high making it an unsafe space to park. It also damages the grass. Please do not drop off or pick up students from the nature strip.
Visitor Car Park (Car Park 2)
Please know that this space is for visitors, and not for drop off and pick up. The number of spaces here is limited and drop off and pick up causes undue congestion here. Please ensure that drop off and pick up is from Coaching Parade. Drop off or Pick Up outside normal times are ok for this carpark as the number of cars is limited.
Upcoming Sneydes Road closure
Dear Parents,
Please see the attached letter and detour map, from the Department of Transport and Planning which outlines information regarding the Sneydes Road closure to occur. We hope this information is helpful to ensure our students are able to arrive on time to school during this disruption.