Senior School

Year 10

As we near the end of Term 3, after what has been a huge term, our Year 10 student and teacher team are proud to reflect on the past 10+ very important weeks our cohort has faced. This term has marked a significant period in our high school years and academic pathways, allowing us to expand and embrace each of our own individual identities. There were lots of key moments and adventures; here is a snapshot of some highlights

Northern Territory Camp

In the last week of Term 2, 83 Year 10 students and 9 staff had the exciting opportunity to travel to Central Australia for a cultural immersion experience. The trip was filled with beautiful sights, engaging activities and many interesting cultural experiences that students will remember for years to come. We worked together through a range of activities, developing teamwork, communication and cooperative skills. The experience allowed us to strengthen existing friendships and foster new ones with people we may not normally spend time with at school. From exploring incredible locations such as Uluru, Kakadu National Park, to taking part in cultural activities, watching a First Nations man cooking kangaroo tail - and we even got the opportunity to try some! With something for everyone to enjoy, the Central Australia camp was definitely a highlight of the year and provided students with an unforgettable experience filled with learning, adventure, friendship and plenty of great memories!

Holocaust Week 

Following the Year 10 English study of the memoir “Night”, the cohort participated in a week-long series of activities to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust; one of the highlights of this week was the excursion to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, where students were able to meet and listen to some holocaust survivors, allowing them to have a real understanding of the events that happened throughout the span of World War II, as well as a chance to look at an amazing display of artefacts and exhibitions, specifically curated as a memorial to the Jewish community, to get a better understanding of the timeline of the Holocaust events.

Part of this week was also having the opportunity to participate in Road-Smart Transport Driving Program, where we got to use VR (virtual reality) headsets to experience simulated driving exercises; using technology to allow us the virtual experience of driving whilst inexperienced or distracted whilst behind the wheel – an invaluable educational moment for us all.

Model UN Conference

Some of the Year 10 students recently demonstrated leadership and global awareness by participating in Model United Nations Conferences at both Dromana College and Dandenong High School. Stepping into the shoes of international diplomats, they debated complex global issues, negotiated resolutions, and developed vital public speaking and critical thinking skills as they tackled real-world geopolitics. 

Year 10 Pathways Conversations 

Throughout terms 2 and 3, students were given valuable opportunities to make important decisions about their Year 11 and Year 12 pathways. Through one-on-one course counselling, we explored our interests, strengths and future goals to make informed decisions about our subject choices and the direction we wanted to take in the years ahead.

Semester One exams

Year 10 students had their first set of exams this year, and the results reflected a wide range of academic achievement across the cohort. Walking into the massive, silent exam hall for the first time was definitely intimidating, with rows of desks and the pressure of knowing that weeks of preparation would be put to the test. Despite the nerves, everyone rose to the challenge and gave their best effort. The experience taught us valuable lessons about time management, revision strategies, and perseverance under pressure. More importantly, it marked a step towards greater independence and responsibility, as we learned to take control of our own education. By supporting one another and sharing our experiences, we gained confidence and finished the exam period with a sense of accomplishment and pride

Year 12

OEDIPUS PERFORMANCE FOR YEAR 12

Ancient Greek theatre has played a large part in the development of our modern literature and theatre.  Seeing the plays performed brings the ideas and issues explored in the plays to the forefront.  The Complete Works Theatre Company visited the school in August to perform the tragedy ‘Oedipus the King’ for Year 12 students.  After a dynamic performance, the actors fielded student questions about their understanding of the play and their acting choices to give the students the benefit of their perspective.  Attending the performance was a valuable experience to add to the students’ knowledge and understanding of the play - especially as the final exams draw ever closer!

VOC Major PDS Project: The Journey That Shaped Us

From prep to beyond school - celebrating the people, experiences and moments that have shaped who we are. 

This term our VCE Vocational Major students have been reflecting on a journey that began long before they entered the VM classroom; their journey through school and towards life beyond it.

As part of their Personal Development Skills Project, students explored the theme "The Journey That Shaped Us," creating a celebration of the experiences, people, challenges and achievements that have helped shape them from their first days of Prep through to their final years of secondary 

school.

For many students, finishing school can feel like the end of something. This project encouraged them to see it differently: as one chapter in a much bigger journey.

Students reflected on the people who have supported them along the way; family, friends, teachers, coaches and mentors, as well as the experiences that have helped them grow. They considered the moments they are proud of, the challenges they have overcome, the lessons they have learned and the memories they will carry with them as they move into the next stage of their lives.

The project culminated in a special evening at Montalto's newest venue, Brasa, where students came together to celebrate and share their journey with those who helped them get there. It was an opportunity to pause and look back before looking forward. To recognise just how far they have come and to consider the people they hope to become beyond school.

Importantly, the evening was not simply about celebrating achievements. It was about celebrating growth. School journeys are rarely straightforward, and every student has a different story. Some moments have been joyful, others challenging and many have been transformative. Together, these experiences have helped shape the young people our students are today.

Through the project, students also developed the practical skills that are such an important part of the VCE Vocational Major: working collaboratively, communicating ideas, planning and organising an event, solving problems, taking responsibility and contributing to their community.

Most importantly, The Journey That Shaped Us allowed our students to be heard. They were able to reflect on where they have been, celebrate where they are now, and begin thinking about where their journey might take them next.

As they prepare to take their next steps beyond school, we hope they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills they have developed, but also a strong sense of who they are, where they have come from and the people and experiences that have helped shape them.

Their school journey may be coming to an end, but their story is only just beginning.  

The Vocational Major Team are so proud of the students and we wish them all the best as their life learning journey continues.