Senior School Report

Ms Kristina Vasilakis

Message from the

Director of Learning

Senior School

Ms Kristina Vasilakis

As Semester 1 draws to a close, I would like to congratulate our Year 11 and 12 students on their efforts and achievements throughout what has been an incredibly busy and successful term.

Year 11 Exams

A major highlight of the term has been the Year 11 Exam Period. We were extremely pleased with the maturity, attendance and engagement demonstrated by our students throughout the exam week. Students approached their exams seriously and embraced the opportunity to experience VCE-style assessment conditions.

The exam period was not simply about grades; it was about developing effective study habits, examination techniques and resilience. Through reviewing their exam performance and reflecting on their learning, students have identified areas of strength and opportunities for growth as they move into Unit 2 studies.

Following the exams, students participated in a School of Play incursion focused on reflecting on their examination experience, celebrating their achievements and identifying strategies for future success. Students were encouraged to analyse their preparation, mindset and exam performance while setting goals for the remainder of the year and beyond.

The session reinforced the importance of reflection as a learning tool and highlighted that improvement comes not only from effort, but from understanding what works and what can be refined. Opportunities such as this help students develop the habits, study skills and reflective practices that support long-term academic success.

General Achievement Test (GAT)

This term also saw our Unit 3 & 4 VCE and VCE VM students complete the General Achievement Test (GAT), their first external assessment of the year. We were proud of the calm and mature manner in which students approached the day.

In the lead up to the GAT, students participated in preparation workshops delivered by EnglishLab. These sessions provided students with valuable insight into the structure of the assessment, effective response strategies and opportunities to practise the skills required for success.

The GAT is an important part of the VCE assessment system and plays a key role in ensuring assessment outcomes are fair and accurate. We thank our students for the mature and positive manner in which they approached the day, as well as the many staff who supported the organisation and running of the examination.

Celebrating Wellbeing and Achievement

Following the completion of Unit 3 coursework and the GAT, our Year 12 students participated in a wellbeing excursion to Activate by Hardrock.

The excursion provided an opportunity for students to celebrate their achievements, strengthen connections with their peers and take a well-earned break before beginning the final stage of their VCE journey. Student wellbeing remains a key priority in the Senior School, and opportunities such as these help students maintain balance during a demanding year.

Senior School Subject Awards Assembly

Unit 2 and Unit 4 Underway

Following the completion of Unit 1 and Unit 3, students have successfully transitioned into Unit 2 and Unit 4 studies. Year 11 students are building on the foundations established during Semester 1, while Year 12 students have commenced Unit 4 and are entering the final phase of their VCE journey. Every learning opportunity from this point forward contributes to their preparation for future pathways and end-of-year examinations.

Careers and Pathways – Our Term 3 Focus

A major focus next term will be Careers and Pathways.

This term, students attended our annual Careers Expo, where they had the opportunity to engage with universities, TAFEs, apprenticeship providers, employers and industry representatives. The event highlighted the wide range of opportunities available to students after secondary school and encouraged them to begin thinking seriously about their future pathways.

For our Year 12 students, Term 3 is particularly significant as VTAC applications open and students begin making decisions about courses, institutions and post-school pathways. Students will receive ongoing support from both the Careers and Senior School teams as they navigate this important process.

Families are encouraged to explore the VTAC Year 12 Guide together: https://vtac.edu.au/guides/y12guide

Holiday Revision Opportunities

We would also like to congratulate the many Unit 3 & 4 students who have registered for the Access Education Holiday Revision Lectures during the term break. Their willingness to engage in additional revision opportunities demonstrates a strong commitment to academic improvement and preparation for the final stages of their VCE studies.

We encourage students to make the most of these sessions as they consolidate Unit 3 knowledge, strengthen their understanding of key concepts and begin preparing for the Trial Exam period later this year.

Holiday Study Advice

The term break provides an important opportunity for students to rest, recharge and spend time with family and friends. However, it is also an excellent opportunity to consolidate learning and prepare for Semester 2.

We encourage students to:

Review feedback from Semester 1 assessments and exams.
Organise notes and learning materials.
Create a realistic study schedule for the holidays and Term 3.
Use active recall techniques to test their understanding of key concepts rather than simply rereading notes.
Complete practice questions and past examination papers where available.
Break study sessions into manageable chunks using techniques such as the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes of focused study followed by a short break).

For Year 12 students, the holidays are an ideal time to begin preparing for Trial Exams and to continue building revision materials for their Unit 3 and 4 subjects. Small, consistent study sessions throughout the holidays are often far more effective than last-minute cramming.

Thank You

I would like to acknowledge and thank Assistant Principal Travis McIntosh, our Year 11 Coordinator Anna Papagiannopoulos, our Year 12 Coordinator Helen Ifandis, our Education Support staff member Vicky Karayiannis, and all Senior School teachers for their outstanding support throughout the Year 11 Exam period, GAT and Semester 1. Their dedication, professionalism and commitment to our students ensured these key events ran smoothly and provided students with every opportunity to succeed.

The positive learning culture within the Senior School is a reflection of the collective efforts of our staff, students and families. Through strong attendance, consistent effort and a commitment to improvement, we continue to support students to achieve their personal best and pursue meaningful pathways beyond school.

Thank you to our students, parents/ carers and staff for their ongoing support throughout the semester. The partnership between home and school plays a vital role in student success, and we greatly appreciate the encouragement, guidance and support families provide throughout the VCE journey.

We wish everyone a safe, restful and productive holiday break and look forward to another successful term ahead.

Ms Kristina Vasilakis

Director of Learning Senior School

Teach the Teacher

Dear Westall SC community,

On Thursday 4th June, our student leaders had the unique opportunity to present and facilitate a staff meeting with our teachers. This opportunity was provided to our student leaders as part of our school-wide commitment to Student Voice and Agency.

Throughout this term, our student leaders have been undertaking the 'Teach the Teacher' program facilitated by VicSRC. During this program, students have analysed whole school data, designed and evaluated their own research, and collaboratively planned the presentation of this staff meeting. Although our student perception data is generally positive, our student leaders identified the ongoing need to continually improve student-teacher relationships.

Students used the Westall Explicit Direction Instructional (EDI) Model to structure this workshop, and promote the engagement of all teachers. In what proved to be a humurous reversal of roles, students regularly selected 'non-volunteering' teachers to roleplay and share their responses, and requested that the teachers sitting up the back, moved to the front. At the conclusion of the meeting, teachers set a SMART goal to individually aspire to achieve, and provided overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Well done and congratulations to our 2026 student leaders for their amazing work 'teaching the teachers'. We look forward to continuing this work in the future!

Year 12 biology photos

Year 12 VM

Late in Term 1, students put their mathematical skills into action by completing an exciting project recreating a scale replica of the iconic Albert Park Circuit Formula 1 track.

Using measurement, ratio, scale and problem-solving skills, students carefully planned and constructed detailed models of the circuit. Throughout the project, students worked collaboratively to calculate accurate dimensions, map out the famous turns of the track, and recreate key features of the course. The task challenged students to apply classroom learning in a practical and engaging way while also encouraging creativity, teamwork and persistence.

The completed replicas showcased an impressive level of detail and precision, with students taking great pride in their final products. It was fantastic to see students so engaged in hands-on learning and making real-world connections between mathematics and major sporting events such as the Australian Grand Prix.

Congratulations to all students involved for their outstanding effort and creativity throughout the project. Their work is on display in SLC.

Mr Kristian Gropel

VM Coordinator

Year 11 VCE Careers Expo

On Thursday 30th April, the Year 11s went out to the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre for the VCE Careers Expo.

Students got the opportunity to speak to a range of different employers and higher-education centres, including Monash University, Victoria Police and Holmesglen TAFE. Students also got to attend targeted lectures for specific VCE subjects.

Overall, it was an excellent day with many opportunities to explore future career pathways.

A massive thank you to Ms Geraldine for organising the tickets to this huge event, and to all the staff who came along to support our students!

Thank you,

Ms Anna Papagiannopoulos

Year 11 Coordinator