Learning

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, Learning & Teaching

Dear Parents and Guardians

In our last newsletter, we heard from Georgia X in 9 Melba about her experience in her first year of the University of Melbourne Girl Power in Engineering and IT program, and I am delighted to share the news that Nastasia, from 12 Blue, recently completed the Girl Power in Engineering and IT program. Nastasia thoroughly enjoyed the program, in particular learning about different aspects of science and career opportunities.

Well done Nastasia!

Booklists for 2027 with an emphasis on reducing screentime

Students and parents should have received a copy of the resource list. We ask that items are ordered by 13 December 2026 to ensure the arrival of the resources by the start of the school year.

In an effort to limit student screen time, both at school and at home, many of the items on the booklist include print versions of textbooks, rather than relying on the electronic version. We ask that at all year levels, from Year 7 – 12, students bring the print version of text books to school.

Other adjustments to reduce screen time include encouraging all students to use their school planners each day, rather than digital planners, to record homework and organise themselves and students not opening their laptops in class unless directed to do so by a teacher. More information will be provided in due course.

Year 10 and 11 Exams

As Year 10 and Year 11 students begin their exams, I would like to reiterate the advice given in the last newsletter for students completing exams. There are bound to be a few nerves and feelings of stress or anxiety leading up to and during the exam period. Please rest assured that this is normal and a certain level of stress is a good thing. To help reduce stress make sure you:

have enough sleep, (at least 8-10 hours sleep per night)
drink plenty of water and
eat healthily
exercise for a healthy body and mind

VCE 2027 Headstart

Shortly, students will receive details of the Year 11 and 12, 2027 Headstart Program. This is an important part of the VCE program and includes a start on VCE courses, several key assemblies regarding the VCE journey and associated challenges and an exam feedback day. All events are compulsory for students moving into Year 11 and 12 in 2027.

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)

Year 10 students completed their PAT on Friday, 13 November. Students who have not completed these assessments will be given the opportunity to do so after school in Supp SACs on:

Tuesday, 24 November
Thursday, 26 November
Tuesday, 01 December

Any Year 10 student who has not completed them will be asked to complete them on Thursday 3rd December.

We will be running a special program on Thursday, 26 November where Year 7 – 9 students will complete their PAT. Some catch up sessions will be run if students do not complete their PAT on this day. Any student who has outstanding PAT will be asked to complete them on Friday, 29 January.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or feedback.

Ms Lucy Neil

Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching