SENIOR School

Dear Parents/Carers and Students 

As I write this and the weather turns cooler, students are starting to prepare for their midyear examinations (Year 11) and their Assessment Week (Year 12). It has been pleasing seeing students make effective use of the resourced study areas on the Senior Campus; Presentation Space and the Silent Study Centre. Students are collaborating well with one another, using the whiteboards to create visual concept maps or opting for independent study. Students are encouraged to continue connecting with their teachers during their study periods for additional tutoring. Our staff go above and beyond to ensure our students are well supported, their care and efforts are greatly appreciated. 

An example of the care and effort was shown in by the Year 12 Retreat that took place from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 May at the Phillip Island Adventure Resort. Two hundred and forty students from the Class of 2024 with 25 staff had an absolute ball connecting with each other and refreshing as they conclude Unit 3 and transition into Unit 4. The Giant Swing and the two trivia nights were a consistent highlight for all students and staff. The students should be congratulated on their outstanding attitudes and behaviour at the Retreat, we are proud of you. Thank you to the phenomenal Year 12 Team for planning such a wonderful experience, Ms Kelly Mitchell, Mr Back Barbour and Ms Kate Burgess.  

While the Year 12 students were away enjoying connecting with the peers and staff, the Year 11 students were making full use of the Senior Campus. This included a student house dodgeball game, a chin-up competition and wonderful musical performance by Unit 1 VCE Music students Sam Dickinson and Imogen Randles. Thank you to the Year 11 Team for leading these activities – Ms Brittany Harvey, Mr Alex Trickovic and Ms Kerryn Elrick.

 The 2024 Year 11 Central Australia students also met for their first camp briefing. Eighty students and 10 staff will be participating in the 15-day Central Australia Trip commencing on Friday 13 September and returning on Friday 27 September. Thank you to Mrs Jodie Burton and Mrs Anne Thomson who have started the significant planning involved in such a wonderful trip.  

On Tuesday 7 May was the House Athletics at Ballam Park. The Senior School students’ participations levels were outstanding. The VET Sport and Recreation students provided mature and organised support to assist the operations of the event. The Year 12 students embraced the dress-up challenge and one of the many highlights of the event was the ‘12s at 12’ in the centre of the track where they participated in competitive and light-hearted games. The winning group and the best dressed were awarded with canteen vouchers and all left the field with smiles and in laughter.  

Students are encouraged to review their study and work routines and their study spaces as they prepare for the Year 11 Midyear Examinations and Year 12 Assessment Week. Students, parents and carers may find this resource helpful. This is from Headspace and provides tips on ‘how to study for exams and reduce stress’. Students are also reminded that they should be striving for 8-9 hours of sleep a night. Cumulative effects of sleep deprivation can have negative affective, behaviour and cognitive impacts. Good sleep hygiene can help improve sleep habits and quality, this resource might be a helpful summary of useful strategies.

To help you with encouraging proactive study habits for your child, I have included below the:

1. Year 11 Midyear Examination Timetable
2. Year 12 Assessment Week timetable and
3. September Holidays Year 12 Practice Examination Timetable (these can also be accessed via Compass). 

On Tuesday 18 June is the General Achievement Test (GAT) for all students studying a Unit 3/4 VCE or VCE VM subject. The GAT plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments and also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards expected at a senior secondary level. In the coming weeks, year levels will be briefed on the formal VCAA policy and procedures for examinations. They will receive a hardcopy official VCAA timetable and GAT brochure. I have also hyperlinked a copy here. As this is an official VCAA examination, there is formal documentation that needs to be completed if a student is to miss the GAT due to special circumstances (supporting documentation from an independent health professional).

Year 11 Midyear Examinations Timetable

Year 12 Assessment Week Timetable

Year 12 September Holiday Practice Exams

Ms Tiffany GreenHill

Campus Principal