Strategic Development & Organisation
Ms. Jodie Connell - Deputy Principal
Welcome to Term 2. The holidays were needed by us all to relax, recharge, and rest.
We know that every day counts when it comes to young people experiencing success at school in all areas, learning, and social and emotional development. And this has always been the message from the experts, the education department, and schools.
We want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each day. If students miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in the later years of school. There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind and can affect their educational outcomes. Each missed day is associated with progressively lower achievement in numeracy, writing, and reading.
It’s not OK to be away
Attendance Requirement
To maximise student achievement and outcomes, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College requires students to be punctual and attend all classes with appropriate materials and set work completed so that teaching and learning can be effective. The College attendance requirement requires at least 90% attendance (face to face) in each unit/subject to achieve a satisfactory result for that unit/subject. This is regardless of whether or not the student has satisfied the coursework outcomes for that Unit/subject or not.
Approved absences are:
• Those covered by a medical certificate or other relevant documentation.
• Those caused by the student’s participation in another aspect of the College’s educational program (such as SSV sport, music, excursion or camp)
Unapproved absences are:
• Absences not covered by a Medical Certificate or other relevant documentation
• An absence from a whole-school activity
• Family holidays taken by students during the school term. Teachers are not responsible for, and may not provide work for students on holidays as this will lead to authentication concerns.
Holidays during school time
What does this mean for your child’s assessments? To request that the assessment be moved or deferred to a later date due to an absence requires the student to apply/ request for special provision.
Special Provision and School-Based Assessment
Students are eligible for Special provisions for school-based assessment if they are adversely affected by illness, impairment, or traumatic personal and/or family circumstances. The usual provision granted in this category may include allowing the student to undertake the task at a later date, allowing the student extra time to complete the task, substituting or replacing one task with another task, or using technology to complete the task. All these possible provisions will be dependent on the resources of the College.
If a child is away on a family holiday for an exam, assessment, or SAC they will receive a zero for that task. This is because family holidays do not meet the requirements outlined above to qualify for Special Provisions.
It is important that if you are planning on taking holidays during the school year, you have a conversation/email with your child’s Wellbeing Leader to assess the full impact of the absence.
Home Study Routines – What is homework? What is study?
As a college, we are always looking to improve students results. Students who have a regular study or revision routine are more likely to achieve success in their schooling and have better outcomes for their VCE. So, what is the difference between homework and study?
Homework is work formally set by teachers to be completed outside of the classroom. For example, completing set questions or Maths problems. Study are the independent tasks that students complete on top of the homework given by teachers. Study may consist of reviewing content from each subject regularly. Students might choose to make flashcards to test themselves on this content, some great websites such as Quizlet provide sets of flashcards for many different topics. Other ways to study that are helpful for students is to complete practice questions, this is a highly recommended strategy for VCE students, but can be helpful at any year level.
In a recent article from the American Psychological Society, ‘Six research-tested ways to study better’ several strategies were suggested such as concept mapping, students quizzing themselves or asking friends or family to quiz them, and forming study groups. These are all great suggestions that could help to improve students' learning outcomes. Dr Stephen Chew a Professor of Psychology has created a video about how to study, including 10 study principles for successful learning.
By encouraging our students to develop an effective home study routine, not only will this improve learning outcomes but it may also improve student’s mindset to feel more positive and empowered as learners.
Year 10 Work Experience
Forms were due back to the office this week. We still have several students looking for placement. If you can help by placing a student in the week of Monday 3rd June to Friday 7th June, please let Jenny Damon know via email at jdamon@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au
Year 11 Structured Work Placement
Our Vocational Major students have a two-week block release for structured workplace learning. If you can help by placing a student in the period of Monday 3rd June to Friday 14th June, please let Jo Knox know via email at jknox@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au
Elevate Education Parent Webinar Seminars
Elevate Education continues to provide parents of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional Student College exclusive access to their Parent Webinar Series for Term 2, 2024.
To reserve your spot, you can register for free below,
Wednesday 8th May
How to Get (And Keep!) Your Child Motivated!
Click here to register for free
Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:
✅ What impact does praise and reassurance have on your child’s motivation?
✅ What are the best types of goals to be setting with your child?
✅ How can you help your child create meaningful and lasting motivation?
Wednesday 22nd May Help Your Child Prepare for Exams
Wednesday 5th June Help Support Your Child During Exams
Wednesday 19th June Ask Me Anything (Live Q&A)
The webinars are run live online from 6.30pm – 7.30pm (AEST) where the presenter will share Elevates key research and skills, and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly. If you are unable to make the webinar, don't worry! If you sign up to attend, you'll receive the webinar recording on Thursday morning.
Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below.
✉️ auscoaching@elevateeducation.com