Year 10 Term 2 Goal: Building Accountability for Learning

Article by Sarah Incani, Year 10 Level Leader

Earlier this week I met with the Year 10 Cohort to provide them with some positive and constructive feedback that was gathered from teaching and support staff regarding their progress in Term 1. There were many positives to reflect on, including a successful Year 9 to 10 transition, preparing for work experience and the rapport they have built with staff.

One of the goals that the cohort will be focussing on this term is building accountability for their own learning. This is one of the most important skills they can develop as they continue to mature and prepare for the transition into VCE.

At a Year 10 level, students are no longer simply recipients of information — they are expected to take an active role in managing their progress.

At school, we are continuing to support students in developing these habits, through Pastoral Care lessons and workshops in Home Group.

Families play an important role in this process too. Encouraging your child to:

1. Own Their Absences

Getting into the habit of:

Checking Compass on the same day they are absent
Emailing subject teachers within 24 hours to ask what was missed
Completing missed work before returning (where possible)

This shifts the mindset from “I’ll catch up when told” to “I am taking responsibility immediately.”

2. Ask Questions Early

Encourage your child to:

Ask questions during class or shortly after
Use phrases like: “Can you help me understand…”
Clarify expectations before starting major tasks

3. Actively Use Feedback (Not Just Read It)

Identify one or two specific improvements from feedback
Apply them to their next task, not just the current one
Ask teachers: “What’s one thing I should focus on improving next?”

I have mentioned previously that Year 10 is often described as a ‘bridge year’ to VCE. Accountability is one of the key pillars that allows students to move confidently into their senior studies. By developing these habits now, students place themselves in the best possible position for success in VCE and beyond.

Request: Parent and Old Collegian Contributors for the 2026 Careers Expo - Tuesday 23 June

Article by Kate Runciman, Career Development Leader

The Overnewton Careers Expo provides an excellent opportunity for our senior students to engage with members of the Overnewton community and industry professionals in an informal setting.

Through one-on-one conversations, students gain valuable insights into a range of professions, career pathways, and personal experiences within the workforce.

In addition, representatives from tertiary institutions will be attending to share course information and outline both vocational and higher education pathways. The Expo plays an important role in supporting students as they make informed decisions regarding subject selection and future career planning.

We are extremely grateful for the generosity already shown by our parent and Old Collegian community, with a diverse range of industries represented this year.

However, we are still seeking contributors from several fields. If you are currently working in one of these areas and would be willing to share your experience with our students, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Digital Design
Commerce and Accounting
Science
Health
Hairdressing and Beauty
Construction and Project Management
Music and Performance
Community Services and Psychology
Aviation and Piloting
Communications and Journalism
Information Technology and Communications

Please note that participation does not involve formal presentations or preparation, but simply a willingness to engage in meaningful conversations with curious students and parents!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our students’ future pathways.

If interested, please contact David Rosel, Career Practitioner via email or phone at 9334 0062.

Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies Camp

Article by Natalie Di Sauro, Teacher of Physical Education

Gariwerd (the Grampians) has been the chosen site for the Overnewton Outdoor and Environmental Studies camp for over a decade.

Situated a few hours' drive from Melbourne, Gariwerd is rich in history as the spiritual centre for the Djab Warring and Jardwadjali peoples, dramatic sandstone ranges, rich biodiversity, and strong links to the Year 12 OES curriculum.

Students visited the Heatherlie Quarry, an iconic landmark that supported the township in the 1880’s providing sandstone for the Melbourne Town Hall and GPO.

Students were able to see, first-hand, the interactions that colonisers had with the environment as they walked amongst disused machinery and stone-houses.

The Indigenous rock art site, Gulgurn Manja Shelter (meaning “hands of young people”) was a true highlight.

Students observed ochre handprints and emu tracks near Hollow Mountain.

The 4.2km Pinnacle Walk is always a highlight of the camp with students’ navigating the rock-hopping, water-crossings, and impressive sandstone rock formations and canyons.

A brief visit to the Halls Gap Botanical Gardens supported student learning as they identified a multitude of Indigenous flora and edible fruits.

A huge thank you is extended to support staff, Neil and Tash, for their assistance on the camp.

Each fortnight, the College Careers Team publishes a newsletter providing students and parents with the most up-to-date career information, events and opportunities.

Please access via the following link.

Launch of our new Strategic Intent

Launch of our new
Strategic Intent