Senior School

GAT – Tuesday, 17 June

The GAT is fast approaching. Please refer to previous communications regarding requirements and specifications. The key point: all students completing a Unit 3-4 subject must sit the GAT. On the day:

• Students must arrive at the College Basketball Courts by 8:30am.
• If your son travels on a Country Bus that arrives later and alternative arrangements cannot be made, please contact me as soon as possible.
• There will be no Year 11 or 12 classes on this day.
• Students not sitting the GAT are not required to attend school.

Unit 2 Subject Changes 

Thank you to the families who have supported their sons through the Unit 2 subject change process. While consistency across Units 1 and 2 (and into Units 3 and 4) is ideal, we understand some changes are necessary due to evolving pathways.

The formal process has now closed. However, if an urgent change is still needed, please contact me directly as soon as possible to discuss. 

Year 12 Assembly 

As previously communicated, Year 12 students who do not have a SAC or Assembly during Lesson 5 on a Wednesday may sign out and leave SPC at lunchtime if parent permission has been provided via the usual channels. Alternatively, students may remain at school where the Study Centre will be supervised.

Term 2 Lesson 5 Schedule:

• Wed 4 June – No Assembly
• Wed 11 June – GAT Information Assembly
• Wed 18 June – English SAC
• Wed 25 June – General Maths SAC
• Wed 2 July – Assembly

Year 11 – Carmen Road Safety Presentation 

This Thursday, we welcomed John Maher to speak with our Year 11 students about road safety. John shared his powerful story, including the tragic death of his daughter Carmen and the crash that altered his own life and career.

This emotionally impactful session gave our students a strong sense of perspective. I encourage you to check in with your son—it was a heavy but important presentation that resonated with many.

2025 VCAA Examination Schedule Released 

The VCAA has published the 2025 external examination timetable. You can view it here:

These exams represent a significant milestone in students' academic journey. While they take place in October, now is the ideal time to establish consistent study habits and routines.

A key piece of advice: Nothing new on exam day. Don’t introduce new revision methods, change your breakfast routine, or stay up late cramming the night before. Instead, embed effective strategies and healthy routines early—this builds familiarity and reduces stress, helping students approach exams with greater confidence and clarity. I will share additional information about the exam process, as well as effective study and revision habits as we move closer. 

Career and Pathways News 

The Ballarat Careers and Futures Festival

• Date: 28 July
• Time: 5–7pm
• Location: Ballarat Grammar School
• All Victorian universities will be in attendance, along with other education providers and employment agencies.
• Highly recommended for students in Years 10–12.
• This event is free and acts as a replacement for the annual SPC Careers Expo.

Australian Defence Force Visit

A representative from the ADF will visit the College on 22 July to speak about careers and post-school pathways with the ADF.

If your son is interested in exploring a future with the ADF, please encourage him to attend this session.

For any questions or further support, please feel free to reach out: 

• Liam Davie and John Sullivan, Year 11 Coordinators
• Chris Gleeson and Shane Murphy, Year 12 Coordinators
• Andrew Chamings, VCE Coordinator