Melanie Denney

Assistant Principal

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

Term 3 is a particularly busy term on the school calendar, with all students starting to think about what 2026 will look like for them.

2026 JMSS Course Selection and Tertiary Applications

Year 10s and 11s have all participated in course counselling interviews. These sessions are not only a chance to talk about subjects for next year, but also an opportunity to celebrate the progress students have made so far in 2025 and set targets for growth during Semester 2. While the information collected during this process is already being used to shape timetables and staffing, subjects will not be finalised until November. At this time, students will have another opportunity to discuss their choices for 2026. Further information about JMSS subject pathways can be found under the start icon in Compass in the 2026 Course Selection Guide.

Year 12s are currently starting the process of applying for tertiary pathways through VTAC (and others, if applying interstate). Alongside this, applications for Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and scholarships are also underway. We are fortunate to have a fantastic Careers Team who is meeting with each Year 12 student to guide them through what is involved. More information can be found in the slides shared with Year 12s and their families via Compass, as well as on the VTAC website: https://vtac.edu.au/. Students are reminded that any requests for supporting information (such as references and predicted ATARs) need to be discussed with the VCE Team prior to Thursday, 4th September.

Upcoming VCAA Exam Period and Trial Exams

The VCAA exam period for those students completing Unit 3 and 4 subjects commences on 16th October (with smaller language) and runs through until 19th November. The last day of Year 12 will be Tuesday 21st October, with the first of the larger cohort exams (English and EAL) on Tuesday, 28th October. Students can access the full timetable on the VCAA website and will be provided with a personalised exam notice closer to the end of the term. Year 12 students have all received a 2025 VCE Exams Navigator.

All students currently taking a Unit 3 and 4 subject (with the exception of Extended Investigation) at JMSS are expected to attend practice written exams during the second week of the school holidays. This not only gives students a chance to experience what it is like to complete a full-length paper, but is also a great tool they can use to target their revision in the lead up to the VCAA exam period. An overview is shown below. More specific details about times and expectations will be provided to students in the coming weeks. Students should plan to be at school 45 minutes prior to the start of the trial exam in full school uniform.

Melanie Denney

Assistant Principal