The Western Port Word

Senior School Update

Years 10 - 12

Assistant Principal's Update

Laura Higgins

As we close the first term of the year, we reflect on the dedication, hard work, and numerous achievements our students have shown. It has been a busy and productive term, with students embracing challenges, both in the classroom and beyond. Here’s a quick roundup of all the exciting happenings from the second half of Term 1. 

 

The first round of VCE School Assessed Coursework (SACs) is well underway, and it’s fantastic to see many of our students achieving outstanding results. The hard work is clearly paying off, and it’s inspiring to see so many students utilizing the study commons after school to fine-tune their studies. Their commitment to putting in the extra effort is truly commendable, and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication to their academic success. Students are welcome to utilise the Senior Commons after school, particularly Monday and Thursday’s until 4pm. 

 

ABC and Focus at KPMG - Women in Leadership Outdoor Education Camp at Sovereign Hill 

This term, students had the incredible opportunity to participate in the ABC and KPMG focus sessions, with a particular emphasis on women in leadership. These sessions provided invaluable insights into how women have carved paths in corporate environments and leadership roles. It was an eye-opening experience for our students, offering inspiration and practical advice from industry leaders. The focus on women in leadership was particularly empowering, and we look forward to seeing how our students carry these lessons forward into their own careers. 

 

Outdoor Education Camp at Sovereign Hill Our Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students recently embarked on an invaluable experiential learning journey. Held at Sovereign Hill and Creswick Regional Park, the camp aimed to deepen their understanding of Australian outdoor environments. Students explored the influences of the first non-Indigenous settlers, the impact of increasing population, industrialisation, and the process of nation-building. This immersive experience plays a crucial role in helping them prepare for their SACS and end-of-year exams by linking real-world experiences to the course content. Students camped overnight and attended Sovereign Hill’s Aura Show before spending the next day exploring the site, enriching their learning and appreciation of our nation’s history. 

 

Holocaust Museum and WW2 Cooking Experience Another highlight of this term was the visit to the Holocaust Museum. Year 10 Humanities Students took part in this profound experience, learning about one of the most significant periods in world history. In addition, they participated in a WWII-era cooking experience at school in our kitchens, gaining insight into the food culture of the time, and reflecting on the resilience of individuals during such turbulent periods. This event was both educational and deeply moving, offering students the opportunity to learn and connect with history in a meaningful way. 

Year 10 Work Experience Prep & Careers/Pathways Reflections Our Year 10 students have been busy preparing for their upcoming work experience placements. As part of this process, they reflected on their personal career aspirations and pathways for the future. The upcoming term will involve in-depth course conversations, helping students navigate their choices for the next stages of their academic journeys. The work experience preparation sessions have been crucial in helping students build essential skills for the workforce while also exploring their potential future careers. Students have created fantastic resumes along with ensuring they have completed the required Work Experience paperwork such as Safe@Work Modules! Work Experience week runs from May 19th – May 23rd. Please see Natalie Halford or Rebecca Parker in careers for any support with Work Experience.  

 

Year 11 Uniopoly The Year 11 VCE ATAR students participated in the highly engaging ‘Uniopoly’ event this term. This interactive activity is designed to help students consider the challenges and choices they may encounter when transitioning from secondary school to university. Students enhanced their understanding of scholarship eligibility, learned about concepts like the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS), and explored the various pathways available after graduation. Through this hands-on simulation, they gained insights into the financial, academic, and social elements of university life, all while having fun and learning about their future educational options. 

 

Year 12 Easter Lunch Celebration The Year 12 Easter Lunch Celebration was a delightful event! Students gathered for an Easter Egg Hunt and celebration during lunchtime. Everyone had a blast wearing their comfiest pyjamas and bringing along their favourite teddy bears for extra fun. Highlights included an Easter Egg Hunt, Hot Chocolates and it was a joyful and fun occasion, allowing the students to come together and enjoy the easter festivities! 

 

End of Term Awards and Recognition for CARE Values & Academic Excellence As we approached the end of the term, we were proud to announce the recipients of Academic Achievement and CARE Values Awards at our end of term assembly on Monday 31st March. These awards recognised students who have demonstrated high performance in academic achievement and students who have reflected the colleges CARE values during Term 1.  

Congratulations to the following students: 

Year 10 – Academic Achievement Awards 

  • Ellienne Edwards – Year 10 Science 

  • Zach Mappouridou – Year 10 Humanities 

  • Iah Marson – Year 10 Science 

  • Archie Thomas – Year 10 Business Management and Legal Studies 

  • Noah Whitford – Year 10 Humanities  

 

VCE Vocational Major - Academic Achievement Awards 

  • Jasmine Bannan – Unit 1 Personal Development Skills 

  • Lily Charleston – Unit 1 Personal Development Skills 

  • Naeema Mohammed – Unit 1 Work Related Skills 

  • Maddison Clark – Unit 3 Literacy  

  • Olivia Mulheron – Unit 3 Work Related Skill 

VCE ATAR – Academic Achievement Awards 

  • Lucas Cusack – Unit 1 Biology  

  • Patrick Large – Unit 1 Biology 

  • Zach Panting – Unit 1 History 

  • Kayne Fakira – Unit 1 Math Methods 

  • Kayne Fakira – Unit 1 Physics 

  • Harry Mirrabella – Unit 1 Physics 

  • Asante Blegg – Unit 1 Sociology 

  • Jye Hopkins – Unit 1 General Math 

  • Rohan Trickey – Unit 1 English 

  • Ben Nennstiel  - Unit 1 English  

  • Addison Wakeman – Unit 1 Art Making and Exhibiting  

  • Austin Armstrong – Unit 3 Outdoor Education  

  • Ashton Bitters – Unit 3 Outdoor Education 

  • Rohan Trickey – Unit 3 Outdoor Education 

  • Max Wanklyn – Unit 3 Outdoor Education 

  • Jenna Chalkitis – Unit 3 General Math 

  • Ella Felstead – Unit 3 History 

  • Marcus Harwood – Unit 3 History 

  • Lily Smith -Watson – Unit 3 General Math 

  • Max Wanklyn – Unit 3 English  

  • Jenna Chalkitis – Unit 3 English  

  • Marcus Harwood – Unit 3 English 

Senior School CARE Values Awards: 

  • Jasmine Bannan 

  • Lily Charleston 

  • Ellienne Edwards 

  • Izzy Price 

  • Shaye Rout 

  • Jayke Wilson 

  • Harry Mirrabella 

  • Maddison Clark 

  • Antonio De Vries