Assistant Principal 

As the winter months set in, I wanted to draw attention to the need for students to take extra steps to look after their health. Increased school pressures and the cold and flu season being in full swing place additional demands upon our bodies.  With exams for year 11 students continuing this week, and several final SACS for year 12 students and the upcoming GAT, for some of us, this can be a time of high stress. It is important to remember that we can do small things to support our health and wellbeing during such times. Eating healthy foods and getting a good night’s rest to support concentration at school are a great place to start. A regular exercise routine can also support a healthy immune system and contribute to better academic performance and a positive state of well-being.

Homework demands during the VCE years of school increase substantially with the expectation of three hours after school on most weeknights and then some time over the weekend. This time should be used to complete tasks set from class, revise including completing Edrolo quizzes including watching their content videos to extend understanding of concepts and to complete revision materials to prepare for the end of the year examinations.

A reminder of the approaching General Achievement Test.

This is the second year that there will be some changes to the General Achievement Test (GAT) for all VCE and VCAL students. These have occurred as part of the recent secondary reform of the VCE and VCE/VM pathways and consequently, Victorian senior secondary students will have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against new standards in a reformed General Achievement Test.

These standards will indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills typically expected of someone completing their secondary schooling giving another indication of their readiness to move onto further education, training or employment. It is in all of our student best interests to approach the GAT with their very best efforts and to complete the set tasks with consideration and a positive resolve.

The 2024 GAT will be held on Tuesday June 18t June. The GAT will be split into two sections:

Section A will assess literacy and numeracy skills

Section B will assess skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities, with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills

All students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VM Unit 3 –4 sequence will be required to sit Sections A and B. Senior VM students will sit Section A.  Students should arrive by 8:30, to allow for time for entry into the old Gym.

No electronic devices including Mobile Phones or Smart watches are permitted in the examination centres. 

We wish our year 12 students all the very best for the GAT.

Best wishes,

Laura Forster

Assistant Principal