9-12 Community News
As the year moves rapidly on, there have been a number of note-worthy events and things to look forward to.
Last week saw the annual Arts and Design Technology Show and there were many great pieces of work and performances on display. Congratulations to Remi McQueen and Kailyn Pyke, who both sang beautifully and to Laura Graetz, whose self portrait won both the 9-12 Community Principal’s Choice and People's Choice Awards.
After their success at the Regional level in the Cows Create Careers competition, Mrs Challis’ Years 9/10 Agriculture/Horticulture class took it a step further on Friday, transforming their teachers into a herd of cows as they strive to win the National competition. For those who saw the cows wandering around the yard, it was definitely a sight that they will remember.
Year 12 exams are continuing, with the last of our students finishing their exams next Monday. From there, the Year 12s will be looking forward to celebrating the end of their exams with their Graduation Mass and Dinner next Thursday.
At the half-way point of the term the focus for all of our 9-12 Community is upon finalising coursework and assessments and beginning to look towards 2024.
This week, the Years 10 & 11 Exam timetable has been shared with students. A link to the timetable is provided here: Student Copy 2023 Yr 10/11 Exam Timetable
The exams will be held from 27th November through to 5th December, with exams for Year 10 students in English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities, plus the VCE Fast Track subjects of General Maths, Physical Education and Psychology. Year 11 students will have exams in each of their subjects (excluding RE). Completing exams in these years is vital in preparing students for the requirements of their Units 3&4 VCE subjects. To that end, we will introduce students to the type of processes and conditions that students will encounter when they do their final VCE examinations. Students will learn a great deal about how to prepare themselves for success from this experience.
As has been done in previous years, Wednesday 6th December has been designated a Study day in preparation for the Early Commencement Program. Students in Years 9-11 (2023) are not required at school on this day. This day will allow staff to complete the correction of examinations and prepare for the Early Commencement Program (ECP).
The College VCE Early Commencement Program (ECP) for 2024 Years 11 and 12 students, begins on Thursday 7th December 7th continuing through to 15th December. The aim of our Early Commencement Program is for staff and students to get to know each other in preparation for a smooth start to the 2024 VCE academic year. Staff will have the opportunity to learn about their student’s different learning styles and develop strategies that might be used to help plan curriculum and learning activities for the following year. To enable students to get the most out of their ECP classes, we ask that students come to classes with all of the necessary textbooks, equipment and stationery to begin their classes. If any families have encountered delays in receiving their booklist orders before ECP begins, please let your TAs know so that we can provide assistance. Booklists were sent to families earlier in the term, via an Operoo letter and the link to the Second-Hand Books Sale was also shared with students at this time.
In the coming weeks, our Years 10 and 11 students will have the opportunity to attend onsite seminars with the Success Integrated group, who will be talking to our students about setting their goals for future pathways, building their study skills and leadership qualities.
2024 Years 9 and 10 students have submitted their electives and VCE Fast Track or VET choices for next year and will be informed of their elective subjects before the end of term. Current Year 9 students who have selected to undertake a Fast Track VCE subject, Physical Education or Psychology, have been contacted by email from Mr Downie to confirm their subject choice.
Students from Years 10 and 11 who have elected to do a VET program in 2024, will receive information from the VET provider in relation to their courses. Any questions around VET programs can be directed to Mrs Langley.
As we approach this important part of the academic year, we encourage the students to continue their positive focus right until the end.
Michelle Downie Brad Downie
9-12 Community Leader 9-12 Community Leader
Wellbeing and Community Student Learning and Professional Practice
St Mary’s House of Welcome - VCE VM Excursion
On 17th October, five students from the Years 11/12 VCE VM Literature class travelled to St Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy. St Mary's House of Welcome is a charity supporting the homeless and disadvantaged since 1960.
The reason for the visit developed from the Literacy class study of ‘Understanding Issues and Voices’ in Australia. Upon learning of the many challenges homeless people face, some members of the class felt strongly enough to contact St Mary’s House of Welcome and offer their assistance. Those students lucky enough to be chosen to attend were Abby, Jessie, Ebony, Lilly and Lara. Felicity Lewis and Peter Fawcett were the attending staff members.
Upon arrival, everyone helped with the food preparation. This consisted of cutting up various food items such as mushrooms and beans. Exploring her love of cooking, Lara was chosen to work in the kitchen and helped cook and serve food during the two lunchtime sittings. Ebony and Lilly provided table service throughout lunch for the homeless guests. Abby and Jessie helped the manager of the organisation sort, distribute and store some of the healthcare donations that had been received that day.
During the day, students realised just how lucky they were, as each was exposed first-hand to the difficulties faced by homeless people. They learned from their visit and studies that homeless people are at a much higher risk of suffering from poor health, loneliness and mental health issues; all of which can lead to chemical dependency and crime.
Overall the trip was confronting, but very worthwhile. The staff at St Mary’s and the homeless guests praised the students for showing an interest and assisting on the day. We are already discussing a further visit later in the year so that another group of students can have a similar experience. We would encourage future VCE VM students to make this excursion a regular event and be prepared to help, talk to the staff and guests and provide assistance in any way needed.
Go to www.smhow.org.au if you want to learn more about St Mary's House of Welcome.
