SCHOOL OF POSSIBILITIES
On Monday, November 27 our Year 10 and Year 11 students commenced an introductory program for their studies next year. This program is beneficial for students and staff alike. It allows our students to meet their teachers and gain an understanding of what each subject is like to help support success in the next year. Changes to subjects and programs can be made during this introductory program in the hope that we have a smooth start to the 2024 learning program with all students in the correct subjects and the correct program. We commenced the week with an assembly of our 2024 Year 12 school leaders in lesson one on Monday, followed by our Year 11 cohort gathering in lesson two. Our SOP Leaders outlined expectations and looking for success in the year ahead for each individual student. The expectations are inline with our three school rules of RESPECT everyone and everything, always do your BEST and help everyone SUCCEED. The theme behind the session was, We are Stronger Together, with our continued work of building a supported community. We are waiting in anticipation for the announcement of our inaugural student School Leadership Team for 2024, and have been in awe of the quality and insight of the speeches delivered to the whole school community by our applicants for College Captain.
On Tuesday, November 28, our 2024 Year 12 cohort gathered for a special photo for our exchange student Flavio, who will be returning home to Italy on Saturday. We have been very fortunate to have such a wonderful ambassador join our community for the last six months. Flavio has been an incredible asset to the college and his artistic talents have spoken for themselves, winning the Spiritual Art Award (Yr 11 - 12) at the Mackillop Art Awards in Bendigo. Flavio will surely be missed by our students who have also enjoyed the privilege of his extra tuition in the Italian language. This extra support will surely enhance their studies for Year 12.
In our Year 11 VM PDS class this week, students completed an activity on communication skills, a vital element of what is required in the workplace and certainly a skill that needs to be practised and enhanced. Students had a word taped onto their back. They had to move around the class and ask their classmates five questions that had ‘yes’ or ‘no’ responses to work out what their word was and then to find their pair within our class. Students engaged in meaningful conversation and worked hard to find who they were and who their partner was. Once they found their partner they sat together and evaluated why they were given this task, how it relates to their own personal development and the importance of workplace communication.
On Thursday this week our year 12 VM PDS students undertook the marshmallow challenge. Students formed groups of four students and undertook the challenge of building the highest freestanding structure. Groups were given 20 sticks of pasta, one marshmallow, one metre of string and sticky tape. Groups had to work together, discuss strategies, use communication skills and use leadership skills to come up with the best design to create the highest structure. Time limits were given so students learnt how to work under pressure and complete tasks within a restricted time frame. These are all ‘soft skills’ that we have been discussing in class and are ranked highly by potential employers. The tallest tower built was 116 cm.
As a class we then watched a ‘Ted talk’ that looked at the marshmallow challenge and how different groups approached this when confronted with the task. The theme was, build a tower and then build a team. Surprisingly with this challenge some of the best towers are built by grade six students and uni graduates. Not surprising, students with business degrees are the worst and architects are amongst the best. Students then completed a reflection exercise looking at what they did compared to those who were part of the ‘Ted talk’ experience.
Together we can do so much
Putting their best, collaborative foot forward during the Early Commencement Program this week, the Year 11 Physical Education class enjoyed matching anatomical terms to precise body locations on a body map.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
We are now one week into our introductory program. There is a clear expectation that all students returning to St Anne’s College in 2024 will attend the introductory program for either Year 11 or Year 12 next year. This program enables students to see if their subject choices and program for the year are suitable for them. Students gain a deeper understanding of subjects and what is required of them and whether they believe they can succeed and if the subject is right for them. It is anticipated that by the start of the 2024 school year, no Year 11 or Year 12 student will need to change their subjects or programs. This allows for all students to seamlessly transition into the new school year without disruption to their learning program. Parent support with this program is greatly appreciated so that our students can set themselves up for success in the 2024 school year. Should you have any questions or concerns about any aspects of this program, please feel free to contact one of the School Leaders.
ACADEMIC UNIFORMS - 2024
Students in year 11 & year 12 are to wear academic uniforms including blazers (terms 2 & 3) and correct footwear. For PE classes and VET Sport & Recreation classes students are permitted to wear sports uniform for practical classes only. The practical classes will be for double lessons for PE and one full day for VET Sport & Recreation. Students are required to ensure they purchase items of academic uniform over the school holidays so they are in the correct uniform at the start of the school year. Your support with this is greatly appreciated.
- Mez Lia & Sarah Baglin
Upcoming events to keep in mind:
November 27 - December 8 , 2024 Introductory Program for all VCE students
December 8 - Year 12, 2024 Leadership Day
December 8 - Final Day of School for Year 10 and Year 11 Students
A reminder that during Term 4, students are required to wear hats when outside. Please ensure you obtain a hat as soon as possible if your child does not have one.
The VCAA is introducing the Student Achievement Profile - please click on the link for more information. St Anne's College will work with the VCAA through the VASS system to ensure students eligible for a Student Achievement Profile will have access when this becomes available.
A first look at the VCAA's new Student Achievement Profile
Reminders about expectations
Pastoral Group attendance
Students should arrive at school in time to attend pastoral group each morning commencing at 8.55am. This is an important part of the day and a time for prayer and reflection. Teachers are able to follow-up with students and check in on how they are doing. Daily messages are delivered to students at this time. It is vital that the school completes accurate records for attendance and the roll is marked during this session.
Uniform
It is expected that students wear the correct academic uniform to school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday students are permitted to wear their PE uniform, again this should be the full correct uniform including the St Anne’s tracksuit pants or shorts. Year 10 students completing the sports coaching elective are permitted to wear their PE uniform on Thursday in addition to the above.
Use of air pods and mobile phones
Students are not permitted to use air pods or mobile phones while at school. These items are to be left in students lockers during the school day. Parents are asked not to ring their child’s mobile phone while they are at school or expect them to receive text messages. If you need to get a message to your child during the school day, please contact the front office who will deliver the message on your behalf.
Your support on these matters is greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Sarah Baglin & Meredith Lia (SOP Leaders)
Unit 2/Unit 4 OAT/SAC Planner 2023
Subject dates for VCE assessment tasks are as accurate as possible. Please note that dates can be subject to change based on school review. Please find the link here to the live document with assessment dates for each subject:
Unit 2/Unit 4 OAT/SAC Planner 2023
- Chris Segrave, VCE Coordinator
VCE Exams Navigator 2023
The VCE Exams Navigator 2023 should be read by all students presenting for 2023 VCE external assessments. It contains important information about what you need to know for VCE external assessments. A hard copy was distributed to all students present in class on Friday, July 21 by the subject teachers of: VCE Unit 3&4 Psychology, Business Management, and Vet Engineering Studies. If a student was away, please see the VCE Coordinator for a hard copy. We advise students to retain the VCE Exams Navigator 2023 until they obtain their VCE results.
If you have any queries, please contact Chris Segrave, VCE Co-ordinator.
