From Brad Downie
Deputy Principal - Student Learning and Professional Practice
As the days begin to get colder and we head into the later part of Term 2, students and staff have continued to set themselves goals in striving for excellence and seeking opportunities to learn new skills and enjoy new experiences.
Over 200 students and parents/caregivers attended our recent Senior Pathways Information night (June 5), where our Years 8, 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to discuss pathway and subject options for 2026. Year 8 students are able to select their 2026 9/10 elective subjects. Year 9 students can consider elective subjects but can also consider whether they may like to choose to undertake a Fast Track VCE subject or a VET subject. Year 10 students have the option to choose either the VCE or VCE Vocational Major pathway. The links below provide information about the different subjects and pathways available to students in 2026. Students and parents/caregivers, are encouraged to reach out to subject teachers to discuss the many options available in 2026.
2026 9/10 Electives, VCE Fast Track, VET Options
To support students in the process of considering their options, Years 9 and 10 students took part in presentations from Darren Pereira and DJ Danni from Success Integrated, focussing on students identifying and developing their strengths, passions and goals. These seminars are part of an ongoing program for our senior students aiming to equip students with study and goal-setting strategies to help them as they set themselves to achieve their best.
Year 12 students have also been setting themselves goals. One of the milestone events for VCE students is the General Achievement Tests (GAT), which Years 11 and 12 students completed this week. These tests are the first steps towards the final assessment period and examinations at the end of the year. As Year 12 students approach the final stages of their secondary school journey, they can begin to look towards life beyond school. A recent visit from La Trobe university staff introduced students to the Aspire Program, an early admission program for students aiming at tertiary pathways. This program offers successful students the opportunity to accept early admission into a range of courses and is a wonderful opportunity for senior students to aim for as they approach the end of their studies.
While our senior students focus upon their end goals, other students are looking forward to new opportunities and experiences.
Students and families are reminded of the recent communication about the ICAS tests, online academic competitions that are designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, mathematics, science, writing, spelling and digital technologies.
Students from across the year levels are very busy as they excitedly rehearse for the College production of Shrek the Musical Jr. and we look forward to the opening night performance in Term 3.
As we head toward the end of term, students from F-4 will be taking part in our swimming programs, while the students of 10B are gearing up for their Work Experience week.
Amongst all of these activities, students and staff have continued to be busy in completing assessments for the upcoming Term 2 reports, which will be shared with families in Week 10.
Brad Downie
Deputy Principal
Student Learning and Professional Practice