Learning & Teaching
Important Dates
Sun 2 November: Early English Novel Campion Booklist released - email sent to parents
It is strongly recommended that students completing Year 11 and 12 VCE English, English as an Additional Language, and/or Literature in 2026 order the set texts from this list for early delivery in time for Step-Up and the required holiday reading. Orders must be placed by THIS Sunday, 2 November, to ensure early delivery. All orders are to be completed online at www.campion.com.au using "6XMJ" as your code.
Fri 21 November: Year 8 Becoming Me Program
A day of interactive workshops tailored for our young women and men to explore and build positive identities, self-esteem and respectful relationships. This program is lead by Year 11 and 12 student leaders, with support from teaching staff and to external experienced youth worker providers: Kate Wilde from the Human Development Workshop
Complementary:
Donut and Drink Snack - Recess
Sausage Sizzle - Lunch
VCE VCAA Exams
We have had the smoothest start to VCE exams for many years and this does not happen without significant effort and organization from key people in the senior team. Please take a bow Elise Roper, Tim Pearson and Kirsten Holness.
A record number of students have been successful in sitting exams with special exam arrangements to give them the best chance at success. Many of the biggest exams have taken place already and the program of exams continues until Wed 19th November.
National Teacher Day & Recognition for VCE Teachers
Carrie has communicated well the commitment and quality of our teaching staff in her newsletter report. We thank every teacher for their passion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our students and school community — today and every day.
I would also like to take a moment to recognize the dedication, skill , and care shown particularly by our VCE and VCE VM teaching staff every day. Our VCE teachers, who go above and beyond to support students through their final years — offering after-school tutorials, holiday study sessions, and one-on-one guidance to help each learner succeed. The countless hours of marking and feedback they provide ensure that they have the best possible preparation for future study, pathways and vocations.
Just this week I have observed VCE teachers:
Getting to school before 8am to help calm and support students check in prior to their exams
They are there when the students go into the exam and stay late to welcome them when they come out of the exam.
Attending Learning recovery and learning boast after school on Thursday
Work one-on-one with students in their spare periods to give feedback and instruction
Provide written feedback on practices exams
VM teachers have run Year 11 Mock Interviews to support students develop necessary skills for their future employment
VM students running lunchtime fundraisers for Beyond Blue and Polished Man with staff support
Preparing our year 11s for their exams - producing revision materials, practice exams and year 11 exams.
Our teachers feel enormous pressure at this time with the responsibility that comes with being a VCE teacher.
Again, this year we have many VCE teachers training as VCAA assessors to mark the year 12 exams. This is a big commitment of additional time which supports the system at one level and most importantly it improves the knowledge and teaching practice of these teachers to support future VCE students. I will recognize all the assessors in the next newsletter.
It is a huge privilege to be a VCE teacher and also a huge responsibility and I applauded their commitment
A big Shout Out to our Senior School team also for their incredible and sustained work throughout the year to ensure that our students are successful in their aspirations.
Year 11 - Step Up
In Explore this week we presented to year 11 students the timeline and expectations moving into the final weeks of the year in terms of Exams and Step - work
Our narrative to students was about treating this final part of the year as a true step up into year 12 and to consider themselves as year 12 students. To prepare for their exams with commitment and purpose, to attend and participate in the Step-Up program with high participation and engagement and finally to treat the holiday period as a launch pad to lay the foundations for success in year 12.
No matter what pathway students choose, VCE VM or VCE, the expectations of students in their final year of study are significant. The content and concepts are more challenging, the assessments more consequential, adult learning environments such as TAFE and work placements require greater independence, and students must rise to these challenges to be successful. In our experience the best outcomes are achieved when students wind up in this final stage of the year rather than wind down.
Outer East Secondary School Assistant Principal Network
This week we hosted the term 4 AP network meeting. This is a newly formed network led by our Regional Senior Education and Improvement Leader (SEIL), John Roberts. The conversations, collaboration and presentations at these meetings are relevant, important and influence our work as secondary school APs. We are proud to have been able to support the work of this group.
This week we discussed:
Case studies for NAPLAN improvement
How best to prepare students for NAPLAN 2026
The consistent challenge all secondary schools face regarding racism and other anti-social behaviours
How to tackle the increased incidence of racism towards Indigenous students
Strategies for managing student behaviour during break times
Natalie Manser
Assistant Principal
mar@wantirnacollege.vic.gov.au