Secondary News

Teaching & Learning at Merbein P10 College - Secondary

We strive to constantly improve our teaching and learning at the college. This term, we have continued our work on differentiating our curriculum programs to ensure all student can access their learning and be successful. The student-free day on the 9th August with Janelle McGann from Hawker Brownlow was informative and was really point-of-need learning for us. We will continue to work implementing our learning about differentiation into our curriculum planning before we meet with Janelle again in October.

Students completed a Teaching and Learning Survey in many of their classes at the beginning of this term. We have collated this data and are analysing it at individual, cohort and school-wide levels. Feedback like this, direct from the students, is very valuable and will inform many of our teaching improvement strategies going forward.

The Elective Selection process is underway for Year 7-9 students. We held an evening information session for students and families two weeks ago which was very successful and students are currently participating in individual course counselling sessions with staff. It is anticipated that all selections will be finalised by the end of the term.

Year 10 students are currently completing their two-week work experience and various local and interstate businesses. Reports from both students and employers have been very positive. 

Year 9 students have been participating in another very successful ‘Just Talking’ program which is designed to educate students on real-life experiences and situations. 

And to finish a very busy term, progress reports will be published via Compass during the last week of term. Parent/Teacher interviews will take place during the first week of Term 4 (Wednesday 4th Oct).

Laura McPhee

Assistant Principal 

Teaching and Learning (Secondary)

Maths Textbooks for 2023

We have a number of secondhand 9 and 10 Essential Maths and 9 and 10 Essential Maths Core textbooks for sale. Prices are $10 and $30 respectively.  First in best dressed.

Women in Stem Workshop

On Wednesday, 9th of August, Ayva, Breanna, Layla and myself went to the Mildura Sporting Precinct to attend the women in stem workshop. Schools from all over the Sunraysia and Murrayville district attended the workshop targeted to inspire women in stem. We explored different skills that are essential to the future of Stem careers in Victoria.

We attended a workshop activity run by Janet Pietsch. The workshop focused on technology designed to advance the accuracy and efficiency in agriculture so that modern farmers don’t even have to leave their office. We each took part in an activity where we assembled components of a computer called a raspberry pi to build a moisture sensor for soil. We learnt about data processing where the data is collected and transformed into relevant information, creating an algorithm to automate a watering system where plants would be watered according to soil moisture values. 

We all enjoyed our day there and we learnt a lot about five inspirational women's careers and how they got to where they are today. They encouraged us that we could achieve anything we put our mind to and that as young women, we are the future of Stem. Thank you to Jo Kelly and Annika for chaperoning the event.

Just Talking

The Just Talking program with our Year 9s has been happening this week and last week. 

The students have been enjoying learning some challenges & general life skills; shaving, how to tie a tie, changing a tyre, strapping down a trailer and casting a rod 

Students attended a cyber safety presentation from the police and a mental health & wellbeing session.  They have been participating in many fun activities.

Interschool Athletics

Well done to the students who attended the Interschool athletics on Tuesday.   All students represented our College with great pride.

Congratulations to all students who placed in their events.  

An extra congratulations to Brock Nokes - 15 boys Champion and Charli Hopkins 13 girls Champion 

Work Experience

Our Year 10 students are into their second week of work experience this week.  We have had some wonderful feedback from various employers.  We are very proud of them for getting out there and trying out different career pathways.

We'd like to thank our supporting businesses and organisations for giving our students this experience.

Expressions of Interest - Instrumental Music Lessons

School Uniform

With the mornings becoming cooler, students are expected to wear full winter uniform every day. Students and families are reminded that hoodies are not part of the school's official uniform and cannot be worn at school. Students who are out of uniform must bring a note of explanation including when they will be back in complete uniform. While out of uniform, students must wear alternative clothing that is as close as possible to college uniform (eg. a black or white top).Parents will be contacted if a student is out of uniform without a note.  If the parent/guardian can be contacted the student may be sent home to return in full school uniform or uniform brought to the college to change into. If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted the student will be provided with emergency clothing for that day by the school.

 If you have any queries regarding the Uniform contact Mr Morgan on 50252501.

The school holidays is the perfect time for families to ensure they have the correct uniform to start term 3.

School Phone Policy

Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school hours in their locker. If students are caught on their phone between 9am-3:17pm the following actions will occur:

1st Offence -phone is confiscated and stored in the main office. Phone will be returned to student at end of the day

2nd Offence- phone is confiscated and stored in the main office. Parent will be required to collect the phone.

3rd Offence- phone is confiscated and stored in the main office. Parent will be required to collect the phone. Student will be required to hand their phone to the front office each morning or leave their phone at home for a

 period of time determined by the Principal/Assistant Principal

4th Offence- meeting with the Principal and a suspension may be applied.

Parents are reminded to contact the office on 50252501 to pass on messages to students. This is to avoid students using their phones at school and having it confiscated. 

(Parents should not contact their child by phone between school hours of 9am and 3:17pm)

Please contact Mr Morgan if you have any queries regarding the phone policy.

Doctors In Secondary Schools Program

Our Doctors in Secondary Schools program is available for all secondary students to access free (bulk-billed), confidential health care at school. This is a fantastic service which students can access for any of their health care needs including asthma/anaphylaxis plans, catch-up immunisations, mental/emotional health and any other medical concerns no matter how big or small. Students can see the school doctor for any reason that they would see their usual GP.

The rooms will be open every Wednesday during the school term from 9am – 2pm. Students can make appointments by contacting Amy in the general office or they can ask a teacher or wellbeing staff member to make the appointment for them – the only details required to make an appointment will be the student’s name and date of birth.

Parents are welcome to attend appointments if the student wishes.

The doctor will be unavailable for the rest of term 3.  However, the nurse will be here to 

School Wide Positive Behaviour (SWPB)