Around the Campuses
AVID Celebrations
Late in Term 4 last year, we were delighted to host six AVID USA Staff Developers who met with our student AVID Ambassadors to discuss the fantastic work happening at VUSC and to observe AVID strategies in action across our classrooms.
VUSC along with Wyndham Central were represented at Parliament with their local members, Steve McGhie (Member for Melton) and Luba Grigorovitch (Member for Kororoit) to reinforce the difference AVID is making to student outcomes. Our American colleagues and Claire Brown (Executive Director of AVID Australia) conveyed that any support from our state government for students and staff to experience an exchange between Australia and the US can only enhance the partnership and provide further schools in Victoria the chance of closing the opportunity gap for our young people.
At the AVID Summer Institute in December, 15 VUSC teachers participated in various Communities of Practice to build their AVID knowledge and skills. Ms Vass also served as a Staff Developer for the three-day program and did an outstanding job. Ms Vass, along with our staff, worked with our local primary schools in the site team for the very first time, identifying Cornell Notes and Critical Reading as the areas they would like to collaborate on so that the student transition from primary to secondary is smoother. Derrimut PS, Deer Park North Primary and Deer Park West Primary have already started the implementation of Cornell notes and have been invigorated by the Summer Institute recognising that AVID can transform schools.
Our student AVID Ambassadors—Seb, Michelle, Barleen, Brendan, Zahra and Ashjea—spoke with confidence and pride to principals, leaders, and teachers about how AVID is embedded at VUSC and the positive impact it has had on their learning. It was a fantastic day that strengthened connections between Australian and US AVID communities.
To cap off the week, VUSC has been officially recognised as an AVID Demonstration School. This honour reflects our sustained commitment to excellence in both the AVID Elective and AVID Schoolwide approaches. It acknowledges the rigor, high expectations, and best-practice teaching that our staff uphold every day. There will be an event celebrating this achievement in April at the Senior Campus this year.
A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone for your continued hard work, dedication, and belief in AVID since its introduction at our college. The feedback from other schools has been overwhelmingly positive—they are truly in awe of what we have achieved.
We should all be incredibly proud!
Clare Mercadante
AVID and Enrichment Leader
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Senior Rugby League Academy Day Camp
At the beginning of every year, our VUSC Senior Boys Rugby League Academy group head out for the day to set the standard for the year ahead.
The day covered:
- The way we train and our VUSC model
- Education standards
- Academy expectations
- Activities to bring the group closer together
Starting with a morning field session around Albert Park, the kids brought a sweat out early on. We proceeded to MSAC where the students spent time in the hydrotherapy room completing hot and cold recovery routines. From there, our students had a meeting with our coaches discussing the VUSC standards and our goals for the year. We finished off with some time in the wave pool and outdoor pool for a bit of fun.
A great way to start an amazing year ahead. Bring on 2026!
Chris Dikranis
Strength & Conditioning Coach
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VCE Tutoring Program
Our College is providing a VCE Tutoring Program once again this year, which is designed to support students in achieving success in their senior studies. Tutoring is now available across a number of VCE subjects, including English, General Mathematics and Mathematical Methods. These sessions will take place during students’ scheduled study periods.
In addition, selected students will be invited to attend after-school tutoring sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The tutors engaged by the College are high-achieving past students with strong academic results and a comprehensive understanding of their respective VCE subjects. This program is fully funded by the school and provided at no cost to families.
For students undertaking Unit 3 and 4 subjects in Year 11, attendance at the tutoring sessions is compulsory. These sessions provide important academic support as students begin the demands of their first Unit 3 and 4 studies.
Regular attendance is strongly encouraged for all students participating in the program, as it provides valuable opportunities for additional guidance, skill development and exam preparation.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Hung On at hung.on@education.vic.gov.au.
Hung On
Tutor Leader
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Lego Pieces Wanted!
Do you have unwanted lego lying around? If so our senior Systems Engineering students would appreciate your donation!
In Systems Engineering, students build working models of mechanical principles and common devices like cam shafts, pistons and push rods and gear systems. By Year 11 students build more complex models as shown below. These models use both Lego Technic and many Lego parts. The students would be very grateful for any spare Lego pieces.
If you would like to donate your unwanted lego, please drop it into the Senior Campus Administration Office for Mr Mildenhall.
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Chess Club - all welcome!
The VUSC Chess Club at the Junior Campus is a welcoming community for both beginners and experienced players to practice, compete and enjoy the game of chess. The club runs every Tuesday and Thursday during lunchtime — a perfect opportunity for students to relax, have fun with friends and form new connections.
If you would like to learn more, come along to A3 on Tuesdays or Thursdays at lunchtime or please reach out to Ms Cho.
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Breakfast Club - All students welcome!
Come along for some toast, milk, fruit and snacks!
Junior Campus Tuesdays and Thursdays
8:15—8:55am in Room A4
Senior Campus Wednesdays and Fridays
8:15am—8:45am in the Building B kitchen
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Lunchtime Games and Clubs - All welcome!
Junior Campus
Board games every Thursday in Room C1
Chess Club every Tuesday and Thursday in Room A3
Rainbow Axolotls every Friday in Room T3
Senior Campus
Console games every Monday in Room D11
Board games every Thursday in Room D15
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