Engagement Leader's Report

Year 12 - VCE Data Sessions

At the end of term 1, Year 12 students participated in a VCE data workshop designed to deepen their understanding of the assessment and ranking process. During the session, they were guided through how the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is calculated, including the role of study scores and scaling. The workshop also provided valuable insight into how their School-Assessed Coursework (SAC) results at Homestead contribute to their overall performance and ranking. This informative session aimed to demystify the VCE process, helping students make informed decisions about their studies and understand how their efforts throughout the year impact their final outcomes.

Understanding the GAT: What Parents and Students Need to Know

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is an essential part of the VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) assessment program. It is designed to assess students’ general knowledge and skills in areas such as literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and written communication.

Key Points:

• All students enrolled in one or more Unit 3–4 VCE (including VCE VM) subjects for VCE VET scored programs are required to sit the GAT.
• The GAT does not directly count toward study scores, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and accuracy in VCE assessments.
• It is used to help verify the accuracy of school-based assessments and exam results, and is also important if a student needs a derived examination score due to illness or other disruptions.
• The GAT is split into two sections: Section A (literacy and numeracy) and Section B (general knowledge and skills across multiple areas).

Encouraging students to take the GAT seriously can support their overall academic outcomes. If you have any questions about the GAT or how it applies to your young person, please contact the school for more information.

All students must be on campus by 8:30am. Students are required to be ready to line up at the gymnasium no later than 8:40am. The GAT will take place on Tuesday 17 June in two parts: 

• Section A: 9:00am-11:15am. 

• Section B: 1:15 pm-3:00 pm 

Further information about GAT preparation and general information that will be presented to all Year 12 VCE, VCE ACCESS Students and Year 12 VCE VM, and also will be made available on Compass in the coming weeks.

Please contact myself or a member of the Student Management Team if you have any questions. 

Student Punctuality and Late Arrival Procedures

We are proud to say that the overwhelming majority of our students arrive every day and on time, this is  evidenced by our state, area and network leading attendance. We all know that punctuality and attendance plays a critical role in supporting student learning and maintaining a settled and focused classroom environment. When students arrive late to school, not only do they miss valuable instructional time, but their late arrival also causes disruption to the learning of others.

We remind our community that, to support student learning, of those arriving late and all those who do the right thing each day, students who arrive at school after 9:13am without an acceptable reason will be issued a 20-minute lunchtime detention on the same day. This will be reflected on the student’s Compass page and may be in the form of a silent detention in G.07 or community service, as per our schools students engagement and wellbeing policy.

If you believe that your child is late due to extenuating or significant circumstances, which will be determined by the college, it is the responsibility of parents to:

• Contact the school before the start of the school day to explain the reason for the lateness.
• If the lateness is due to a medical reason, please provide a medical certificate upon arrival, on the morning of the late arrival.

We understand that from time to time, unforeseen situations may arise. However, habitual or unexplained lateness cannot be accepted as it affects your child’s education, the education of all others and the effective operation of the college.

We appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing the importance of punctuality with your child and helping us maintain high expectations for all students. We also understand that some families do not agree with the college policy on this matter. We remind you that the best way to avoid this, is to ensure your child is at school and on time and to communicate with our reception staff or any member of the Student Engagement Team when your child will arrive late to school for extenuating unforeseen/medical reasons only. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school reception or any member of the Student Engagement Team. 

HSSC Student Driver's Policy

At HSSC, road safety is a top priority—particularly in a senior secondary environment where many students begin to drive themselves or travel with peers.

We ask all students and parents to be familiar with the Student Driver’s Policy, which outlines expectations for those driving to and from school, as well as for any students who may travel as passengers with student drivers. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members of our school community.

Key points:

• The policy is communicated to students by year level assemblies and on Compass.
• Students who drive to and from the college must complete and submit the required documentation.
• The full policy can be accessed in the Policy Manual available on our college website under the Parent Information tab.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding your young person driving or travelling with a student driver, please contact Tim Harris.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe.

Celebrating Success: The Importance of Valedictory

The Valedictory evening is a significant and memorable event in the life of every Year 12 VCE student. It marks the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth—and offers a special opportunity to reflect on the journey through secondary school.

This celebration is more than just a formal farewell. It’s a moment for students to:

• Celebrate their achievements with peers, family, and teachers.
• Acknowledge the support of those who have helped them along the way.
• Share memories, milestones, and personal growth.
• Look ahead to new opportunities with pride and confidence.

For families and teachers, the Valedictory is a proud occasion to witness students transition into adulthood and take their next steps beyond school.

We strongly encourage all Year 12 students to attend this special event and celebrate alongside the people who have been part of their VCE journey. It’s a night of recognition, connection, and lasting memories.

Preparing for Semester 1 and Unit 1 Exams

As we approach the middle of Term 2 we have started planning for our Semester 1 and Unit 1 exams which will take place in Weeks 10 and 11 of this term. These exams are an important part of Senior Secondary schooling and help lay the foundation for success in later years, particularly in VCE and beyond.

Now is the ideal time for students to shift some focus from regular homework to revision. Creating study notes, summarising key content, and establishing a revision routine will support both confidence and performance during the exam period.

We encourage families to help support this preparation by promoting positive study habits and a healthy balance at home. These exams not only assess learning but also help students develop important skills like time management, critical thinking, and exam literacy.

Study Tips for Students

• ✅ Start early: Don’t wait until the week before—spread your revision across multiple weeks for better retention.
• 📝 Make study notes: Summarise key content using your own words to reinforce understanding.
• 📆 Use a planner: Map out your study schedule around other commitments to stay organised.
• 🎧 Minimise distractions: Study in a quiet, focused environment—put your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode.
• 📚 Practice with past questions: Apply your knowledge and build exam confidence.
• 🤝 Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to approach your teachers if you’re unsure about any topic.
• 💤 Rest matters: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep and taking regular breaks—your brain needs time to recharge.

If you need help building a study plan or managing your revision, please speak with your Year Level Coordinator or a trusted teacher.

See below for Study Sessions held at our local libraries:

If you need help building a study plan or managing your revision, please speak with your Year Level Coordinator or a trusted teacher.

Tim Harris

Leading Teacher of Engagement