Principal’s Report – Term 2, Week 4

Welcome to Week 4 of Term 2. It has been pleasing to see students return with a positive and focused approach to learning as we move into one of the most important academic periods of the year.

Throughout 2026, our focus on “The 1% Difference” has centred on the idea that small, consistent actions create significant improvement over time. Term 2 is where this becomes particularly important. Attendance, punctuality, study habits, organisation and preparation all play a critical role in supporting student success, especially as assessment and exam season approaches.

2025 Annual Report to the School Community

Our 2025 Annual Report to the School Community is now available on the Tarneit Senior College website under the Documentation & Policies section. The report provides an overview of our achievements, challenges, student outcomes and improvement work across 2025 and forms an important part of our accountability and planning processes as a school community.

We are proud of the improvements made across a range of areas throughout 2025, including student voice and engagement, staff culture, and VCE outcomes. The Annual Report helps reflect on this progress while also identifying areas where we will continue to focus our improvement efforts in 2026 and beyond.

The report will also be formally presented at the beginning of our Term 3 School Council meeting, and all members of our community are welcome to attend.

Exams, Study Habits and the GAT

Term 2 is a significant assessment period for all students across the College.

Our Year 12 Exams will run from 3rd June – 5th June, while Year 10 and Year 11 Exams will take place from 9th June – 17th June. These exams are an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning, practise exam techniques and continue building the resilience and study habits required for success in senior schooling.

We strongly encourage students to begin preparing now by:

Establishing consistent study routines
Revising classwork regularly rather than cramming
Creating study timetables and assessment calendars
Seeking support from teachers when required

Families also play an important role during this period. Simple supports at home such as helping students establish quiet study spaces, routines around homework and revision, and discussing upcoming assessments can make a significant difference to student confidence and preparation.

A major focus this term will also be the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday 16th June. Any student completing a Unit 3/4 subject, including students enrolled in the VCE Vocational Major (VM), is required to complete the GAT.

The GAT is an important part of the VCE assessment system and supports the authenticity and accuracy of student results. Students will continue undertaking preparation activities and study support sessions throughout Term 2 to ensure they feel confident and prepared.

Like many strange educational traditions, the GAT has developed an almost mythical status among senior students over the years — somewhere between “important assessment” and “ancient rite of passage involving multiple pens and mild panic.” Beneath the mythology, however, it remains a valuable tool in supporting fair and accurate assessment processes for all VCE students.

Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS)

From Week 4 through to Week 8, students across the College will participate in the Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS).

This survey is coordinated by the Department of Education and provides schools with valuable feedback around areas such as:

Student engagement
School connectedness
Learning confidence
Teacher-student relationships
Wellbeing and inclusion

The information gathered through AToSS plays an important role in shaping future planning and improvement priorities at Tarneit Senior College. Importantly, we do not simply look at data in isolation. Throughout this process, we will also be conducting student focus groups to gain deeper understanding and context around student experiences and perspectives.

Student voice continues to be a critical part of our improvement journey, and we thank students for engaging thoughtfully and honestly in this process.

Beyond the Books – Supporting Success Beyond the Classroom

Our Beyond the Books program continues to evolve throughout Term 2 with a strong focus on supporting students through assessment and exam preparation.

This term, students will participate in sessions connected to:

Study skills and revision strategies
Exam preparation and organisation
GAT preparation
Student voice and AToSS activities
Careers and pathways development

Beyond the Books is designed to support students not just academically, but in developing the broader skills needed for life, learning and future success. Whether students are learning how to structure a study timetable, preparing for exams, reflecting on school culture through surveys, or exploring future pathways, the program aims to build confident, organised and reflective learners.

Year 10 Work Experience

During the final week of Term 2, our Year 10 students will undertake Work Experience.

This is an incredibly valuable opportunity for students to explore future industries, workplaces and career pathways while developing important employability skills and independence. We encourage all Year 10 students to continue finalising their placements and paperwork with support from our Careers Team.

Students who have not organised Work Experience will participate in a school-based program during this week, and attendance at school will remain compulsory for those students.

Experiences like Work Experience are a reminder that education is not simply about completing classes and assessments — it is about helping students understand themselves, their strengths, and the pathways available to them beyond school.

Uniform and School Pride

We have been extremely pleased with the positive response from students and families regarding our continued focus on school uniform this term.

Across the College, students are presenting with increased pride in their appearance and connection to the school community, and our uniform standards have looked excellent throughout the start of Term 2. This consistency contributes positively to school culture, safety and the sense of belonging across the College.

As part of our ongoing improvement work, we are also beginning planning for our 2026 Uniform Review. This process will involve consultation with key stakeholders across the school community, including:

Parents and carers
Students
Staff
Feeder primary schools

We will shortly begin inviting community feedback, alongside student and staff focus groups, to ensure that any future developments continue to reflect the values and needs of the Tarneit Senior College community.

As we move further into Term 2, our focus remains on consistency, preparation and growth. The habits students establish now — attending regularly, being punctual, preparing effectively and engaging fully in their learning — will continue building the platform for success throughout the remainder of the year.

Thank you to our students, staff and families for your continued support of Tarneit Senior College and the positive culture we continue to build together.

-Shane Cole-Hayhow

College Principal

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