Assistant Principals' Report
EXAMINATION PERIOD (YEAR 9-12)
This week, VCAA Exams for students studying a Unit 3/4 subject commenced. We want to wish all of our Year 11 and 12 students the very best in completing their Unit 3/4 exams. In the coming weeks, our Year 9, 10 and 11 students will sit their Semester 2 exams in the S Building.
I encourage you to view your exams as an opportunity to set yourself goals and targets, practice discipline and explore which strategies help you remember what you have learned this semester.
For many of you, exams mean an opportunity to demonstrate your learning and practice valuable study habits; they give you an insight into the senior years of education and prepare you for environments that require you to work under pressure and time constraints. For some of you, there may be some anxieties and fears around performing to your best, worries of failure or even stress from a change in routine. I wish to recognise that we all may feel differently and mixed emotions around exams - this is all completely normal. I want every Hazel Glen College learner to know that your teachers are all here to guide and support you throughout exams and beyond, and are proud of the work you have put in to achieve your very best. During this time, I encourage you to lean into our college value of ‘Resilience’.
My Tips for Success:
Set achievable study goals with a timer:
Intentionally plan the time you are going to study, and what you will study for and then set a timer to keep you on track, limit any distractions during this time such as having your phone or other devices away or not in use until your study time is complete.
Choose your study space wisely:
You are welcome at the college to study in between exams, or you may like to complete your study time at home. If you do not have a dedicated ‘Study’ room at home, clearing a spot on the kitchen bench or dining table is a great option. Make sure you are sitting in a comfortable chair, free from distractions. Local libraries are also great places to have some peace and quiet to concentrate on studying.
Science of Learning Strategies to jog your Memory:
Utilise tools such as: flash cards, quizzing with a study partner, Mnemonics (acronyms, songs, stories), mind maps, post-it notes, summarising and paraphrasing. These are all scientifically proven to be useful educational tools to assist you retrieve the information you have learned.
Prioritise adequate sleep:
Adequate rest is key to ensuring your brain can function at its best during the exam. You may be tempted to stay up late cramming the night before but resist the urge!
Get up 30 minutes earlier in the morning:
Inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful if you leave some extra wiggle room to get to your exam on time.
Take care of your mind and body:
Eating well and exercising daily will help eliminate lethargy and keep you energised, and ready to tackle your exams. You might like to try meditation or some mindfulness activities such as playing with a family pet, breathing exercises, listening to a podcast you like or even cooking your favourite meal.
- Best Wishes, Mrs. Janceski
2025 BOOKLIST AND SUBJECT SELECTION INFORMATION
All students have now been informed of their subjects for 2025. Booklists will be communicated early next week from the College administration via Compass. It is important to note that students may now have discussions around any change requests for electives. All requests to change subjects are preferences and are not always guaranteed, however, the College Pathways team endeavour to support each student in any requested changes the best that they can. If you are aware that your child wants to request a subject change for 2025, keep this in mind prior to ordering from the booklist.
EARLY START AND ORIENTATION DAY
Please refer to the key dates section of the newsletter for the specifics of Early Start timings. It is an opportunity for students to prepare for their 2025 VCE subjects toward the end of this year.
Students currently in Years 6-9 will participate in Orientation. Year 6-8 students have a singular day program, whilst the Year 9 cohort will participate in a two-day 'Year 10' Orientation program.
UPCOMING COLLEGE ART AND TECHNOLOGY SHOW
Don't forget to attend the upcoming College Art and Technology show on the evening of Thursday November 7th, where we celebrate and showcase the incredible work of our students in the Arts and Technology subjects.
UPCOMING 2025 YEAR 12 COHORT STUDY CAMP
With Year 11 classes coming to an end and exams beginning, Year 12 is just around the corner!
Please make sure you have made a payment towards the event via Compass by Monday 11th November to secure your spot on the study retreat.
Excitement is building for our Year 12 Study Retreat at La Trobe University on Monday 18th November - Tuesday 19th November.
This event is the perfect way to kick start our Year 12 journey together. Over the two days, we will be looking ahead to the year to come, whilst also strengthening our relationships as a cohort before we embark on this final year of schooling together.
We have a range of activities and experiences organised for our students, including a tour of the La Trobe University campus and facilities, a visit from inspirational guest speaker Joel Sardi, study skills workshops, a trivia and movie night and cohort BBQ.
We are looking forward to a fantastic start to our Year 12 journey together.
