Year 9 Mock Interviews

This week the Year 9 Cohort have been provided the opportunity to learn how to thrive in the workplace. Not only has this term’s learning been circled around the importance of careers, but also how to improve their chances concerning the application and interviewing process of a job. Various aspects have been covered such as the appropriate formal wear when arriving for an interview, polite verbal and non-verbal gestures. Once taught, students have been able to apply this in a practice mock interview. These interviews were put in place in order to prepare for a formal mock interview in the coming weeks. During this interview, students are to be assessed on their choice of clothing and how well they verbally present answers to similar questions in a real job interview. A few examples of the questions asked include:

What are your strengths?
What makes you the best for this position?
Can you provide an example of when you have shown initiative and how that may be applicable within this job?

Along with answering these questions, it is also important to introduce yourself and pay attention when speaking with the employer. Being able to overcome small gestures that may display nervousness or uncertainty are an important part of taking part in an interview. Examples of these could be lack of eye contact, fidgeting, a slouched back, etc.

The students were actively engaged in these interviews and many were dressed to impress.

Well Done Year 9!

Course Counselling

The Year 9 students were all excited to take part in their course counselling sessions over the last couple of weeks, meeting with experienced teachers and Careers staff to discuss their career goals, learning pathways for VCE, and determining their preferred subjects for Year 10 2025. Students chose a Humanities and a Science subject as part of their studies, as well as selecting three electives that contribute towards their career goals, skills, interests, and pathway choices.

A selection of students are undertaking VCE subjects and VET courses next year, in addition to their Year 10 studies, and quite a number of students are excited for the opportunity to complete a VET course alongside their VCE General studies, or a VCE Unit of Study while completing their VCE Vocational Major studies. As a school, we are very excited to provide more opportunities and study options for our 2025 Senior students!

The Victorian Young Leaders to China Program (VYLC) is an annual opportunity for Victorian students to enhance their Mandarin skills while immersing themselves in Chinese culture. This year, the program was held virtually over two weeks in collaboration with Beijing Language and Culture University.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in this enriching experience! They attended the virtual sessions each morning with their Chinese teacher, engaging in Chinese language classes, cultural studies, and self-guided tutorials. The program also featured special opening and closing ceremonies.

A special shoutout to Irysh from 9B for winning the Best Homework Award in her class!

Reach Foundation:

In weeks 2 and 3, our Year 9 and 10 students participated in a variety of Reach Foundation Workshops. Our year 9 students explored the complexities of peer dynamics and the impact that judgment makes on individual confidence. Throughout the session, students were challenged to think about their role as a member of the classroom environment and the impact that their actions can have on their peers.

In year 10, two different workshops were run for male and female students. For male and male identifying students, they participated in the “Locker Room” workshop. This workshop acknowledged and challenged the impacts of current male stereotypes and highlighted the struggles that our students have collectively faced trying to meet these unrealistic stereotypes. For female and female identifying students, they participated in the “Mirror Mirror” workshops which encouraged learners to examine the shackles placed upon femininity and aimed to help them understand their authentic self.

Within all these workshops, students were required to be vulnerable, empathetic, respectful and understanding. As a college, we would like to congratulate the students on meeting these demands and their ability to provide a safe space for our students.

STEM Excursion: Enterprise Program Overview

Recently, students enrolled in the STEM subject were afforded a remarkable opportunity to participate in the Enterprise program hosted by Casey Tech School. This immersive three-day experience was designed to stimulate innovation and problem-solving across three pivotal themes: Smart Cities, Greening the Community, and Health and Wellbeing. Over the course of the program, students were tasked with delving deeply into these topics, utilizing the design cycle to develop unique solutions.

Day 1: Exploration and Knowledge Acquisition

On the first day, students were divided according to their chosen topic and received specialized instruction from Casey Tech School’s expert staff. This initial phase was meant for brainstorming and researching, enabling students to gain a better understanding of their selected issue. Following this, students were presented with the option to attend one of two master classes. These master classes, each lasting an hour, were designed to acquire essential skills and practical knowledge in various fields critical to the development of their prototypes. The available master classes included:

Coding
3D & 2D Design
Marketing
Media
Bioplastics
VR Design

These sessions provided a foundation upon which students could build their prototypes, offering more knowledge into various technological and design principles.

Day 2: Design and Prototyping

The second day focused on transforming ideas into tangible designs. Students dedicated their time to creating detailed sketches and developing comprehensive designs for their solutions and prototypes. Each group also attended a second master class, further enhancing their skill. Afterward, they had full access to a well-equipped workshop, which included an array of tools such as 3D printers, sticker printers, markers, pens, LEGO sets, Microbits, high-performance laptops, laser cutters etc

In addition to the physical tools, students had access to advanced software for designing, coding, and game development. This day marked the beginning of the prototyping phase, where students began constructing their models, utilizing the resources and knowledge they had acquired.

Day 3: Finalization and Expo Presentation

On the final day, students had the opportunity to refine and complete their prototypes. By 2:00 PM, they were prepared to set up their stations for an Expo, where they would showcase their solutions and prototypes to their peers and the staff at Casey Tech School. The Expo served as a platform for students to present and advertise their solutions and receive feedback. Various groups exhibited a wide range of solutions, reflecting their diverse approaches to the topics of Smart Cities, Greening the Community, and Health and Wellbeing.

The culmination of the Enterprise program allowed students to not only demonstrate their creativity and technical skills but also to engage with a broader audience, sharing their insights and learning from their peers' approaches.

-By Alex T, Year 9

Year 10

It has been jam packed Term 3 so far. Students have been exposed to a lot of information about careers and pathway options and have now completed their course counselling for their 2025 pathway. There have also been excursions and a day of Reach workshops where students were separated into gender groups and specific issues that affect each group were discussed.

It has been pleasing to see so many Year 10 students take their course counselling seriously and put thought into their future goals and aspirations. Teachers are reporting that the Year 10’s have matured in the second half of the year and are participating in class activities and interacting with their peers more readily – a great start to Term 3! 😊

Excursions and Activities

Year 10 students have participated in a range of activities so far in Term 3:

Course Counselling Information Evening – 23/7
SIS days (Subject information sessions) - 24/7 and 25/7
Careers Expo excursion – 26/7
Monash Uni Experience excursion – 29/7
Outdoor Ed Cape Woolamai hike - 31/7
Reach Foundation workshops – 2/8
Course Counselling – 6/8 and 8/8
Geography excursion – 7/8

Attendance

Attendance remains a focus. Unfortunately, this has dropped in July/August. It is important that students are at school and in class so they can achieve success and set themselves up for the best possible start to Year 11 next year.

Uniform

Uniform is generally good across the cohort. Please remember that students cannot wear puffer jackets or hoodies. If your child needs a uniform item but there are financial issues, please contact the Year 10 team and we will organize a voucher.

Teresa Hayes -Year 10 Leader

Amanda Finlay – Year 10 Assistant Leader

Sienna Armstrong - Year 10 Assistant Leader

Upcoming dates