DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING & LEARNING REPORT 

Vision for Teaching and Learning at St Mary MacKillop College - a statement that drives the development of a high performance learning culture at SMMC

At St Mary MacKillop College we have high expectations of our students as we equip them with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for lifelong learning. We pursue excellence through a teaching and learning environment that is inclusive, engaging and encourages growth. We value collaboration, innovation and building strong relationships.

2024 College Production – Legally Blonde

‘Omigod you guys!’ This year’s production of the musical Legally Blonde was outstanding and I congratulate everyone involved. Every year I am truly blown away by the talents of our students on stage. To remember lines, movement, blocking, entrances and exits are all important in the world of theatre. Theatre is a discipline in itself and teaches students so many skills. Of course, the actors are a very important part of any musical production, but there is another team of people working behind the scenes to ensure what is seen on the stage is delivered seamlessly during every performance. A school musical production really does bring our community together. We have people working front of house, backstage crew, wardrobe, makeup, sound and lighting, scenery design and props, and of course the amazing band. Many thanks to Mrs Henderson for her incredible vision as Director of the production, and for her amazing and inspirational work in organising all aspects of the production from the performance rights to the auditions, rehearsals and performances. A huge thank you to the team of staff who have supported Talia throughout the year, and to Rianne Quaife for organising the band and spending many hours rehearsing the music.

We also congratulate Scarlett Benham, who played Margot in Legally Blonde, on being a successful applicant of the Youth Scholarship Course at Melbourne Theatre Company.

The Youth Scholarship Course is an intensive week of drama workshops for Victorian students, held Monday 30 September to Friday 4th October. 

VCE Year 12 

Our Year 12 students have almost completed three terms of their formal teaching time for VCE Units 3 and 4. Students will then have an opportunity to complete trial exams before the official examination period commences in October.

We know as the exams approach stress levels will increase. It is important for our students to remain focused and look after their physical and emotional wellbeing. Here are some strategies that may help our students as they head into the busy exam season.

• Maintain a regular sleep pattern. Sleep helps to refresh the mind and body. Sleep Health Foundation Australia recommends teenagers from 14 to 17 years sleep for 8 to 10 hours each night.
• Create a timetable so you know when you will study and take breaks.
• Eat healthy foods and drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Minimise sugar and caffeine intake.
• Ensure you study in a quiet place away from distractions.
• Use your computer when you have to for your study, and not be distracted by playing games on it when you should be studying.
• Attend school every day. Attendance at VCE level is very important.

Year 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Interview Feedback

We would like to get some feedback from our families who were unable to attend our recent Year 11 and 12 parent/teacher/student interviews.

If you were unable to attend the interviews, could you please spend a few minutes completing the short feedback form in the link below? Your feedback will help inform the way we organise our interviews in the future.

Link to the form: https://forms.gle/uVMyDYC8VGZjxqr18

Many thanks for your support.

Academic Recognition Program

Over the past few weeks teachers have nominated students from their Year 10 and 11 classes for academic excellence/class achievement and student endeavour.

Congratulations to the following Year 10 students for being nominated for academic excellence/class achievement and endeavour.

Academic excellence/class achievement:

Archie Gilchrist, Grace Gibson, Keenan Dreyer, Maggie Meney, Mitchell Anderson, Will Johnston 

Student endeavour:

Athena Leo, Charley Baskin, Heidi Paroissien, Mikaela Mitchell, Milla Nalder, Zion Rodriguez

Congratulations to the following Year 11 students for being nominated for academic excellence/class achievement and endeavour. Year 10 students completing an accelerated Unit 2 subject have also been recognised in this list.

Academic excellence/class achievement:

Ava Crow, Ava Seymour, Charli Lovell, John Eade, Lillie Wallace, Mawa Abitama, Milan Arentz, Miley Keam, Tylan Collins, Vanessa Hall

Student endeavour:

Annica Diaz, Benny Cimino, Jasmine Harvey, Jessica Burge, Jodie South, Millicent Glowrey, Montana Davies, Paddy Hufer, Tarkyn Doyle, Will Johnston, Zak O'Shannassy

Thank you to the Academic Committee for organising this initiative.

Nathan Lane

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning