The Wyndham Way

Teaching & Learning Report

Assistant Principal's Report

We have had a smooth start to the term with students commencing their studies enthusiastically.

 

Year 9 AVID and Acceleration Parent and Student Information Evening via Teams 

Please join us on Tuesday 27th May at 7:00pm for our Acceleration and AVID Elective Parent and Student Information Session.  

This session presents an opportunity for you to learn about the AVID Elective Program and discover how your child can potentially study a Year 11 subject while in Year 10 next year, in 2026, as part of our Accelerated Study Program.

We encourage parents and students are to join the session.

Please familiarise yourself with the WCC Teams protocols before joining the Team meeting.

We look forward to seeing you online.

 

Enrichment Expo 30th April - Wyndham Tech school

At the Expo, our students showcased their knowledge and abilities through a diverse array of interactive and captivating activities. Their demonstrations highlighted not only their creativity but also their sharp critical thinking and genuine passion for learning. It was evident that they had invested considerable effort into their projects, and we took great pride in witnessing their accomplishments. 

 

The Expo was also a great opportunity for parents to connect with teachers and staff, and to learn more about our school's programs and curriculum. We hope that you found the experience informative and enjoyable, and that you came away with a greater appreciation for the hard work that goes into educating our students.

 

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Enrichment Leader, Ms. Sue Butcher, as well as our Enrichment Tutor Teachers, Mr. Alexander Mejia, Ms. Anne Vlahos, and Ms. Melanie Kosinski, along with all Enrichment Mentors, for their ongoing support in guiding our students.

 

Your continued support and active participation in your child's education are valued and appreciated. We eagerly anticipate your presence at future events and look forward to our ongoing collaboration in nurturing your child's success.

 

AVID Family Night

The AVID Elective Family Night held on Monday 28th April was an excellent opportunity for AVID Elective families to learn more about the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and how it can benefit your child's academic journey. It is alos an opportunity for familes to come together and celebrate learning. The night was led by our 2025 AVID Captains, Raquel Grey and Connie Addamo.    

Attendees enjoyed a vibrant evening filled with engaging activities, including the hotly contested annual Trivia Quiz. The activities not only brought joy but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among families, creating a supportive network around each child's educational pursuits.

 

The event also served as a platform for families to connect with their elective teachers and fellow AVID families, reinforcing the importance of community in enhancing educational experiences. 

 

We extend sincere appreciation to our AVID Captains for their invaluable contribution in orchestrating the evening's activities alongside our esteemed AVID Leader, Ms. Amy Cole.

Furthermore, we express gratitude to our dedicated 2025 AVID Elective teachers for their commitment and guidance of the students:

  • Ms. N Sharma Year 9
  • Ms. Woloszczenko and Mrs Cutter Year 10
  • Ms. Cole and Ms. D’Eau Sundanum, Year 11
  • Ms. Bellin and Mr. Walter, Year 12

Events like the AVID Elective Family Night play a vital role in nurturing a supportive educational community. Through collaborative efforts between parents, teachers, and students, we can empower each child to realize their academic potential and thrive. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child's education.

 

 

EXAMS

Exams are set to take place once again this year, both in semester 1 and semester 2. It's crucial for students to equip themselves with the necessary skills to tackle exams effectively, not only during their senior secondary years but also in their future endeavours. 

For Year 7 and 8 students, exams will cover English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities exclusively. Meanwhile, students in Years 9 through 12 will be examined in all of their subjects.

Families can anticipate receiving an exam timetable for their child in forthcoming correspondence.

The exam period is scheduled as follows: 

  • Year 12 Exams: 30th May- 5th June 
  • Year 11 Exams: 30th May- 5th June 
  • Year 10 Exams: 2nd June -5th June
  • Year 9 Exams: 2nd June -5th June 
  • Year 8 Exams: 4th June -5th June
  • Year 7 Exams: 4th June -5th June

 In the weeks leading up to exams, students will dedicate their efforts to revising the material covered in Semester 1. Cultivating effective work and study habits is vital for student success. Hence, it's crucial for all students to establish a robust homework and home study routine, ensuring regular revision and reinforcement of knowledge and skills acquired.

 

An integral component of the home study program aimed at supporting your child's learning journey is the implementation of the Cornell note-taking system. This method not only enhances comprehension during class but also facilitates effective review and retention of key concepts.

 

As exams draw near, it's imperative to reassess and refine the study timetable to ensure best preparedness. This proactive approach not only maximizes your child's readiness for the upcoming exams but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their academic endeavours.

 

Cornell Notes

Students are expected to continue to use the Cornell Note taking format and complete all steps of the note taking system. Completion of Cornell notes must be part of your child’s regular homework and home study program. 

Cornell notes are a proven focused note taking method for students to improve learning. When all steps of the note taking system are completed, students are guaranteed to increase their knowledge and raise their grades in any given class.

The Cornell note taking system includes:

  • Topic, date and Essential Question at the top of the notes
  • Notes in the right-hand side with key words circled and important information underlined
  • Questions relating to the notes in the left-hand column
  • A summary at the end of the notes 

Students are expected to use the Cornell Note system and complete all steps using the 10- 24-7 method. That is, review and revise their notes 10 minutes or the night after they first receive the notes. Complete questions related to the notes 24 hours later and write a summary of the notes seven days later. The completion of Cornell notes must be part of your child’s regular homework program. Parents can support their child by encouraging them to use the repetition strategies and review notes regularly as this will help them prepare for, and improve, their test and exam results. 

 

Homework Club

A reminder that Homework club continues Wednesdays from 3:10pm to 4:00pm in the Monash Building. Homework Club is supported by teachers and tutors at the College and is a valuable way for students to access additional support. 

 

Connie Faranda - Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning 

 

 

 

READING for PLEASURE

We’ve have prepa our classrooms for our new Reading for Pleasure program. All tutor rooms have a dedicated bookcase filled with books and reading material for students to access during Reading for Pleasure which occurs during Wyntime. 

 

There is a large body of research that states that reading for pleasure helps the reader to develop positive mental health and wellbeing, as well as academic results in all subjects. A 2024 report from Deakin University made the following 5 recommendations:

  • Support teens to find their next great read and let them follow their interests
  • Invest in school libraries and librarians
  • Parents should be encouraged to model reading behaviour
  • Make reading social through discussions about books with friends and family
  • Carve out time for teens to read at school and at home.

So why are teens not reading these days? The most commonly given reason is time, although this is often a perception of not having enough time. Young people do have many activities that compete for their spare time; sport, part-time jobs, chores, social media, homework and social engagements. With reading being so important to academic and wellbeing outcomes, it is more important than ever to make sure children have protected time to read. 

 

Wyndham Central College is committed to building a community of readers to ensure success in both academic and wellbeing.

 

- Virginia Millard - Reading for Pleasure Coordinator