VCE VM – APPLIED LEARNING IN ACTION: Making Every Moment Count

OOOOOM…3 DEEP BREATHS

As part of Unit 1, Healthy Individuals – Emotional Intelligence in Personal Development Skills, students explored the essential skill of Self-Regulation through an engaging yoga session with Betine from The Art of Balance. The session was a perfect blend of mindfulness, movement, and fun, filled with laughter, deep stretches, and even more laughter as students embraced the challenge. From balancing poses to guided breathing exercises, they discovered how yoga can support emotional well-being, focus, and stress management. Some even walked (or hobbled!) away with a newfound appreciation for the benefits of yoga, learning firsthand how movement and mindfulness can enhance both body and mind.

WILLUM WARRAIN

In Week 6, Year 12 VCE VM students had the opportunity to participate in an enriching excursion to Willum Warrain, located in Hastings. This experience allowed students to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Indigenous Australians. They took part in a traditional welcoming ceremony, which provided them with a deeper connection to the customs and practices of the local Indigenous community. Throughout the day, students engaged in various activities and discussions, learning about the significance of the land, the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous people, and the importance of preserving these traditions. Many students expressed how much they enjoyed the experience, gaining valuable insights into Indigenous history and perspectives. By the end of the excursion, they had developed a greater understanding and appreciation for the Indigenous culture, leaving with a newfound respect for the traditions and stories that have shaped Australia’s past and present.

SOUND, CAMERA….ACTION!

Tony Briggs Inspires VCE VM Students at McClelland College

Renowned writer and film director Tony Briggs, the creative mind behind The Sapphire's movie and stage show, visited McClelland College to inspire our VCE VM students with his incredible journey in the arts and entertainment industry.

Briggs shared his experiences as a storyteller, filmmaker, and advocate for Indigenous voices, highlighting the importance of perseverance, creativity, and staying true to one's cultural identity. His talk provided valuable insights into the world of film, theatre, and writing, encouraging students to pursue their passions fearlessly.

His personal stories captivated students, learning about the challenges and triumphs of bringing The Sapphires to life on screen and stage. His visit left a lasting impact, sparking discussions about storytelling, resilience, and the power of representation in the media.

It was an inspiring and unforgettable experience that motivated students to dream big and embrace their creative potential!

YEAR 11 STUDENTS GO TO THE FORMULA 1 RACES

On Thursday, March 13th, our Year 11 VM students swapped the classroom for the thrill of the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix, getting an up-close look at the event's high-speed action and engineering marvels!

The day was a real-world extension of their learning, from seeing full-scale F1 buildings, cars, and exhibits to comparing them with their own scale models made in class. But the experience started even before they arrived—students had to plan their own journey to Albert Park, figuring out train and tram routes, departure times, and the best way back to Frankston. This hands-on challenge ensured everyone was fully prepared when navigating to and from the venue.

The highlights of the day? Watching the Porsches tear up the track, witnessing a crash at Corner 6 (don’t worry, the driver was fine!), and being blown away by the Super Van’s lap time.

EXPLORING FUTURES: Students Engage in Careers Expo

On March 20th, our students had the exciting opportunity to attend the annual Careers Expo, an event designed to inspire, inform, and ignite curiosity about future career paths. Held at Melbourne Showgrounds, the expo brought together a wide range of industry professionals, training providers, and tertiary institutions, all eager to share their knowledge and experience with the next generation.

From hands-on trade demonstrations to interactive presentations by universities and TAFEs, our students were immersed in a world of possibilities. Whether they were chatting with an electrician, exploring pathways into health and aged care, or discovering what it's like to study graphic design, every student found something that sparked their interest.

The Careers Expo is vital to our school’s commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom. It encourages them to think about their goals, ask questions, and take proactive steps toward building their future. We’re proud of how engaged, respectful, and curious our students were throughout the day.

We want to thank all the staff and industry professionals who contributed their time and the families who continue to support their children in exploring future opportunities. We look forward to seeing the ideas and inspiration from the day turn into action in the months and years ahead!

If you'd like more information about supporting your child’s career journey, please get in touch with our Careers Team.

STRUCTURED WORKPLACE LEARNING (SWL)

RYAN MILLS

“On Friday, the 7th of March, I had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a train driver on the Long Island steel train as part of my work placement at Qube Logistics. The train consists of two locomotives; for this journey, it was VL353 and VL351.

This train journey starts from North Dynon and travels to the Bluescope Steel plant in Hastings. Upon arrival at Hastings, the train is split from the butter boxes, which contain steel that needs to be protected from the environment. The steel coils are then taken to be unloaded. Once unloaded, the wagons are moved to the points and left while the butter boxes are shunted into sidings further down near the steel foundry.

After running around, we reattached to the empty wagons (without the butterboxes) and headed to the junction, waiting for clearance to depart and return to North Dynon.

On the route to Hastings and back, we stop at two locations. The first is at Mordialloc Station to allow some sparks (metropolitan trains) to pass on the down service towards Frankston. The second stop is at Caulfield Junction on the up service towards the city, again to let sparks pass.

Photo 1 shows me in front of VL353, waiting for the path for the up service to return empty wagons to North Dynon for the next service back to Hastings.

Photo 2 is taken at Hastings and features the two VL locomotives along with some of the wagons”

YEAR 12 FRINGE FESTIVAL

Celebrating Creativity and Community at the VCE VM Fringe Festival

Films, podcasts, artwork, marketing campaigns, posters, and installations, that’s what the VCE VM Fringe Festival was all about! On Thursday, 3rd April, students proudly showcased their projects after seven weeks of research and development, exploring how technology impacts relationships, perspectives, ethics, and cultural and social norms.

Watching students engage with the community and speak passionately about their ideas filled the VCE VM team with pride. The team might be hitting the mark in preparing students for the next stage of their educational and employment journeys.

UPCOMING DATES FOR TERM 2, 2025

April 22nd – Whole school assembly

28th April - Windara, Drug and Alcohol Workshop

2nd May – Cut off for Senior Formal tickets

2nd May – Year 12 School Photo

5th May – TRAG Year 12

16th May Senior School Formal

22nd May - Year 12 McClelland College Career Expo

2nd June - Trade & Technology Expo

McClelland Academy Program