Teaching and Learning

Year 9 Examinations

The Year 9 Examinations will be held on Friday 14 November and Tuesday 18 November at Kildare Campus (N Building). Students will complete exams in their regular class groups, with English and Humanities on Friday and Science and Mathematics on Tuesday.

These exams are an important part of your child’s learning and contribute 20% of their Semester 2 Overall Grade.

To help families prepare, please review the Year 9 Exam Expectations document, which outlines all key details including what to bring, uniform requirements and arrival times. A summary of key information is provided below.

Key Reminders

• Students must attend all exams and be in full school uniform.
• Exam materials should be kept in a clear plastic pocket and students may bring a clear water bottle (no label).
• Between exams, students will participate in supervised study sessions with their class.
• If your child is unwell, please provide a medical certificate or statutory declaration to Student Services (in person or via email). Without this documentation, students will receive a zero for the missed exam, which will affect their Overall Grade.

Allowed Exam Materials

• Clear water bottle (no label)
• Pens, pencils and rulers in a clear plastic pocket (no pencil cases)
• Calculator (for Maths and Science exams)
• Dictionary (for English exam)

• Summary Sheet (for Maths exam)

   

We appreciate your ongoing support as students approach this important stage in their learning. Encouraging effective study habits, rest and balance will help them perform at their best.

Year 10 and 11 Examinations

This week, our Year 10 and 11 students have been focused on revision in preparation for Exam Week, which will take place from Monday 18 November to Friday 22 November.

During this period, students are only required to attend school for their scheduled exam sessions. The exam experience plays an important role in helping students develop the study and organisational skills needed for success in their Year 12 examinations.

Students who are unable to make other arrangements between exams may use the school Library as a private study space. They must sign in and out at the Library desk.

Students undertaking the Year 10 Vocational Minor program will attend and sit exams if they are in Year 10 Foundation or General Maths on Friday 14th. In the week following, Year 10 VM students will be on work placement.

Students undertaking VCE-VM will sit exams for any VCE subjects they study on Friday 14 November, followed by their work placement week.

Families can access the full Exam Timetable and Exam Expectations through the links below:

• Year 10 and 11 Exam Timetable

• Year 10 and 11 Exam Expectations

   

It is essential that students know when each of their exams is scheduled and arrive at the Oak Centre outdoor courts 10 minutes before the start time. Please note the exam timetable will not follow regular bell times to allow for longer breaks between exams. Students should carefully check their lineup times.

All students are expected to be in full school uniform and bring the required materials in a clear plastic pocket. Water bottles must also be clear plastic. Students are not permitted to leave the exam room early, so they should use the full time available to complete each exam to the best of their ability.

Step-Up to VCE & VCE VM Parent Information Session

We are pleased to announce our Step-Up to VCE Parent Information Session for parents of students entering Years 11 and 12 in the VCE or VCE VM program. 

Please join us on:

Date: Monday 24 November

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: Brigidine Campus Oak Centre 

The VCE journey can be demanding for both students and parents. This informative session is designed to offer a deeper understanding of the expectations for VCE and VCE VM and provide guidance on how to best support your child throughout this critical phase, helping them to achieve their fullest potential. Key topics will include:

• Important dates and milestones
• Strategies for successful VCE or VCE VM completion
• Detailed overview of VCE and VCE VM course requirements
• Practical advice and strategies for parent support
• Career and Work Placement guidance

Year 7 2026 Parent Information Night

We warmly invite our incoming Year 7 parents to attend an information evening on Thursday 20 November. The session will begin at 6:00 pm in the Oak Centre at our Brigidine Campus.

We look forward to seeing you there. Your support and engagement are invaluable to the educational journey of our students.

End of Year Academic Awards Night

We are excited to announce that our End of Year Awards Night will take place on Thursday 4 December. This special event brings our school community together to honour and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students throughout 2025.

Families of students being recognised will receive invitations on Wednesday 26 November. The ceremony will be held in the Oak Centre at our Bridgine Campus, starting at 7:00 pm. Please save the date – we look forward to celebrating together!

Mrs Lisa Saillard

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Curriculum Changes at Kildare Campus

Next year, we will introduce a targeted curriculum approach in Years 7–9 English and Mathematics. This means teaching will be more closely tailored to meet students’ individual learning needs and help them make the best possible progress.

Building on the success of our Year 9 and 10 Foundation Mathematics program, we will be introducing Foundation English and Mathematics classes at Years 7 and 8, and a Foundation English class at Year 9. These classes are designed to provide additional support for students who will benefit from more focused attention to build confidence and core skills. Students in these classes follow the same curriculum, with content adjusted to suit their learning pace and needs.

We are also delighted to be launching the Acorn Academy in 2026 – an accelerated learning program for students demonstrating advanced skills and high engagement in one or more learning areas. Entry to this program was through an application process held at the end of Term 3. There will be one Acorn class at Years 7 and 8, and two at Year 9.

Importantly, the curriculum designed for the Acorn Academy will be accessible to all teachers, meaning that students in every class will have opportunities for challenge and extension through differentiated instruction. Regardless of which class your child is in, they will be supported to grow, achieve and be challenged at their own level.

Our goal is to ensure that every student at St Joseph’s feels confident, engaged and inspired in their learning.

Rhys Leslie

Director - Data & Improvement