Learning and Teaching 

Create Belonging

Term 2 has begun with great energy, reminding us that learning at our school extends well beyond the classroom. Students have already engaged in a range of extracurricular opportunities that support their personal growth, teamwork, and leadership. At the same time, our staff have been actively involved in professional development, reflecting our shared commitment to continuous improvement and delivering the highest quality education.

On the first day of term, all staff took part in a dedicated professional development day. This session invited teachers to reflect on their own teaching practices and collaborate on identifying the core principles we value as a learning community. It was a meaningful and productive day that reinforced our dedication to evidence-based practice and fostering a school-wide pedagogy that places student learning at the centre.

I was also fortunate to join our Year 10 students on their camp to Geelong. This experience plays an important role in helping students form strong peer connections as they move into the senior years. It also encourages them to think ahead to university life. The Year 10 formal again was a highlight for the students, and the excitement on the night was lovely to witness. Our students are to be commended for the mature and respectful way they represented themselves and our school community throughout the camp.

Strive for Excellence

The Year 9–10 exam period will begin on Friday 13th June, with the Year 9 students having their English and Mathematics exams. Year 10 to 12 students will begin their exams from Monday 16th June to Friday 20th June. The exam timetable will be distributed to families in the coming weeks.

As exam time approaches, your support can make a big difference in your child’s success. Encourage them to start revising early by creating a realistic study timetable that balances all subjects. Help them set up a quiet, organised space free from distractions where they can focus. Promote active study habits like using flashcards, summarising notes, and setting times to revise without distraction. Remind them to take short breaks, stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and get enough sleep—these healthy routines support focus and memory. Most importantly, offer encouragement and stay positive. Your support and understanding can boost your child’s confidence and help reduce exam stress.

Share Success

This week, it was wonderful to witness the amazing work our students—led by their dedicated teachers—demonstrated during the VM Market Day. Both staff and students are to be commended for the quality of the products created, their excellent organisation, and their positive engagement with the wider school community. Through their efforts, they raised an impressive $1,300 for a Marist school in East Timor, which a group of our students will be visiting in September.

The Autumn Concert was another fantastic display of the talent and creativity of our students in music and performance. They are to be congratulated for their commitment to refining their skills and generously sharing them with others in our community. I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the staff in this learning area, who, like all our teachers, continue to inspire and support our young people in their growth and learning.

GAT

Victorian senior secondary school students will this year again have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against standards in the GAT. The GAT will provide specific information on each student’s key skills for life beyond school.

Key information note:

• A practice GAT will be held for students next Wednesday 22nd May.
• The official GAT will be held on Tuesday 17th June, running from 9.00am through to 3.00pm.
• The GAT will be split into two sections:
  • Section A (9.00am – 11.15am) will assess literacy and numeracy skills.
  • Section B (1.15pm – 3.00pm) will assess skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts, and humanities, with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills.

Rachael Bown 

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching