Year 11 & 12 Sub-School News
Assistant Principal's Report
Term 3 feels as though it has just begun, while somehow we are already over halfway through the term.
Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of being involved in a number of experiences that have highlighted the many ways our students are learning, growing and contributing to our College and wider community.
A significant focus has been on course counselling and planning for 2027, meeting with students and their families to work through subject selections for the years ahead. These conversations are such an important part of supporting students as they begin to think more deeply about their interests, strengths and possible post-school pathways.
It has been wonderful to hear students speak about the subjects they enjoy, the areas they are curious about and the different futures they are beginning to imagine for themselves. For some students, there is already a clear pathway in mind; for others, the possibilities are still very much taking shape. Our role is not simply to help students select subjects, but to support them to make thoughtful choices that keep opportunities open while reflecting their interests, aspirations and the areas in which they are most engaged. I have greatly valued the opportunity to work alongside students and families through these conversations.
Another highlight was attending the Community Tree Planting Day for World Tree Day. It was fantastic to connect with members of the wider community and, particularly, to see so many of our students there contributing their time and energy. Students helped with the important work of regenerating the riverbanks and supporting the return of native vegetation. Seeing young people actively involved in caring for their local environment was a wonderful reminder that meaningful learning and contribution extend well beyond the classroom.
We have also reached an important milestone in the VCE examination calendar, with two of our students completing the Extended Investigation Critical Thinking Test, the first of this year’s VCAA examinations. It was a significant moment for these students and an early reminder that the final stages of the year are beginning to approach.
And, of course, it would be impossible to reflect on recent weeks without mentioning our extraordinary College production, Back to the 80's.
The energy, enthusiasm and talent on display were incredible, but equally impressive was the sheer number of students involved across all aspects of the production. Performers, musicians, dancers, technicians, designers and crew members all played an important role in creating something that truly brought our community together.
Opportunities such as these create connections that extend well beyond the stage. They connect students across year levels, friendship groups and areas of interest. They bring together performers, musicians, dancers, technicians, designers, crew members, teachers, families and volunteers. They allow every person to contribute something different while working towards one shared goal.
These experiences are so valuable because they provide opportunities for students to build confidence, creativity, resilience and teamwork while developing friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
From conversations about future pathways to caring for our local environment, completing important academic milestones and taking to the stage, these past weeks have been a wonderful reflection of the breadth of opportunities available to our students, and the many ways in which they continue to contribute to the life of our College and community.
Kate Nicholls
Assistant Principal Years 11 & 12
Year 11
Term 3 has been an eventful and exciting one for our Year 11 students!
Students have participated in a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, including Course Counselling Day, the Performing Arts spectacular Back to the 80's, and a variety of fun and engaging excursions and sports days, all while dedicating themselves to their VCE studies.
In sport, Year 11 students represented the school proudly in Senior Hockey, Table Tennis, Basketball and Cross Country this term, impressing with their incredible sporting abilities and sportswomanship.
They have also embraced opportunities to contribute to the school community through the Rotary Interact Student Conferences held on 10 August, the Jump Start program, which arranges mentoring sessions for students interested in a career in construction, VCE Maths Games and the Berthe Mouchette oral and written exams, where students showcased their impressive French speaking and writing skills.
Looking ahead, there are many more opportunities for students to engage and challenge themselves. The upcoming Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences on 15 September will provide families with a valuable opportunity to connect with teachers, review learning progress and support students in reflecting on their achievements. These conferences also encourage students to set meaningful intentions for the remainder of the year.
Earlier in the term, on Monday 20 July, Year 11 students took part in Course Counselling Day. This important step helps guide students in shaping their future pathways. Choosing subjects at this stage requires careful consideration of various factors, including future career aspirations, personal strengths and interests, tertiary study prerequisites and maintaining flexibility for future pathways.
It has been wonderful to see Year 11 students engage so thoughtfully and enthusiastically across all areas of school life this term. We look forward to celebrating more of their successes in Term 4!
Claire Tudor
Year 11 & 12 Student Engagement and Wellbeing Leader
Year 12
Career advice, guest speakers, VTAC forms to fill out and only 37 Year 12 teaching days to go! Congratulations, Year 12. You have nearly made it. This is not only a busy time but can also be very overwhelming.
We invited the Cronin Foundation into the school to present an engaging and extremely relevant lecture to students on safety and looking after themselves and their friends. This was very well received by all the students. As the study centre fills with conscientious students, excitement is also building.
We have released access to valedictory tickets, with a current newsfeed containing all the important information families need as they prepare to watch their student graduate from secondary school. This is a terrific way to celebrate such a big milestone in your child’s life, and we look forward to seeing you at the Pullman on 20 October.
We are in the middle of a very busy term as we prepare students for their final exams. Our careers team has presented information on how to navigate university preferences and handed out hard copies of the VCE Exam Navigator. The team is currently holding individual meetings with every Year 12 student to begin locking in their future preferences and guide them as they prepare for life beyond The Boulevard.
Tonia Douglas-Scarfe & Leigh Hanley
Year 12 Level Leaders