Melanie Denney

Assistant Principal

Dear Students and Families,

This month's article is a bit longer than usual and focuses largely on important aspects of the progression from 2026 to 2027 for all students. As an overview, there is information about the following:

• Semester reports
• VCE Examination Timetable (for Unit 3 and 4 subjects)
• Course Counselling for Year 10 and 11 
• VTAC Support for Year 12s
• University Open Days
• Upcoming holidays

The end of Term 2 has focused heavily on assessment. I’d like to congratulate all students on how they conducted themselves during this period, which included written exams, orals, SACs, SATs, and the GAT. I’d also like to acknowledge all those involved in the complex organisation of the assessment period, and the teaching staff who complete marking and feedback in a very tight turnaround at this time of year. As we move into Term 3, it is time for all students to think about what the next step in their educational journey might look like. 

Reports

Students will soon receive their Semester 1 reports via Compass. I encourage everyone to celebrate the successes and reflect on those things they think could help them move forward into Term 3 with confidence. Success comes in many forms, so I also encourage all students to reflect on how far they have come in the first half of this year and not lose sight of the small “wins” they have had along the way.

VCE Exam Timetable

The VCE Examination Timetable is now available on the VCAA website (HERE). Students will receive their personal timetables during Term 3, but can start planning their time using the information provided on the website. 

Course Counselling for Year 10 and 11 

Current Year 10 and 11 students will begin selecting their subjects for 2027 early in Term 3. When making these choices, it is important for students to take the lead in decision-making and to keep in mind the prerequisite subjects potential university courses may require, what they are good at, and, most importantly, what they enjoy. We strongly encourage students not to choose subjects based on their expected scaling. Historically, we have seen great success from students who have a balanced course that they enjoy, and that allows them to continue with extracurricular activities they are passionate about (such as sport, music, art, etc).

To support these decisions, all students will attend year-level briefings, and parents are asked to attend the information sessions early next term (dates below). These sessions will outline options and expectations for student courses in Years 11 and 12 in 2027.

Year 11 into 12 Information Session: Thursday 16th July, 7 pm arrival, South 1 Lecture Theatre

Year 10 into 11 Information Session: Thursday 23rd July (TO BE CONFIRMED), 7 pm arrival, South 1 Lecture Theatre

Each Year 10 and 11 student will also be allocated a Course Counselling meeting time to discuss their proposed pathway with a House Leader and another member of the School leadership team. More information about these appointments will be communicated to students early next term.

VTAC Support for Year 12s

Current Year 12 students will also begin making some decisions about their preferred tertiary pathways. They will have a compulsory VTAC year-level briefing in Week 3, and parents are invited to attend a Year 12 Parent Information Session. We are currently finalising the date for this event, but it will most likely take place on the evening of Tuesday the 4th August at JMSS.

Every Year 12 student will have an individual meeting with our Careers team to discuss their preferences, possible options they haven’t considered, and to allow students to ask questions.

The VTAC website has a wealth of information for those who are interested in getting their heads around the process early. https://vtac.edu.au/

University Open Days

With a constantly shifting landscape of courses and prerequisites, it is strongly recommended that all students attend the upcoming University Open Days to learn more about what each institution has to offer and get a feel for the student experience for each provider. Below is a table of dates (chronological order) for selected University campuses. A complete list of institutions and campuses, with dates, times and more information, can be found on the VTAC website.

Holidays

With a busy Term 3 just around the corner, it is important that students have time to rest and reset. If there is any work students need to catch up on or want to preview in advance, they should make a purposeful plan to complete it effectively and efficiently so it does not consume their time off.

Staff will also be taking a well-deserved break and may not check/respond to email during the holiday period.

I wish all of the JMSS community a restful break and look forward to seeing everyone next term.

Melanie Denney

Assistant Principal