Middle School News

Welcome back to a busy term ahead for our Middle School students - Work experience, mid-semester exams and subject selections for 2027!

This term we have had some changes within the Middle School Team. The updates are:

Middle School Assistant Principal

Jackie Mathews (Jacqueline.Mathews@education.vic.gov.au)

Director of Middle School

Ilana Parker (Ilana.Parker@education.vic.gov.au)

Year 10 Assistant Director

Becky White (Rebecca.White3@education.vic.gov.au)

Year 9 Assistant Director

Freda Gatsios (Freda.Gatsios@education.vic.gov.au)

We look forward to working with you in partnership to support your child’s MGSC journey.

Year 9 Elevate Session - Student reflection

Last Thursday 23rd, the Elevate Program came to the Year 9s at MGSC to give an interactive presentation on Memory and Mnemonic devices. The session focused on improving our study habits and exploring our powerful memories and how we can use them to our advantage. The amazing presenter Bailey kept the session super fun and engaging with heaps of student interaction. We learnt how to make studying more effective rather than increasing its duration; receiving tips like keeping our phones off, controlling our external environment, sitting at a clean desk, and working in short and sharp sessions. Bailey also recognised that every student learns differently, so we were offered a wide variety of strategies that can work for every individual and ultimately encourage us to stay motivated with our learning.

We would like to thank the Elevate program and our presenter, Bailey, for this informative and tailored session that will come into great use for our upcoming exams and our future schooling! - Emily Adams & Anushka Pradhan - Year 9 leaders

Year 10 Work Experience

All students will be on Work Experience next week commencing Monday 18 to Friday 22 May.

Work experience provides Year 10 students with a valuable opportunity to explore potential career paths, develop key skills such as communication and teamwork, and gain insight into the world of work. Normal Year 10 classes will not be running during the week. Students who are completing a VCE subject will be expected to catch up on the work missed during this approved school absence.

Mid-Semester Exams

Year 9 exams will begin on Tuesday 9 June. Our goal is to ensure this is a positive and constructive experience - not a stressful one. These exams are a valuable opportunity for students to develop their study habits and exam techniques, laying a strong foundation for the years ahead.

Year 10 exams commence on Tuesday 9th June. Students who study a VCE subject may have a VCE exam the previous week commencing on Wednesday 3rd June. The exam timetable will be released over the coming weeks.

Community Service reminder

As communicated previously, Community Service is a valued part of our program and is not optional. The purpose of Community service is a consequence designed to encourage students to reflect on their choices and take responsibility in a constructive and supportive environment. Students who were previously enrolled in a Community Service from Term 1 infringements will be reset for a fresh start commencing Term 2.

Please be aware that there will be some modifications to the Community Service program commencing from the start of Term 2

Students who receive three uniform infringements will be scheduled to attend a Community Service session on Thursday afternoon from 3:15pm – 3:45pm in Room 6. This will be clearly indicated on your child’s Compass schedule.
Students who arrive late to school on three occasions without explanation will be required to complete a Late to School Community Service session on the nearest Thursday lunchtime with a Middle School staff member at 1.30pm - 2.00pm.
All students expected to attend a Community Service for lateness or uniform are expected to regularly check their Compass schedule for the allocated session time.

If there is a valid reason your child is unable to attend a scheduled Community Service session, it is essential that communication is made with the relevant Assistant Director or myself prior to the session. The Community Service session will then be rearranged to a mutually agreeable time. Please be aware that continued requests to rearrange sessions will not be accommodated.

We appreciate your ongoing support in reinforcing these expectations at home. Working together ensures that all students are well-prepared, connected, and able to make the most of their school experience.

Ilana Parker

Director of Middle School and Assistant Directors team