Teaching & Learning Report

We have had a smooth start to the term with students commencing their studies enthusiastically in what is a busy Term 2.

Year 8 and 9 Programs Parent and Student Information Evening (for year 9 and 10 2027)

Thank you to the parents and students who joined us on Tuesday 12 May at 6:00pm for our Year 8 and 9 Programs Information Evening, where a range of opportunities available for students entering Years 9 and 10 in 2027 was presented including:

AVID Elective - Ms. Amy Cole
STEM Academy - Mr. Nigel Keyi
Football Development Program - Mr. Bily Bosevski
VCE Acceleration - Ms Connie Faranda

It was a valuable opportunity to gain insight into how these programs can support your child’s learning, wellbeing, and engagement, and to help guide future subject and pathway decisions.

If you are interested in your child pursuing one or more o these programs, please contact the relevant leader.

Enrichment Expo 5 May

What a wonderful showcase of inquiry, engagement, and learning as our Year 7–10 Enrichment students proudly presented their work at the Enrichment Expo on Tuesday 5 May at the Wyndham Tech School.

Students confidently demonstrated their knowledge and skills through a diverse range of interactive and engaging activities. Their presentations highlighted not only their creativity, but also their strong critical thinking skills and genuine passion for learning. It was evident that a great deal of time, effort, and reflection had gone into each project, and we were immensely proud to witness their achievements.

The Expo also provided a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with teachers and staff, and to learn more about our school’s programs and curriculum. We hope you found the experience both informative and enjoyable, and that it offered a deeper appreciation of the dedication and hard work that underpins our students’ learning.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Enrichment Leader Ms. Melanie Kosinski, as well as our Enrichment Tutor Teachers, Ms. Anne Vlahos, Ms Peta Hills and Ms Tanishka Singh, along with all the Enrichment Mentors for their continued commitment and guidance in supporting our students.

Thank you to our families for your ongoing support and active partnership in your child’s education. We look forward to welcoming you to future events and continuing our collaboration in nurturing student success.

AVID Family Night

The AVID Elective Family Night, held on Thursday 30 April, was a wonderful opportunity for families to learn more about the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and the positive impact it can have on their child’s academic journey. It also provided a valuable chance for families to come together and celebrate learning as a community.

The evening was led with great energy and enthusiasm by our 2026 AVID Captains, Ruby (Bee) DOSSETT-ZILM, Saamir AMIE and Brodie LOWER-HUGHES, whose leadership and pride in the program were evident throughout.

A particular highlight of the evening was hearing from our students, who spoke thoughtfully about the impact the AVID Elective has had on their lives and school experiences. Their reflections on the importance of being surrounded by like-minded peers, being challenged beyond their comfort zones, developing a growth mindset and the importance of community and belonging were both inspiring and affirming. These experiences are supporting them to strive for excellence not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.

Families enjoyed a vibrant and engaging evening, including the much-anticipated annual Trivia Quiz. Activities such as the “tallest tower” challenge brought energy and fun, while also fostering a strong sense of connection and camaraderie among families, helping to build a supportive network around each student’s learning journey.

The event also provided an important opportunity for families to connect with AVID teachers and other program families, reinforcing the value of partnership and community in supporting student success.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our AVID Captains for their invaluable contribution in leading the evening, alongside our AVID Elective Coordinator, Ms Audrey D’Eau Sundanum and AVID Leader, Ms. Amy Cole.

We also thank our dedicated AVID Elective teachers for their ongoing commitment to guiding and supporting our students.

Ms. Bellin Year 9
Ms. N Sharma Year 10
Ms. Woloszczenko, Mrs Cutter and Mr. Walter Year 11
Ms. Cole and Ms. D’Eau Sundanum, Year 12

Events such as the AVID Elective Family Night play a vital role in strengthening our learning community. Through strong partnerships between families, teachers, and students, we can continue to empower every child to reach their full potential and thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to your child’s education.

EXAMS

Exams are set to take place once again this year, both in semester 1 and semester 2. It's crucial for students to equip themselves with the necessary skills to tackle exams effectively, not only during their senior secondary years but also in their future endeavours.

For Year 7 and 8 students, exams will cover English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities exclusively. Meanwhile, students in Years 9 through 12 will be examined in all of their subjects.

Families can anticipate receiving an exam timetable for their child in the forthcoming correspondence.

The exam period is scheduled as follows:

Year 12 Exams: 28 May – 4 June
Year 11 Exams: 28 May – 4 June
Year 10 Exams: 1 – 4 June
Year 9 Exams: 1 – 4 June
Year 8 Exams: 3 & 4 June
Year 7 Exams: 3 & 4 June

In the weeks leading up to exams, students will dedicate their efforts to revising the material covered in Semester 1. Cultivating effective work and study habits is vital for student success. Hence, it's crucial for all students to establish a robust homework and home study routine, ensuring regular revision and reinforcement of knowledge and skills acquired.

An integral component of the home study program aimed at supporting your child's learning journey is the implementation of the Cornell note-taking system. This method not only enhances comprehension during class but also facilitates effective review and retention of key concepts.

As exams draw near, it's imperative to reassess and refine the study timetable to ensure best preparedness. This proactive approach not only maximizes your child's readiness for the upcoming exams but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their academic endeavours.

Cornell Notes

Students are expected to continue to use the Cornell Note taking format and complete all steps of the note taking system. Completion of Cornell notes must be part of your child’s regular homework and home study program.

Cornell notes are a proven focused note taking method for students to improve learning. When all steps of the note taking system are completed, students are guaranteed to increase their knowledge and raise their grades in any given class.

The Cornell note taking system includes:

Topic, date and Essential Question at the top of the notes
Notes in the right-hand side with key words circled and important information underlined
Questions relating to the notes in the left-hand column
A summary at the end of the notes

Students are expected to use the Cornell Note system and complete all steps using the 10- 24-7 method. That is, review and revise their notes 10 minutes or the night after they first receive the notes. Complete questions related to the notes 24 hours later and write a summary of the notes seven days later. The completion of Cornell notes must be part of your child’s regular homework program. Parents can support their child by encouraging them to use the repetition strategies and review notes regularly as this will help them prepare for, and improve, their test and exam results.

Homework Club

A reminder that Homework club continues Wednesdays from 3:10pm to 4:00pm in the Monash Building. Homework Club is supported by teachers and tutors at the College and is a valuable way for students to access additional support.

Connie Faranda - Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning