From the Principal Class

As we finish term two, I want to acknowledge what a huge term this has been. 

Our students have been focused on learning, engaged well in the programs offered and I have been impressed with how students approached the assessment period (exams, GAT, SACs and formative assessments). 

It is also an incredibly busy period for our teachers, who prepare for these assessments, mark them, moderate assessments and report back to families. The Semester reports will be released this week and I encourage a conversation at home about learning progress, learning behaviours and setting some goals for Semester 2. 

Our Year 10 students are currently on Work Experience, and I look forward to hearing from them about their time in the workplace. Look out on our Instagram page for updates! 

Plenty to look forward to in term 3, with our College Production in week three, our Subject Expo and Course Counselling days for years 9-11 and much more. 

Middle School Update

Mastery Tasks and Exams 

Well done to all students for completing their mastery tasks, and for those students who completed exams. Our Year 9 students had their first experience in completing exams in English and Mathematics. Our Year 10 students continued their exam experience journey by completing exams in all subjects. A huge thank you to the teaching staff who designed, moderated and marked all exams, to the support staff (Irene, Marnie, Ben, Damian) who worked tirelessly in the administrative support of the exams, to the Year 9 and 10 House Leaders (Brad Hosking, Maddi Wallmeyer, Jamie Lyngcoln, and Matt Dunn) for their support of all students completing the exams, and to the students themselves who prepared and completed the exams to the best of their ability. 

End of Semester 1 

As we come to the end of Semester 1, it is important to reflect on the achievements of all students in the Middle School, and to re-set some learning and engagement goals for Semester 2. Your Semester report contains the Victorian Curriculum teacher judgements, as well as the Learning Behaviour Matrix judgement. There is also a student self-reflection from the Learn2Learn program in Launch, as well as a Year 10 Overlay self-reflection activity. Through the process of reading and understanding the semester report, it is an opportune time to revisit the 5Ps, to ensure your student is Ready to Learn. I bring your particular attention to being prepared for learning by bringing required materials (including a charged laptop), being punctual to class, and by being productive in each lesson, by completing tasks to the best of their ability. We encourage all students to be polite and respectful in their interactions with others, and by having a positive outlook. If you need any support in understanding your semester report, or to re-set goals for Semester 2, you can reach out to your students’ House Leader.  

Looking ahead to Semester 2 

As we look ahead to Semester 2, it is an important time in the 2025 subject selection process for our Year 8, 9 and 10 students. We have a clear timeline and process to follow, to ensure ample time for students to explore their strengths, interests, and how this best aligns with their subjects for the following year. Continue to look out for further information on Compass News Feed. Our Launch classes, and Year 10 Overlay classes are important sessions for the exploration of this content.  

Senior School Update 

Celebration Assembly 

Congratulations to all year 11 and 12 students who were acknowledged by their teachers for their efforts, application and achievements this semester in the assembly organised and led by Head of House Renea Betts and the Senior Leadership team. As part of this assembly we acknowledged our Year 11 leaders from the STEAM conference. We also thank our performers and the Music domain for the wonderful performances. 

Exams and SACs 

Well done to our year 11 and 12 students applying themselves to their exams and also finalisation of Unit 1 and 3. The continual grind of VCE has been mentioned by many students and I encourage all students to continue to reflect and refine their study skills to manage their wellbeing through these peak assessment periods. 

The general achievement test (GAT) on the 18th June provided an opportunity to experience VCAA assessment for all Unit 3 and 4 students.  

I strongly encourage families to sit down with their child and look at their results on their end of semester report and celebrate the areas of strength. If there are areas for growth, discuss goal setting and students will have opportunities through year 11 overlay to reflect further. I encourage Year 12 students to complete their own goal setting and engage a teacher or House Leader to assist with strategies as required. The end of semester report will include a student reflection for all year 11 students. 

A big thank you to our Senior House leaders and Heads of House Amy Hooper/Renea Betts who have guided students through the peak periods of SACs, exams and also assisted students to redeem outcomes as required.  

Year 11 University Discovery Day 

The majority of year 11 students attended four different universities Thursday 27/6 and learned about pathways towards tertiary education. This included traditional and non traditional pathways as well as looking at and hearing about the facilities, clubs, study exchanges and all around university experience. Students were exposed to simulation classrooms and toured through campuses at University of Melbourne, Australian Catholic University, La Trobe University, and Monash University at Caulfield. 

Uniform 

I have been pleased with the response since my last post in regards to students wearing navy tracksuit pants with their PE uniform and less hoodies with the school uniform. I have recorded any discussions with students on their compass portal and started issuing detentions where multiple warnings have been given. Please use the holiday period to do a stocktake of uniform and look to make sure there are multiple layers available for the colder days (singlet, short sleeve, long sleeve and outer layer jacket).  Navy beanies and scarves are also available for outer warmth. 

We wish our whole Viewbank community a safe and happy holiday. We look forward to seeing everyone back on July 15 for the start of term 3. 

Sharon Grimes, Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal

Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Anna Crosswhite, Assistant Principal

Penelope Cleghorn, Assistant Principal

A thank you to the school community from the Watsonia RSL.