Assistant Principal 

Dear Parents and Friends,

Winter has arrived with vengeance. I hope that you are all keeping well and this long weekend has allowed for some rest and has offered a reprieve from your busy schedules.

Our senior students have also been busy preparing for and completing end of semester exams in preparation for the finalization of unit one. Year 12 students will soon be sitting their GAT. This is a particularly important process as part of VCE, and all students need to be committed to trying their absolute best during these tests. The GAT will take place in the College Hall, and all students need to be at school by 8.30. There will be a short break between the two GAT tests, and the college will be providing a light lunch in the senior study center to fuel our students before they return to compete part B.

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) outlined the dates and times of the two General Achievement Tests (GAT) on Tuesday 16th June. This year, as was the case in previous years all students including those in VCE / Vocational Major pathway, (VM) are required to sit section A Literacy (Reading and Writing) and Numeracy from 9.00 -11.15, then only VCE students (not VM will complete section B – General Knowledge and Skills from 1.15 to 3.00 pm.  Any year 11 student undertaking a year 12 unit 3 and 4 sequence will also need to sit their GAT this year. It is essential that all students apply themselves fully in the GAT in achieving their absolute best. GAT scores can be used to moderate final exam results.

Year 12 VCE English students will also be completing their Mid-year exam on Thursday the 25th of June. This is compulsory for all students to attend and is valuable experience in preparation for the November English exam.

End of semester reports will be ready for viewing on the 24th of June, however due to past Industrial action written comments may not be available in subject areas for many teachers. All assessment scores are available for viewing. As always be confident that teachers welcome any phone communication should you wish to discuss your child’s progress.

Thank you to parents and caregivers for your continued support in ensuring that our senior students arrive at school on time. Please remind your teenagers that mobile phones are not permitted at school and need to be kept in student lockers for the day. In the past we have seen issues arise when students break these rules and then must have their devises confiscated for the day. Mobile phones disrupt learning and open the flood gates for breach of rules in classroom assessments. Under no circumstances are mobile phones permitted in classrooms. Strict VCAA penalties can result in assessment scores if students are in possession of these mobile devices during School Assessed Coursework (SACS). They will not be permitted into GAT sessions. 

Senior students are required to attend Assembly sessions when these are scheduled in their timetables. These are designed to provide an opportunity for the delivery of essential information and preparation regarding course work, exam preparation, and applying for tertiary places and career pathways. In recent weeks it has been disappointing to see parents sign their senior student out from college during these sessions. Assemblies are a compulsory component of their requirement of attendance at school.

As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, this is the season when most universities will begin to hold their Information Weeks, these assist students, and families by providing information regarding their campuses and courses offered. It is a great idea to attend these, as they provide insightful information about courses. We understand that at times decisions about post-secondary schooling options may be overwhelming and daunting to students but please remember we are here to support you in this process. As always, please do not hesitate to contact the college, ask for Ms. Charalambous, (Careers counsellor) for individual careers advice pertaining to your teenager. Please refer to the Careers Newsletter which has details of all the University Open events. Members of the senior school team and I are also happy to assist with any inquiries you may have about your child’s progress in senior school. 

 Stay well and Best wishes,

Laura Forster

Assistant Principal 

Senior School