Assistant Principal 

This has been a busy and important term for our Year 9 and 10 students, with formal assessments, work experience preparation, pathway planning and the continued development of positive learning routines.

In Years 9 and 10, students are expected to take increasing responsibility for their learning. Many students have made strong progress throughout the semester.

Exams

Semester 1 exams provided students with an important opportunity to practise the skills required for future success.

For Year 9 students, English and Maths exams helped build familiarity with formal assessment conditions. Students practised revision, time management, reading instructions carefully and remaining focused for an extended period. 

Our Year 10 students completed exams in English, Humanities, Mathematics and Science. These assessments are an important bridge into senior schooling, where students will be required to manage SACs, VCE examinations, VCE VM learning tasks, VET requirements and other expectations.

I was pleased to see many students approach the exam period with maturity and focus. Exams are not only about the result; they also provide useful information about preparation, organisation and areas for improvement.

Semester 1 Reports

Semester 1 reports will be available on Compass at the end of term. These provide families with important information about academic progress, learning behaviours, attendance and teacher feedback.

I encourage families to read the report with their child and use it as the basis for a constructive conversation. A report should help students understand what is working, what needs attention and what actions they can take next.

Families may wish to discuss:

• subjects where progress has been strong• areas where effort, organisation or attendance may need to improve• whether work has been completed and submitted consistently• teacher feedback that can be acted on in Semester 2• what support may be needed at school or at home

If you require support accessing Compass, please contact the General Office before reports are released.

Reports and Subject Selection Preparation 

Term 3 will include subject selection and course counselling processes for both Year 9 and Year 10 students.

For Year 9 students, Semester 1 results and learning behaviours are particularly important for those considering early access to VCE subjects in 2027. Students wishing to access these opportunities will need to demonstrate strong academic performance, consistent effort, excellent attendance and readiness for the increased expectations of undertaking a Year 10 subject.

For Year 10 students, course selection for 2027 will involve decisions about VCE, VCE VM, VET and possible combinations of these pathways. These choices will be shaped by student interest, demonstrated performance, attendance, work habits and completion of required coursework.

The school will provide clear information, support and course counselling to help students make informed decisions. Students also need to understand that access to some subjects and programs is connected to the evidence they have demonstrated throughout the year.

In some cases, students may find that their options are limited if they have not met expected requirements. Where places in subjects or programs are limited, priority will be given to students who have followed the process, met timelines and shown readiness for that pathway.

Year 10 Work Experience and Future Readiness

Work experience is a compulsory and valuable part of the Year 10 program. It gives students the opportunity to explore the world of work, build confidence and practise important skills such as communication, punctuality, initiative and responsibility.

Students are expected to meet all paperwork and placement deadlines communicated through Compass and by the Careers team. Families can support this process by checking that forms have been completed, discussing the placement with their child and reinforcing the importance of attending each day.

Students who do not attend their work experience placement without a valid and documented reason, such as significant illness, may be ineligible to attend the Year 10 Formal later this year. This has been clearly communicated to students. Students who are not undertaking work experience will be provided with an alternate program at the college during that time.

After the placement, families are encouraged to reflect with students on what they learned. Useful questions include:

• What did you learn about the workplace?• What skills did you use or develop?• What did you enjoy or find challenging?• Did the experience change your thinking about future study or work?• How might it help you make decisions about Year 11 subjects?

Thank you to families for your continued support throughout Term 2. I am proud of the progress many students have made this semester and look forward to building on that in Term 3.

Jules Ryan

Assistant Principal

Middle School