Senior School

As we move through the middle of Term 1, it has been wonderful to see the focus and determination of all our students. Over the past few weeks, our Year 12 students have been completing their first School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) for the year. These assessments form a key part of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and measure each student’s understanding and application of subject content and skills outlined in the VCE Study Design. 

SACs typically combined across the year and contribute between 25% and 50% of a student’s final study score, depending on the subject, with the remainder coming from end‑of‑year examinations. Together, these results determine each student’s ATAR, which plays a significant role in tertiary course selection. SACs therefore serve as both valuable learning opportunities and important contributors to final outcomes.

If your son is absent (planned or unplanned absence) for a SAC, he must email vcesupport@stpats.vic.edu.au as soon as reasonably possible to organise a catch-up session. Catch-up SACs run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30–4:30 pm in the Study Centre.

If the absence is unplanned due to illness, students must provide a medical certificate or statutory declaration before the assessment can be rescheduled.

Study tips 

Parents often ask how they can best support their son’s study at home. One of the most effective strategies we encourage is retrieval practice, particularly through flashcards. All Year 12 students have been shown how to use flashcards effectively in assemblies.

Here’s a simple strategy in how the process works:

1. Look at Side A of the flashcard and write down what you believe is on Side B.
2. Check your answer — if correct, place the card in the right-hand pile; if incorrect, place it in the left-hand pile.
3. Review the left-hand pile by doing a brain dump or brainstorm on those topics, filling in missing details from notes.
4. Repeat the process until all cards move to the right-hand pile.

Importantly, this should not be completed in one long session. Research shows that spaced practice — short 15–20-minute sessions every second night — is far more effective than one long 90‑minute block. Encouraging your son to adopt this approach will help him retain knowledge over time and reduce stress before assessments and examinations. 

Upcoming for Year 10 Students

Looking ahead, Year 10 students will participate in the Finding Digital Balance program, delivered by Ctrl Your Scroll, next Thursday. This engaging session encourages students to reflect on their technology use and develop healthy online habits.

Year 10s will also begin preparing for their Work Experience (Week 10 Term 2) placements during pastoral care classes early Term 2 . Please note that during Work Experience week, there will be no scheduled classes for Year 10 students, and all are expected to attend a placement. Further details about this program will be provided in the coming weeks.

Should you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out.

• Matt Miller, Head of Senior School
• John Sullivan and Rebekah Curtis Lester, Year 10 Leaders 
• Liam Davie and Steve Biggin, Year 11 Leaders 
• Chris Gleeson and Shane Murphy, Year 12 Leaders 
• Andrew Chamings, VCE Coordinator