From the Principal 

Dear parents, carers and students, 

As we head into Term 2 holiday period I want to thank our whole school community. This semester we have, together, navigated many new challenges associated with learning on site. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt in schools as they do in the community. High levels of staff and student absence have meant many challenges in delivering the day to day program. Our teaching and support staff have worked tirelessly to try and minimise the impact that this has had on the continuity of learning for all students. The workload for many teachers and support staff has increased across the term, as they jump in to fill the gaps that occur daily. We have continued to prioritise camps, excursions, incursions and general learning experiences in the classroom. It is these experiences that provide everyone with a sense of normality.

Our year 10, 11(VCE) and 12 (VCE) students experienced their first full exam period at school (face to face) for some time. We were very impressed with the way in which students applied themselves in their exams. Our rationale for completing the exams each semester, is that we want students to go into their Year 12 exams so accustomed to the experience that they can fully concentrate on displaying their knowledge and skills. This is based on neuroscience - cognitive load theory. You cannot fully engage when your brainpower is required for other things (like- where do I put my name? what do I do with this booklet? what does ‘explain’ mean?)

The examinations aim to: 

• develop student confidence and skills in exam techniques and settings
• give students experience in formal testing situations that may useful in later life
• promote a culture of regular revision and test preparation at home
• develop subject specific exam skills
• reinforce the high expectations we have of learning at CESC amongst the students, parents and wider community
• provide an additional assessment tool for teachers and students.

At the end of last week, as we wrapped up our semester one exams and learning program a group of students headed off to Central Australia.  This trip has been cancelled and postponed too many times to count! So it is fantastic to be following their journey via Facebook. These experiences, whilst not absolutely essential in schools are the things that students remember forever. A big thank you to the staff that have given up time with their own families to allow our students this amazing experience.

In the spirit of a "more normal" year next term CESC Presents Matilda the Musical.

Students and staff have worked incredibly hard all year and I am sure their efforts will be rewarded with sold out audiences at the upcoming shows. I can't wait to see what they deliver! 

Course Selection 

Next term, we are hosting our curriculum information night for students that are entering years 10 -11 in 2023. 

The event itself outlines the structures relating to the curriculum being offered and provides an opportunity to discuss the subjects themselves with relevant staff. After the information night has taken place students will be supported through the process of course selection. The data collected, from students, determines the curriculum to be offered and impacts on the workforce planning for the following year. It is essential that all students engage with the process across this term.

Professional Practice Day Term 3

For Semester 2, 2022, the Department of Education and Training has provided schools with the option to hold each teacher’s allocated professional practice day on the same day for all staff. This is to enable the most effective and efficient use of this day.

As a result, we have scheduled our professional practice day for Thursday 11 August. Students will therefore not be required to attend school on this day.

On behalf of everyone at the College, we wish you a safe and happy holiday period.

Meagan Cook