Learning & Teaching News

Headstart

The end of the 2021 academic year is most definitely something to celebrate!

After two tough years of lockdowns, I am sure we are all more than eager for 2022 to give us a fresh start, and what better way to do it than with Headstart.

The last weeks of Term 4 should not be a chance for students to switch off, but rather as a new adventure to embrace. Students will have the chance to get to know their teachers and to adjust to the dynamics of a new class. Most importantly, Headstart allows students to return in February having already experienced the way their subjects will work. Hopefully, summer will give students an opportunity to reflect on the initial learning which Headstart will provide.

And while we encourage our students to reconnect with friends, family and leisure pursuits, we remind our VCE students of the importance of completing holiday homework tasks. It is essential to remember that VCE is about ranking. If there are other students from other schools using holiday time to get ahead, it is only natural that they stand to gain advantage in the ranking. The VCE rewards hard work. Raw talent can go some way towards success, but our education system is designed to reward practice and persistence. That is what is fair and equitable about VCE; it is also why it is so challenging. 

Subject changes

It is essential that students pick the right subjects.

But it is inevitable that some students find themselves in a subject which does not suit their career aspirations or area of interest and need to change. This needs to be done as quickly as possible. Joining a class several weeks in, puts a student at disadvantage. Therefore, we are happy for students to apply for subject changes, but they must be aware that the closing date is 26 November 2021, which is the end of Week 2 of Headstart. 

We will give these instructions to students:

1. Speak with your House Leader.  They will create an Operoo subject change form that gets sent for approval.
2. Your parents will receive an Operoo form to sign.  Once they sign this, the office will process the change.
3. Once your new subject appears on your timetable, you may then, and only then, attend that class.

Examinations

It is very important to acknowledge the conduct of our students during the VCE examination period. Each year I have run VCE, I have been very proud of how impeccably our students behave. Not once have I witnessed inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour in or around an exam. The VCAA supervisors consistently comment on this and genuinely enjoy working at St. Peter’s College. 

This is a testament to the wonderful culture of our College, and I thank our senior students for approaching this challenging time with such poise and dignity.

Michael Dalley                                             David Hansen

Senior Years Curriculum Leader        Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching

Cranbourne