Learning and Teaching News
Education of the whole person
A distinctive mark of a Catholic school is the development of the whole person.
This week I would like to reflect on some of the alternative learning opportunities that St. Peter’s College provides.
Brekky Club
Each morning from 8.00 a.m students and staff gather in the old canteen to prepare breakfast for any student who might come along and wish to enjoy a hot piece of toast, a milo or some cereal. There is always music and a friendly banter between staff and students. I value these opportunities to get to know our students outside of the classroom and enjoy my Tuesday morning catch up with students. They are fine young men and women who give generously of their time and demonstrate servant leadership at St. Peter’s College.
Footy Colours day
I popped into a Tutor group this Tuesday morning to surrender my gold coin for the privilege of wearing my beloved Tiger Colours. Once again I am honoured to listen to our students explain why we have footy colours day. Our fundraising efforts for St Vincent De Paul is yet another opportunity for our students to learn about Catholic Social justice principals and the obligation to look out for those in the shadows.
While I often write in this newsletter regards our academic program, I am also conscious of the wide variety of opportunities provided to develop the whole person at St. Peter’s College.
Final Programs for VCAL students
The Year 12 VCAL students have been involved in a number of projects this term. The $20 Boss program is an entrepreneurship program, where students were provided with $20 of start-up capital to create, launch and operate a venture over Term Three. The program is developed by the foundation for young Australians. Students have set up ventures such as a textbook recycling scheme, a food stand selling scones and toasties, bath bombs and a hotdog/sausage sizzle.
Students have also being running a joint business in the form of a coffee stand, the VCAL Café has been doing a roaring trade selling hot chocolates and coffees, before school and during recess and lunch to staff and students. In Personal Development Skills, a number of Year 12 students have been working on a mentoring program working with the students at St Thomas the Apostle, a new recycling scheme in classrooms in the College, and collecting and recycling toiletries to hand out to the homeless.
Save the Date
Year 12 VCAL Project Night
Coming up on Monday 15 October at the Cranbourne Campus and Tuesday 16 October at Clyde North Campus is the Year 12 VCAL Project Night. On this evening , it is with great pride that our VCAL students explain the projects that they have undertaken throughout the year. This is a wonderful showcase and I encourage all parents to come along on the night.
Year 12 Final Weeks
In this final week of Term 3 our Year 12 VCE students are working hard to finish course work for all Unit 4 Subjects. All Assessments must be completed in this final week to allow students time to commence revision in preparation for exams. The Trial Examinations in the holidays are an excellent opportunity for students to test their knowledge and understanding and to gain valuable feedback to assist with Term 4 revision. For this reason, all students should be developing a strict study schedule for the first week of holidays. For myself in my HSC year this looked very similar to my Timetable from school. This ensured that all subjects were allocated Revision time and a similar routine assisted me to focus on exam preparation. Being well prepared for the Trial exams will highlight for students any gaps in learning.
Parents are encouraged to assist students in this vital last minute preparation by providing a quiet study space, which is well ventilated and well lit. In my house currently we have a stock of Tim Tams in the fridge with lots of milk ready for breaks during study!
Accelerated Studies
Year 11 students who are completing an Accelerated Unit will soon undertake their first VCE Examination. We wish all of our students the very best and hope that this experience provides not only confidence but a deeper understanding of the requirements of the VCE. Year 11 Accelerated students are also required to undertake the relevant practice examination in the second week of the holidays. Please check the exam schedule for details.
Mrs Marlene Jorgensen
Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching