DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING & LEARNING REPORT 

Term 1 is now in full swing and our students have settled in well. On Monday evening we welcomed our Year 7 families to the College at our annual Basket Tea. It was wonderful to meet our new families and we look forward to supporting you and your child throughout their learning journey from Year 7 to Year 12. We hope our Year 7 students had an enjoyable time on their camp this week.

2022 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

We believe education is a partnership between teachers, parents and students and we encourage communication between all parties. Parent/Teacher/Student interviews are an integral part of the ongoing school-home relationship and we value the very important conversations we have about your child’s learning. 

Year 7 TA Interviews

Our interviews for 2022 commence with the Year 7 TA interviews on Tuesday 15 March. Each term students in Year 7 to 12 meet with their Homeroom teacher and talk about the progress they are making in their studies, their learning habits, the goals they have set for themselves and any support they require. We call this our Teacher Advisor (TA) interview process.

Parents and guardians of Year 7 students are invited to attend with your child for their first TA interview. Interviews are for 20 minutes with your child’s Homeroom teacher and will be held from 3:45pm to 5:30pm. Bookings can be made through the Parent Access Module (PAM) and interviews will be held in your child’s Homeroom. We believe attending your child’s first TA interview is an opportunity to develop a positive relationship between the family and their Homeroom teacher and to assist you in developing a better understanding of the benefits of the TA program. The interview will involve feedback from both the Homeroom teacher as well as from the child on how they have settled into St Mary MacKillop College. Students will discuss their interests and learning needs as well as set goals, discuss learning habits and address any questions they may have. If you are unable to attend, your child will still have their TA interview with their homeroom teacher during regular school hours. For further information, please refer to the information included in this newsletter.

VCE/VCAL Interviews

Parents and students are invited to attend the VCE/VCAL Parent/Teacher/Student Interview evening on Thursday 24 March from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. These interviews include any Year 10 student studying a Year 11 VCE Unit 1 Subject. For further information, please refer to the information included in this newsletter.

International Women’s Day – Tuesday 8 March

Tuesday 8 March is International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is ‘Break the Bias’. The following is from the International Women’s Day website:

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

I pray for all the women in our College community. May we all help to create a gender equal world.

It seems like yesterday I was enjoying Christmas and now the season of Lent is upon us. The Lenten season offers us a wonderful opportunity for spiritual renewal. I hope during this season through prayer, fasting and almsgiving you are brought closer to God.

Nathan Lane

Deputy Principal: Teaching and Learning

Meet Your Academic Captains

Thanh Pham

What are the key responsibilities of your portfolio? 

As a leader, I look forward to working with our school community and other leaders to promote an inclusive environment at our school. I also expect to be working with others to encourage our students to study as efficiently as they can.

What is your vision as leader of the Academic Committee in 2022?

The year ahead is full of new opportunities for my fellow students to voice their ideas to improve their academic performance. Moreover, it allows us as leaders to listen and bring their ideas into application. I wish all the best to the committees this year!

Name one person whom you would like to share a meal with and why?

If I were asked to share a meal with one person, I would say Michelle Obama because she is inspiring and supportive. I could also ask her for advice and use them as my motivation. 

What are your interests outside of school?

On the topic of motivation, I enjoy reading about success stories, and I constantly seek to listen to those who have diverse perspectives from mine.

Harrison Sawyer

What are the key responsibilities of your portfolio? 

The key responsibilities for me is to, along with Thanh, assist in the processes of the Academic Committee. A major responsibility of the Academic Committee is to acknowledge those who are successful with their academic endeavours or those who are truly endeavouring to further their knowledge and are trying to achieve the best mark possible.

What is your vision as leader of the Academic Committee in 2022?

I hope that this year we can continue to recognise those who are achieving academic success and those who are trying their hardest. I also hope that we can assist people by providing study tips for students, but I think that we need to remember that academics is a second priority to physical and mental health and we need to remind people of that.

Name one person whom you would like to share a meal with and why?

I would like to share a meal with Buddha. I would love to ask many questions about his ideas relating to the concepts related to karma and reincarnation as well as learn about some of his experiences and how he coped with distractions.

What are your interests outside of school?

Outside of school, my interests include theatre (currently I am the junior director at the Swan Hill Theatre Group for the Wizard of Oz Jr). I also like to spend time with friends and do things like yoga and going on walks.