Dear Families, Students and Community Members,

John Monash Science School visit

To reward high performing VCE students I organised an excursion to spend half a day at John Monash Science School, which took place on Tuesday. It was an opportunity for some of our Year 11 and 12 students to visit a high performing state school, observe a different learning environment in action and engage in discussions with Year 12 students about how they approach their studies with tips on VCE learning strategies. Ideas from both schools in relation to SAC and exam preparation, use of reading time and utilising the set exam time period effectively, ways of minimising stress and leading a balance life during VCE were collated and we plan to circulate this document to all students in Year 11 and 12.

I would like to share some of our students' feedback about their experience:

“It was really great getting to meet students from a different school and seeing how they approached SACs and exams and being able to compare strategies for studying. The students were also really lovely and it was great to talk to them”

“It was great to meet different students and see their school and together help each other develop VCE strategies”

“It’s useful to understand how selected students handle the same competitive system”

“It was comforting to see just how similar we were to the JMSS students”

“Good to compare Year 12 life with kids from a high achieving school and make changes”

“It was very beneficial! Just to hear other VCE students' opinions, struggles and mindsets”

“I found that communicating with fellow Year 12s and collaborating to find different ways we all study or what we have in common was really helpful and made me feel not alone”

Congratulations to Mikayla Begent

One of our Year 12 students from last year has been awarded the Monash University Faculty of Engineering scholarship for 2019. We congratulate Mikayla on this outstanding achievement.

Years 9-12 Exams

A few weeks ago all Year 11 and 10 students completed their Semester One exams in all subjects. In addition all Year 9 students sat exams in Maths, Science and Humanities. Also, last Wednesday, all students studying a VCE unit 3/4 sequence sat the GAT (General Achievement Test). It was quite a sight to see so many rows of examination tables and students sitting in the gym during the examination period. Thanks to the student management team – Robyn Wilson, Tim Randell, Aaron Davis, Jo Greenhalgh and James Nicklen for the efficient running of these exam weeks. Thanks to our Daily Organiser Karen Barker for creating the exam timetable and scheduling of supervisors over the week.

The new timetable for Semester Two started this week on Monday for the whole school.

Senior School Information Night

All current students in Years 9 and 10 will have the opportunity to attend the VCE/VCAL information night and subject expo this week on Thursday 20 June. The information night and subject expo will provide students and parents with an opportunity to learn about and participate in aspects of every VCE and VCAL subject we have for students to select from at Mordialloc College. A reminder the Year 9 information session starts at 6:30 pm in the Learning Centre, Year 9 SEAL at 6:30 pm in the PAC and Year 10 at 7:00 pm in Learning Centre. These information sessions are then followed by the subject expo in the EZ. Students will be involved in course counselling sessions with a member of the leadership team early next term where their final subject selections for 2020 will be decided upon in consultation with their parents.

Production Trivia Night

Last week we held the trivia night offsite for the first time. Over 120 tickets were sold which was a real positive and an endorsement for holding it offsite. We also held a fundraising BBQ at lunchtime on June 13 and we had a live performance from the cast to promote the upcoming show. It is important to support the students and teachers involved who have worked so hard to date preparing for our much anticipated production of “Footloose”. Thanks to Mara Sears, our Performing Arts Coordinator, for all the planning for the trivia night and of course all of her excellent work in leading the production at our school Also thanks to Andrew Fisher for hosting the trivia night, Cameron Young and Adelle Stevenson for their support of Mara and assistance in running the Production. We also have three former students from 2017 taking over the Director’s role that Josh Mulcahy (former school captain) performed for us for so many years. It is so wonderful to see former students wanting to stay connected and giving back to their school. Thanks to Natalie Wood, Hannah Blavo and Imogen Kane.

A huge thank you to all of the local businesses who donated a huge array of gifts and products for prizes and raffles on the Trivia night. Mara and the team have raised over $3000 to support the staging of our Production this year.

End of Semester Reports

The end of semester reports for all students will be available on the parent and student portals on Compass from 1.30pm on Friday 28 June. I encourage all parents to discuss the report with their student/s over the holiday break and put appropriate actions in place to address any areas for improvement highlighted. If there are any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher by phone or email.

Advance Notice: Parent teacher interviews for Years 7-12 will be held in Week 7 of Term 3. Further information to come next term.

Winter Uniform Reminder

I would like remind students of their responsibility in relation to uniform. The College expectation is that all students will be in the correct winter uniform, and that this uniform is worn correctly (shirts tucked in, ties done up properly) just as it would be expected in any workplace. This also means no hoodies worn under or over your jumper. The only year level permitted to have a hoodie are the Year 12s who have a special final year top that is approved by school council each year. Our uniform is a very important part of the image we project of our College community and therefore I expect all students to wear their uniform correctly and with pride to, from and at school. I would ask parents to reinforce these expectations at home.

Year 8 Camp

This week our Year 8 students are attending camp at Phillip Island over three days. Students have the opportunity to participate in a range of adventure and team building activities. Thanks to Year 8 team leader and Year Level Coordinator Simon Cummins for organising and leading this camp for our students, and the Year 8 team of teachers who have joined Simon over the three days to support their students: Alice Leppin, Beth Glover, Julie Chambers, Simon Belluzzo, Georgia Davey, Daniel Mayadas, Vicky Vrettos, Mick Haber, Julia Hockey, Kate Rhodes, Cameron Young, Melissa Turton and Marina Walsh.

Carrum Train Station Closure