Associate Principal, Operations Report

As the term ends, we are seeking to keep up-to-date with the latest advice from governments and authorities regarding the relaxation of restrictions in regional areas. 

For Years 11&12 students who are to sit the GAT on the Wednesday of the first week of term, we will need to provide students with advice about processes to follow that day.  I will send this to each student during the break but there will certainly be a need to temperature check every student presenting for the examination so students should plan to ensure they are at school on GAT day by 9.00am.  We will also need to have parents sign off the declaration about health status and holiday activities.  Students should keep an eye out for my advice before Term Four commences remotely.

We will have students sitting the GAT at four centres: here at The College, where as usual, our students will be joined by those from Good Shepherd College, at Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Beijing.  By the time of the examination, there will be a three hour time difference to China so, as the exam is held at virtually the same time everywhere, our students who are home in China will have some early starts!

For all our Year 12s, the message is that there is a huge amount which can be done in the six or seven weeks remaining until the final exams begin.  Cs and Bs can become As with the right approach; the reverse can happen too if the task is not finished properly.  The revision lectures provide an excellent opportunity to add detail to subject knowledge – but students need to do their own study and complete practice papers as well.  This cannot be a holiday for Year 12 students: a short break to freshen up, yes, but not a week off!

I admire the way our Year 12s, whether in Australia or overseas, have persevered.  I respect their endeavours.  I want to see them achieve results of which they are proud.  To all of them, I say, “You can do it!”  Now is the time.

Neil MacLean

Associate Principal, Operations