MCC Newsletter

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents,

 

I am pleased to report that Year 12 has just one day left before successfully navigating their Trial Exams. I congratulate students on this first milestone and on their diligence during this exam period.

 

While the Trial exams may be over, the journey is not. The next five weeks of learning are crucial in determining HSC success. Teachers are currently marking, providing feedback and carefully and meticulously planning their final five learning activities.

Data and recent case studies at MCC suggests that students who return from Trials with a positive and productive attitude are those who show the most improvement in their final HSC mark.

 

As such, it is pivotal that students:

  1. Maintain care for their wellbeing and support each other
  2. Continue their revision and study program
  3. Submit past papers for marking
  4. Attend all class and participate actively
  5. Reflect on exam feedback and look past trial marks and ranks to identify strengths and areas of improvement
  6. Meet with teachers to identify learning goals and direction

I encourage all students to also meet with their Mentor and communicate regularly with their parents and/or guardians as they reflect and refine their learning.

While Year 12 have completed their 2nd last set of exams, Year 11 are readying themselves to face their first batch of Senior Examinations.

 

Today I spoke to Year 11 about their preparation for this upcoming period. I stressed the importance of students taking ownership and responsibility for their own learning, starting by seeking to understand what will be examined in each of their subjects and how they can best prepare through conversations with their partners in learning - their teachers! Year 11 students are encouraged to ask questions, meet with their teachers in their own time and/or via email, in order to clarify their understanding.

 

In their Academic Pastoral Care Session following the year meeting, students were given an opportunity to complete a webquest to learn about organisational strategies, study skills and exam techniques. It was pleasing to witness many students demonstrate leadership and self regulation by enthusiastically completing their APC activities and reflecting on the information provided in their year meeting.

 

While Year 12 and 11 focus on exams, Year 10 has been beginning their own decision process for Senior subjects. Last Friday, Year 10 participated in MCC’s first annual Learning Fair. KLA Leaders of Learning prepared stalls of information detailing subject choices in their KLA area, whilst students moved around stall to stall completing a work booklet of activities to better know their options and ensure they choose the most appropriate pathways and subjects.

 

Prior to these sessions, students were presented with MCC’s revolutionary online subject selection page, NESA and ATAR guidelines and the upcoming process at our College.

Today, Year 10 Subject Selection Interviews opened on Compass for Parents. These interviews are mandatory for Year 10 students. The interviews will take place via Zoom next Friday 13th August. On this day students will not attend the College.

 

In preparation for this important day, Parents are asked to book a 20 minute time slot with one of the teachers available. Students should have their Year 10 into 11 booklet, subject selection forms and access to the College website in preparation for the interviews and should have had discussions with their parents as to their intended pathway, post school options and subject preferences. During the interview the teacher will provide expert guidance and make recommendations and approvals of the intended subject choices and pathways. Following this, the online portal will open and students will then have until the following Monday to submit their preferences for study in 2022.

 

I look forward to supporting Year 10 through this important and mature decision making process.

 

This morning during our Year meetings all students received important messages regarding the Colleges expectations on living the ‘ Marian Way’. A focus on ‘Being Prompt, Learning coming first and Presenting correctly’ were reiterated to ensure that students understand the connection between attending school, classes on time and the impact on their own learning and that of others. 

 

Year 11 also received information regarding the process of Year 12 Student Leadership applications which will commence over the coming weeks. We will initially be seeking  applications for the four College Leader positions  and look forward to supporting our students through their first steps on their leadership journey.

Yours in Learning

 

Lora Segrave and Damien Herb

Co-Assistant Principals