Senior School

SHARRON FRAME

Head of Senior School

This is probably the quietest week we have had in the Senior School all year! Students have been attending transition classes in preparation for 2020, and have left with homework to be completed over the term break, and submitted in their first classes back. It is important that they have some down time, but it is just as important to maintain their study routine, especially if entering Year 12.

Although more reserved in some respects compared to the Middle School, Senior School is always a hive of activity, with lots of time and effort going into preparation for assessment and examinations. The work in the Senior School is supported by the professional team I am fortunate to work with each day. Their ability to make things fun and enjoyable even when things are complicated and messy means no two days are the same, and there is always help readily available, for not only students but for their colleagues.

Thank you in particular to Soula Mitsopoulos and the three wise men: Andrew Phillips, Manoj Patel and James Gobbo, whom I have had the absolute pleasure to work with closely this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of the families of the Senior School.

Year 10

As the year comes to an end, it has been fantastic to see the Year 10 cohort work towards their examinations, and compete some beneficial Pastoral activities; one of the most noteworthy being the Mental Health First Aid workshops. This was a program designed by Monash City Youth Services. The program exposes students to the ways in which they can identify and assist people living with a mental health problem.

Students worked hard preparing for their examinations, and the dividends were certainly received by those who put in the hard work and prepared well. As students prepare to take on a full VCE load, they are reminded to start their preparation early, and continue steadily throughout the year so that they may reach their final examinations safely, in a good place to achieve well. 

Working with the students and the Year 10 team has been enjoyable this year. It has been pleasing to watch the cohort grow from strength to strength. Their Transition Program went smoothly, and the students are now ready for what lies ahead in Year 11. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all your support this year, and look forward to working with you again next year as your Year 11 Coordinator. Have a safe holiday, and see you in 2020.

Manoj Patel

Year 11

The last weeks of 2019 have seen a flurry of activity for our Year 11 students. Having completed their Semester 2 Examinations, students went on to a dedicated day of orientation for their 2020 studies. Students then completed their ‘transition’ program, where they were introduced to their 2020 subjects. This program enables students to gain an appreciation of the commitment required for success in their final year VCE studies.

Teaching and Pastoral staff are very much looking forward to the challenges of next year, and have been impressed with the commendable approach the cohort have taken.

James Gobbo

Year 12

Year 12 can be a tough year, and I am not just talking about the students who actually have to go through it. Often parents face more stress and anxiety than their children do, due to the fact they cannot sit the SACs, or the exams, and have to watch on the sidelines through the highs and lows. VCE teachers also find it difficult, as we are invested in our students and want the best for them. It can be hard to let go as they walk into the great unknown that is the examination room. Will they be ready? Have they done everything we set for them? Will the questions trip them up? It is a stressful process, as you all know. Therefore, when they finally place their pens on the desk for the last time in their schooling, it is a moment to take a deep breath, take stock, and reflect on the year just passed. 

What a year it has been! Three very busy terms filled not just with classes and SACs, but also those moments that will actually be remembered. From Camp to Celebration Day, Year 12 Formal to Graduation Assembly – 2019 has been a year to remember. Thankfully, now as we move into the holiday period, everyone has a chance to recover, spend quality time with family and friends, and prepare for the future. With the study scores and ATARs released on December 12, we wish our students a day of celebration, and all the very best for the future.  

Andrew Phillips