Remote Learning Update

Our Year 7 to 10 students are now in their second week of remote learning and it seems that most students have settled in to the process and continue to make the most of the learning opportunities available. Please ensure that students are engaging in each lesson during the day.

Whilst we aim to continue to deliver a rigorous learning program, it is essential that students manage screen time carefully. Remember to review the Marian College Remote Learning Protocols for Students and Families, which includes a plan of a “sample student day”. This builds in time for screen breaks and other activities. A copy is included below.

Teachers will continue to deliver a balanced mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning takes place in real time with the teacher and a group of learners, for example, through a live “Google Meet”. Asynchronous learning is more learner-centred with tasks being set for students to work on in a more self-directed way, at their own pace, with teachers on-hand to provide guidance and feedback.

Examination, Assessment and Learning Program Updates

VCE Studies: On Friday, we were pleased to welcome our Year 11 and 12 students back to our campus. After a pastoral care period, our Year 11s commenced their examination block and they are commended for the focused positive and settled way that they approached their exams, in spite of the challenges.

The Year 12s made the most of being back on campus, settling enthusiastically into face-to-face learning. I am aware that some of our senior students are feeling a little overwhelmed about SACs and assessment tasks to be completed. Consequently, our VCE Coordinator, Ms Daunt, has spent a great deal of time looking at the SAC calendar to try get the best spread of SACs possible to support students in managing work load and achieving to potential.

Unfortunately, the General Achievement Test (GAT) has been postponed again this year so we will keep everyone updated when we receive further advice from the VCAA.

Year 10 Accelerated Students: As indicated in communications sent, our Year 10 accelerated students are not able to attend Unit 1 Examinations in the period of remote learning. To ensure that the students don’t miss out on this opportunity to develop and practise their exam strategies and skills in a VCE study, they will complete the examinations remotely. The subject teacher will assess the paper and provide feedback on the student’s performance on the exam. This will enable students to assess their understanding, progress and achievement in the course and, most importantly, identify areas for improvement. The feedback will be made available on SEQTA. However, due to the difficulty in fully authenticating the work the result will not be included on Semester 1 Report.

If the Unit 1 Exam is scheduled for Friday 11 June, Year 10 students will be able to complete the exam onsite in the Marian College Examination Centre, with the Year 11 students, and this will be reported.

Year 10: The students continue in remote learning until 10 June and then return to regular timetabled periods on their return from 11 June. The students will complete their exams in their classes after they return and there will not be an examination block.

Years 7 – 9: The students continue in remote learning until 10 June and then return to regular timetabled periods on return from 11 June. Assessments may be delivered remotely and/or on return to school.

Year 9 students will also sit their exams on their return to school. It is important that they don’t miss this opportunity to practise exam skills in preparation for the senior years.

Semester Changeover: Usually we change to Semester 2 before the end of term; however, this year, Semester 1 will continue to the end of term to provide time for completion of units and assessments.

Reports: Because of some extension in assessment timelines, Semester Reports will now be published at the end of the first week of Term 3 and not at the end of Term 2.

Please note that this information is accurate at the time of writing. See the letters sent out via Operoo for additional detail. Further updates will be provided if required.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the homeroom teacher, subject teacher, Year Level Leader or Learning Leader by calling the College or via SEQTA Message or email. It is important for you to know that our primary concern is the wellbeing of our school community. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and learning program.

Jane Goddard

Assistant to the Principal - Learning and Teaching

Term Dates

June 2021