DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING & LEARNING REPORT 

Vision for Teaching and Learning at St Mary MacKillop College - a statement that drives the development of a high performance learning culture at SMMC. At St Mary MacKillop College we have high expectations of our students so we equip them with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for lifelong learning. We pursue excellence through a teaching and learning environment that is inclusive, engaging and encourages growth. We value collaboration, innovation and building strong relationships.

We have had a busy start to Term 2, with many activities and learning opportunities happening both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to our Year 7 and 9 students for completing the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) this week. Students undertook four tests that provide a snapshot of their reading, writing, language and numeracy skills at this point in time in their learning. Results will become available later in the year. The NAPLAN tests are but one piece of information and data about your child’s learning. We thank our students for the positive way they approached the tests and for doing their best. 

Preparing for Semester 1 Examinations

The Semester 1 examination period will commence in June for students in Years 8, 10 and 11. Students should be encouraged over the next few weeks to allocate time not only for homework, but also time for revision in preparation for these exams. 

Year 8, 10 and 11 Examinations

The following Year 8, 10 and 11 subjects will have an examination in Semester 1:

Year 8 Exams (Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 June)

English 

Maths 

Science

Year 10 Exams (Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 June)

English 

Maths 

Science

Year 11 Exams (Monday 6 to Friday 10 June)

Year 11 students will receive their exam timetable shortly. In the event that a student fails to attend a Year 11 examination, if possible, it will be rescheduled only if the absence was for an approved school event or for an illness that is verified by a medical certificate. All students are required to wear their correct full school uniform in all exams. We wish our students all the best for their Semester 1 examinations.

Subject Expo

Our Subject Expo will be held on Wednesday 25 May. Further information about the expo has been included in this newsletter. Over the coming weeks students will be starting to have conversations with their teachers about their subject selections for 2023. Year 9 students have had our VCE acceleration policy explained to them, and the policy can be found here. We are blessed with an expert team of Pathways teachers who will support your child in making informed choices regarding the subjects they will choose for next year.

Word Education Support Personnel (ESP) Day – Monday 16 May

Monday 16 May is Word Education Support Personnel (ESP) Day. On this day, we recognise the extraordinary contribution Education Support staff provide to our schools. We are truly blessed to have an amazing team of Learning Support Officers (LSO) who work with our students to ensure they are able to achieve their personal best. We acknowledge and thank them so much for the valuable contributions they make to our College.

Upcoming Staff Professional Learning Day – Wednesday 8 June

Wednesday 8 June is a student free day. On this day, our staff will listen to a presentation on Project Based Learning delivered by Nicole Dyson from Future Anything. 

Since our last school newsletter was published, we have celebrated Mother’s Day. Mary MacKillop reminded us that ‘gratitude is the memory of the heart.’ Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to show gratitude and to recognise all that mothers do for their families every day, the love and care they show and the sacrifices they make. I hope the mothers in our community were spoilt on this day!