Important information and Reminders

Pathways Reform

Victoria’s senior secondary education is changing.

From 2023, more students will study the VCE. That is because the VCE will include the Vocational Major, a 2-year program that sits within the VCE.

The new VCE Vocational Major will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL. This means the VCE will recognise different students equally. Students will have more education choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences – preparing them for further study, training at TAFE or work. The changes are a result of the Review into Vocational and Applied Learning Pathways in Senior Secondary Schooling (the Firth review). The review found we needed to improve vocational learning in schools. Schools currently offering VCAL will switch to the VCE Vocational Major from 2023.

You may have noticed a new information and awareness campaign, Many Talents, One VCE roll out in the media explaining some of the changes. Homestead Senior Secondary College will communicate all necessary information to families and students via our newsletter, compass news feed and information evenings throughout the year.

Our pathways and careers team are available to answer questions and to support students as they make decisions about their final years at school. Now students will have greater access to high-quality, relevant vocational education and applied learning opportunities.

For more information, go to vic.gov.au/oneVCE

Bus Stop

Great news, we now have a date for the permanent bus stop being created for Homestead students accessing the bus. The bus stop will be built beginning June 27, during the school holidays. This mean that when we return from the term break, we will enjoy a safer drop off and pick up.

Student Drivers Policy

Please note that the college council has approved a new Student Drivers Policy. 

This policy designed for the safety of all students driving to and from school and for any students considering being the passenger of a student driving to and from the college.

The Student Drivers policy is communicated to students through year level assemblies and will require documentation to be completed by students driving to and from the college. The policy can be found in our policy manual, found on the college website under the parent information tab.

Being at school, and on time is important

The number one factor influencing student achievement and wellbeing is strong attendance at school.

At senior college, 90% attendance is the minimum requirement for a student to be able to pass. It’s never ok to be away, but this is highlighted in a senior setting where work missed is learning not taking place. 

There is a clear and established link between school attendance and success at school. A 2015 report from the Victorian Auditor General found that ‘students who are regularly absent from school are at the greatest risk of dropping out of school early, and of experiencing long term unemployment later in life’. Conversely; students who attend school regularly experience success and achieve higher scores at Year 12. 

At this time parents and guardians may have to be cruel to be kind – ensuring your child attends every day is vital to their success. 

They may get annoyed at you now but they will thank you at Graduation.

Uniform

Student compliance to our uniform requirements has been very good overall.

As the cold sets in, students do try and push the boundaries.

points to note:    

• PE uniform is to be worn ONLY during PE Practical & Dance classes - change before and after class-our change rooms are amazing
• Black School shoes only - black runners are not school shoes
• No coloured tops under uniform - a white long sleeve T-Shirt is OK
• No facial piercing rings - a clear plastic stud is ok
• Dark Blue socks only
• Students at senior school can and will be sent home to change is if a concern is observed
• We are here to help-if attaining basic uniform items is difficult, contact us and we will support where we can.