Message from the

Director of Learning

- Mr. Jonathan Roberts

Over the past month, the senior school students have been very busy getting involved in quite a few workshops and career activities to gain new knowledge and skills that will help them for their future. The year 11 & 12’s attended the Age career expo which was a huge event with students from all over the state attending. They were able to attend sessions on exam preparation for their VCE subjects and also visit as many stalls as they could, which included various further education providers and lots of different options for career ideas.

A week later our senior students met with various voluntary community members from a great range of different job experiences that were able to share with them their stories of their careers to date. Students got the chance to ask them any questions they had to gain information that could help them with their own career pathway ambitions and goals. All this exposure gives our students advice that can either guide them in a clearer direction for their own future’s or at least gain more exposure to a greater range of choice as they consider all the possibilities available to them.

In addition to these activities, the Year 11s participated a study skills workshops run by Elevate. The purpose of the workshop was to prepare the students for their upcoming exams and beyond by providing the students with valuable skills that will help them maximise their study output. The speakers concentrated on a number of areas including organisation, planning, prioritising and positive study habits. The presenters were very engaging and feedback from the students was very positive.

We strongly encourage students to keep practicing these skills learnt, knowing that practice makes perfect. We are also reminded to keep a balance with our studies and interests outside of school. Part of that balance outside of school is the upcoming year 12 Formal that is fast approaching on us. This is always a fantastic event out our College and one that students will remember forever. We strongly encourage everyone to get involved to celebrate everyone’s efforts so far and a reminder that there is more to being a part of senior cohort, than just our studies. We don’t have many opportunities left where we can all get together and enjoys each other’s company outside of the classroom so it really would be amazing to see all the students get behind it and support each other. I know our leaders have been putting a great deal of time in planning a wonderful night so we look forward to seeing everyone there!

Senior School Team

Year 12 Mentoring Program - VCE

Twenty-five Year 12 students have been offered the opportunity to participate in this mentoring program, where they are matched with a teacher mentor that they will meet with once a fortnight to enable them to maximise their success this year. Mentors will support, guide, advise, act as a teacher advocate and seek to foster student self-confidence. We know the value of formal one-on-one coaching in producing significant improvement, and similarly, expect that the opportunity to build a relationship and relate to an adult in a more informal way, will promote positive outcomes, such as, improved student engagement and achievement. The program was launched with a morning tea last week for students and their mentors.

The GAT Exam

All students studying a Unit 3/4 subject are required to sit the General Achievement Test on Wednesday, 12th June, from 10am to 1:15pm. As this is an external exam, it is important that students are clear about what to bring - they will be provided with detailed information on what is and isn't allowed in the exam room. The student ID card must be brought as photo ID.

Year 11 Semester One Exams

All students enrolled in Unit 1/2 studies will be undertaking mid-year assessments from Thursday 6th to Friday 14th June. There will be no Year 11 classes during this time, however, students studying a Year 12 subject are expected to attend their classes when they do not clash with an exam. Students will be provided with instructions and an exam timetable at Thursday's assembly.

VCAL News

On Monday 6th May some of the Intermediate VCAL students were involved in the Community event held at the Westall Hub “Paint the town read”.

This event involved two local primary schools, Westall Primary and Clayton South Primary, plus various dignitaries, including Ms Clare O’Neil – Federal Member for Hotham and Shadow Minister for Financial Services and Justice. Even the Victorian Police Pipe band were involved.

The VCAL students took photographs and videos, assisted with the reading relay and handed out fruit to the hundreds of primary school students who attended.

As part of their learning outcomes for Personal Development Skills, the students were able to see a ‘real life’ event which had been planned and implemented. It certainly was a valuable learning experience for them, and judging by their reflections of the event, they did gain valuable experience.

“I think the day went really well and this sort of activity would be welcomed by everyone in the future.”

“Our group was tasked with many things including photography, handing out fruit, helping and reading to the kids”

“…I feel like the VCAL students should do more similar events to help them learn and grow in their life."

Ms. Sue Stenning

VCAL Teacher

Self-Leadership Day - VCAL

On the first day of this term, all VCAL students were involved in an incursion facilitated by Bob Allwright from Brilliant Attitude. The day constituted of three 90-minute sessions that focussed on providing students with simple, easy to use skills and tools that deliver improvements to their attitudes. Some of the teachings included, building resilience, increasing self-esteem and overcoming doubts and fears.

Students were engaged during the day and enthusiastically participated in all of the activities that they were offered. The day culminated with students writing down their fears, barriers that hold them back from achieving their goals, on a piece of wood. Surrounded by their peers’ loud cheers and encouragement, each student was guided to focus and break the piece of wood, as a symbol of ‘breaking through their fears’. Students provided positive written and verbal feedback about the day and went away with a renewed focus and a new confidence that they can achieve.

Westall Secondary College Newsletter

Issue 3 · 24 May 2019

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