Senior Years

Well, we are all back unscathed and ignoring the sting of sanitiser on dry hands and the jarring effect of proximity without contact. We are incredibly proud of how well many of the students sustained their focus through the duration of time off campus and how their stamina is keeping them going now, through one of the longest and most demanding terms of their school life to date.

While still not wholly in a position to reflect on the entire year so far, as the cognitive load of all that is behind us and what is ahead impacts the clarity that reflection can bring, I will instead comment on some things I have observed.

The resilience and good humour of our students upon their return to school has brought with it a positive feeling of community.

The routine of cleaning the tables at the beginning of each class has the effect of noticing and committing to our physical environment, and I like to think, just maybe, is a demonstration of altruism, considering not just ourselves but others in our space.

Vitamin D makes a difference to mood – with senior students outside during breaks there is a tangible brightness and energy that space and fresh air can bring.

The Study Centre has remained a place for study which creates a positive environment for students to focus on their learning, in a quiet and clean place without distraction.

I would like to acknowledge the consistent messages from the Student Leadership Team, Narelle, Lucy-Belle, Joseph and Chelsea, throughout remote learning. They started every day with a cheery message to keep everyone’s spirits up when things were feeling very strange. I would also like to thank the sports captains Blake, Charlotte, Andy, Max and everyone else that contributed, they certainly made me smile and happy to be part of the Maffra School Community.

Holiday Study Sessions

Check Compass for links to a variety of holiday study programs (free and various costs associated)

Study programs can make a difference to stress levels by;

Supporting students to get motivated.
Helping with organisation of notes
Opportunity for timely revision of learning before new content
Reinforce content knowledge and skills
Advise on how to approach study effectively
Previewing and preparing for what is ahead

VCE Year12

VCE Exam timetable has been released.
https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/Key-dates/Pages/VCE-exam-timetable.aspx
Students will receive their individual timetables early next term along with examination rules.
ATAR will be released to students on the 30th December
ATAR Support: Marie Clark and Sarah Whitwam along with other members of the senior team will be available at specified times throughout the day for students
Change of Preferences Support: Students will be allocated a time between 30th December, 31st December and 2nd of January for change of preferences and to discuss the enrolment process for University. This can be onsite or via phone or TEAMS.

VCE Year 11

SAC Reminder:

all SACs need to be authenticated as the students work
If a student is not present for a SAC a medical certificate is required and they will have another opportunity to sit the SAC
If a student does not attend a SAC resit/catch up at the time allocated a medical certificate is required
These regulations are from VCAA to ensure there is equity with assessment tasks and there is no advantage or disadvantage for any student. If a student has more time to prepare for a SAC without a medical reason, that student is seen as having an advantage over other students in the class that attended the SAC within the regular expectations. There is also more opportunity for the SAC conditions to be compromised. We are guided by an external regulatory body to ensure this does not happen.
ALL students have signed a contract saying they understand the expectations for SAC attendance and requirements of authenticity.

Homework Reminder

Consistently working on each subject each day improves the connections that empower learning
We can’t retain everything we learn in class so reading through notes and doing set tasks helps build the connections and shifts new learning to long term memory.
If students apply themselves to homework tasks then preparation for assessments become revision rather than relearning information that has been forgotten or learning information for the first time.

Simply Make a Start

Make a plan, list what needs to be done, prioritise
Set a reasonable time frame for each task
begin
Tick off tasks as they are completed
Reward yourself- and take a short break between subjects
Create some balance -
- do a bit each day (ie 20 mins a subject)
- increase your understanding
- build your learning stamina
- make class time more effective as you go to class prepared reduce stress

Homework is not instead of leisure time it is as well as a balanced lifestyle and will set you up for success in VCE and create good habits of organisation and planning beyond school.

VCAL

VCAL students have been hard hit during remote learning. They have had significant adjustments to make with work placement, Tafe studies and the VCAL program. Many are still in limbo with work placement as restrictions are hindering some of the vocational areas they are working in.

On an impressive note: many students demonstrated sound work ethic during remote learning and persevered while learning many different types of video conferencing and online platforms to continue their work.

They have certainly come back to school ready to work hard to complete their outcomes and planning has begun on projects for the community, for example a mural and outdoor recreational space in the school grounds.

We are optimistic work placement will go ahead for all students next term and request that students provide details for arrangements as soon as possible so we can organise insurance coverage. If a student is struggling to find a placement, let us know.

VCAL and the Senior team are seeking old outdoor furniture donations to be upcycled for school use.

Doctors In Secondary Schools News

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