Senior School News

I’d like to start by saying a huge congratulations to all award recipients in Years 10, 11 and 12 who received awards at our Celebration Assembly earlier this term. I’d also like to acknowledge the many students involved in extracurricular activities, who were also acknowledged at the assembly. Many students have shown a commitment to their studies and received very pleasing results in all subjects. I encourage all students to aim high and make learning their focus. Here’s hoping we have even more students receiving awards at our next assembly.

It is great to see so many students putting in the time required to the complete class work and home study, thus ensuring success with their exams. This is the time of the year that many students need a helping hand in their organisation and motivation to keep going. Students are encouraged to use the study tips, techniques and planning documents provided in their planner. I strongly encourage all students to regularly access the VCAA website to further consolidate exam type questions. This should be done throughout the semester and not just in preparation for exams. This is a very successful strategy to improve their performance during examination periods.

I would also like to acknowledge all of the hard work done by the teachers in preparing students for their exams and for the final push to complete assessment tasks in preparation for reports. A huge thank you to the sub-school assistant, Kathryn Allen, for all her support in the lead up to exams.

As we come to the end of term 2, students start to think about their Pathways options. Year 12 students are considering their tertiary options and students from Years 9-11 will be making their subject selections for the following year. It is important for students to do their research. When the Senior School handbook becomes available at the beginning of next term, all students should ensure that they are assessing the different options available to them. I encourage students to visit the VTAC site and have a look at the pre-requisites for courses of interest.

Year 9 students wishing to complete an enhancement (Unit 1 & 2 VCE) subject and all Year 10 students and their parents are invited to attend the VCE Information Night on Wednesday 19th July from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

Haroula Loucaides

Senior School Leader

Year 10 News

It has been a busy end to term 2 for Year 10. Students have been participating in the careers fast-track program, including meetings with careers councillors to discuss pathways and options that might be of interest. This also starts the Year 10s down the path of thinking about what subjects they might want to do in the future.

Work experience in the last week of term is a great opportunity for students to get involved in a work environment and explore possible career paths for the future.

Finally a big congratulations to all Year 10 students for completing their first set of exams in the senior school. These are essential practice for the future. I hope you all have a fantastic and safe break and look forward to another action packed term 3.

Year 10 camp will be in Anglesea for surfing and paddle boarding. It is going to be a fantastic three days, so please stay tuned for more information coming soon.

Matthew Robson

Year 10 Coordinator

Year 11 News

This past month has been a busy time for Year 11. Firstly we had the Year 11 Business Management students showcase their entrepreneurial skills by running makeshift businesses, all to the delight of the school community, with many students entering the ‘food and hospitality' industry. We had pizza, cupcakes, Brazilian brigadeiros, (cake truffles) and even chicken for sale. The rewarding aspect of these ventures was that collectively, the students raised over $800.00 in funds that they have donated to the Cancer Council of Victoria. Well done to everyone involved.

On a more sombre note, the Year 11 History students have been studying World War II and had the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Museum in Elsternwick to gain a deeper understanding from those who endured incredible pain and suffering. Students met Joe, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor who spoke of his experience in camps. Having visited the museum on many occasions over the years, our students are so fortunate to hear and learn from survivors, especially when so many have now passed on and their stories have been recorded for future generations. When I asked Mr Robson what life lessons were conveyed to students, he said the most striking one was "Trust your first instinct". Joe said this is what kept him alive all the years in the camps.

One Year 11 English class had morning tea "Oscar Wilde" style. A tea party was held in the first week of June to appreciate the important role tea parties held in Victorian times. The aristocracy used these parties as a way to be seen in the right circles, finding potential husbands for their daughters and developing business associations. One student, David, went so far as to dress up and assume the persona of Algernon much to the delight of the class. An array of wonderful delights graced the table, even those delightful cucumber sandwiches which were a real hit. Thank you to all students who contributed. A special mention to Anna Rowsell for her homemade scones and Berenice Mickelburough for the delicious apple tart and apple rose tartlets she baked. Our hips thank you!

It really is a delight to see students gain such experiences to enhance their learning. Speaking of learning, I would like to wish every Year 11 student success with the exams and a great start to semester 2 studies. To Year 11 staff, thank you for all you do in providing students with opportunities to learn and be inspired to do their best.

Pauline-Mary Maniatis

Year 11 Coordinator

Year 12 News

On Wednesday 14th June all students completing at least one Year 12 subject completed the General Achievement Test (GAT). The following is information is taken from the GAT pamphlet that was given to each student weeks before the GAT. It stipulates what the GAT is and why it is important.

What is the GAT?

The GAT is a three-hour test of your general knowledge and skills in:

Written communication
Mathematics, science and technology
Humanities, the arts and social sciences

Why do you have to do the GAT?

The GAT is an essential part of the VCE assessment process.

While it is important that you attempt the GAT, the test does not count directly towards your VCE. However GAT results may play a very important part in determining your final assessments for the VCE.

GAT results are used to check that your VCE external assessments and School-based Assessments have been accurately assessed.

The GAT is used in these checks because its results are a good predictor of final VCE studies. If a student has done well on the GAT, they are likely to do well in their School-based Assessments and external assessments.

Laura Brancatella

Year 12 Coordinator