Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning 

It has been wonderful to welcome students back to campus, and we are looking forward to the return of the remaining students, our Year 8s, 9s and 10s on Monday next week.  I take this opportunity to provide some updates and reminders about learning programs for the remainder of the year.

ACER Assessments

We are very mindful of the impact that remote learning has had on our students and are planning for how we can provide a strong transition into the following year level.  As part of this transition, we are undertaking ACER assessments for all students in Years 7 to 10.  These assessments are being scheduled in the week beginning Monday 9 November.  Due to remote learning, we have been limited in how much formative and summative assessment of students has been possible throughout the year.  In addition, the cancellation of NAPLAN for 2020 also meant parents did not receive information about year 7 or 9 students and their progress since the last time they completed the NAPLAN assessments.  The results of these assessments will provide teachers with an update and benchmark on student learning and will assist with planning for student learning in 2021.  These ACER assessment results will also be made available to parents.

Examinations and Transition

To support the learning of students, we are going to be maintaining an examination period for Years 10 and 11.  These examinations will begin on Thursday 19 November.  For the Year 7 to 9 students, regular assessments will be undertaken during class time.  We will also be holding a transition period for our Year 11 and 12 2021 students which will begin for the new Year 12 students on Wednesday 25 November.

Subject Change Requests

This is a reminder for subject selection, for Years 10-12 students for next year, that the subject change request form is only available through the parent account on Operoo (formally Care Monkey).  This form will be available until 4pm on Monday 26 October.  This is the only way that students can request to change their subjects. There will be no other opportunity to request changes following the closure of this process on Monday. Subject changes will be made if they are possible and the ability to make a change is influenced by class sizes and where classes are running within the timetable.  Please note that students will be unable to make requests to alter their assigned subjects until mid-2021.

Trial and Final Examinations

I take this opportunity to wish all students in Year 12, and those who are studying a Year 12 subject as part of their Year 11, all the very best with their preparations.  The trial examinations occurring next week will assist with supporting students as they make their final preparations for the Year 12 examinations. 

We are also looking forward to farewelling our Year 12 students on Friday 30 October, as they will then shift into their home study program in preparation for their final examinations.