Middle School News 

Welcome to all Year 10 families for 2016 

Your Sub-School Team for 2016

• Middle School Principal – Sean Butler
• Head of Middle School – Airlie Tudhope (formerly Swallow)
• Year 10 Program Leaders – Jane Lange and Paul-Micah Sullivan
• Student Wellbeing Coordinator – Felicity Marlowe

Your child’s tutor will send you a letter shortly to introduce themselves.  The tutors provide the academic care that is critical for student success and they provide a key connection for students with their school. The Tutor is the key contact for students and families for any questions or assistance.

The Year 10 program offers a formidable mix of opportunities and experiences that promotes student learning and growth. Year 10 is a pivotal year for students as they continue their exploration of their learning before transitioning into Senior School.  Many of our students are commencing VCE with a Unit 1&2 subject or undertaking a VET course this year.

The theme across the Year 10 Tutorial curriculum is ‘Harvesting Wisdom’.  Throughout 2016, Year 10 students investigate ‘Harvesting Wisdom’ behaviours and strategies that translate into their study, work and social lives. Students devise plans that will assist their time management as they become more independent and develop strategies to improve their study habits. 

In addition to classes, part of the Year 10 program is the 5-day work experience unit. This program provides students with a great opportunity to experience first-hand work in industries of interest to them. While it is the responsibility of students to seek a placement, tutorial teachers will work with students to support them in their preparation.  We urge students to begin planning for their Work Experience (Nov 21 - 25) now in order to secure a placement. Congratulations to the students who have already found a placement.

Additional programs and opportunities on offer include a cultural immersion trip to the Northern Territory, ‘Keys Please’ (a road safety program) and the Fun Theory.

Central Australia Immersion & Community Service Project.

Year 9 & 10 Camp Opportunity

August 15th – Aug 22nd 2016

This tour was introduced to our current Year 10 students at the end of 2015. There are still places available and we would like to open the invitation to our Year 9 students.  We do apologise for the short time frame in regards to payment.  A total of 30 students may attend the camp. If we receive more than 30 deposits by Friday, students and families will be informed of the selection process.

Students attending the camp will receive permission forms and further details later this term. Please read the attachment.

Towards the VCE

Thinking about the future – for 2017 – Semester 1 Results are critical:

Semester 1 is the foundation for options in 2017.

For 2017 some students will choose to pursue pathways outside NHS and there are a range of excellent VCAL, VET, specialist programs and alternatives in the Inner North of Melbourne to support them. These pathways generally require excellent school reports and a recommendation from the school.

For students wishing to pursue VCE at NHS, Semester 1 is a critical time as students’ results in Semester 1 provide the core information for course counselling in Term 4 and the selection of VCE subjects for 2017.

We know all the students will be focussing and working hard to achieve the results that will position them to enter the subjects or pathways they want to pursue.

Reminders

• Please check the newsletter for upcoming key dates.
• Please read the VCE Promotion guidelines attached

Compass and Student ID Cards

Compass is a critical interface between parents and the school. It is the means by which the school communicates with you and by which parents contact teachers, make payments, provide approvals for events and monitor/approve absences.

For this reason it is critical parents do not share their password with their child. You can reset your password by contacting the General Office on 9488 2300.

Students were reminded at the end of 2015 to keep their ID card until the 2016 version arrives. Student ID cards are important for signing in and using the Compass Kiosk as well as accessing a range of school services. New cards can be ordered through Compass or by contacting the General Office. A charge will apply for replacing a lost card. 2016 cards will not be available until into Term 2 so lost cards should be replaced now.

Thank you for your support of Northcote High School and the 3-way partnership between School, Family and Student.

Please feel free to contact us at any time, particularly if your child’s tutor is unavailable.

Ms Airlie Tudhope

Head of Middle School