Later Years

Semester 1 Examination period

The Semester 1 exams have now finished. When students receive their results they are encouraged to use the feedback to make some improvements for next semester. Students should consider using the VCE Tutoring program on a Thursday afternoon from 3.30-5pm to assist them with examination practice strategies.

Work Experience

Approximately 25 Year 10 students will participate in the Work Experience Program from Monday 25th June to Friday 29th June. Students are encouraged to call their employer over the next week to confirm start times, uniform requirements and lunch arrangements. Students should be having conversations with their classroom teachers to ensure they are aware of any learning tasks which may need to be completed.

Cerberus Naval Base Excursion

Year 11 and 12 VCAL students recently visited the Cerberus Naval Base in Hastings. The day was aimed at providing students with an overview of careers in the defence force and the Navy in particular. It was explained to students that Cerberus is like a ‘big TAFE’ where people come to train in a number of areas required to support the maintenance of the Navy whilst sailing. Students visited the ‘schools’ on site at Cerberus including the recruit school, engineering, dentistry, fire arms and safety schools. Students can enrol in the Navy from Year 10 onwards or after Year 12 with either a VCE or VCAL qualification.

Women in Leadership Program

This year, 14 Year 10 and 11 female students attended the Focus program, an initiative by ABCN. This is a 3-day program in the city that aims to empower young women and provide them with the knowledge and confidence to take on leadership roles and be able to overcome challenges they may face, both in and out of school or the workplace.

In the program, we were split into 4 groups and each of the 3 sessions had a set of activities to be completed, along with learning intentions including time management, applying leadership to different scenarios, personal strengths and the qualities of a leader.

We were surprised as to how much we could learn in such a small amount of time and how enjoyable the learning tasks could be. One of the highlights of the program was during the first session when we were each asked to share the story of a woman that inspires us. It was both incredible to learn about the leaders the other girls had chosen and the specific attributes that inspire them, but also a good insight into the qualities each of us value.

Another highlight, for my group especially, was working with our mentors. During the session, we had female executives who volunteered to be a part of the program to work with us and provide support throughout. One activity was to discuss our personal strengths and areas for development. We were able to have a great discussion with our mentors about how they’ve used their strengths in different scenarios in and out of work, as well as how they’ve tried to improve themselves in the areas that aren’t their strongest. Our mentors also provided guidance as to how we can use our own strengths to achieve our goals and tips for working on the areas we identified as not being strong in. This activity was one of the most helpful ones in terms of real-life application and allowed us to get to know our mentors and hear more about their lives as working women.

The program was not only enjoyable but left us inspired and confident, with the main point that my group took away being that leadership isn’t one set thing, it can be shown in many ways and different leadership styles work better for different people and scenarios, which means that anyone can be a leader, even if they don’t fit the “leader stereotype”.

Tahlia Umi, Year 11

Ms Katrina King – Later Years Leaders Catalyst Programs

Year 11 – Semester Summary 

As we approach the end of the Semester, we would like to officially congratulate all Year 11 students who have successfully transitioned into VCE or VCAL this year.  We would also like to congratulate all students who effectively completed the recent exam period, including the GAT; hopefully many of you receive outstanding results or at least grow from the experience of completing your first senior exams.   

We understand that the transition from Year 10 to senior school can be a challenging one for many students, and we are delighted at the mature way many of our students have begun their first Semester of senior schooling, especially those who have worked diligently throughout the Semester to successfully complete their chosen subjects to a high standard. 

Year 11 is not easy, and many students should feel incredibly proud of their efforts so far this year, please keep up the great work next Semester and aim high. We would also like to encourage students who may not have used their time appropriately this Semester to focus on their studies next Semester and make a more conscientious effort in Semester II. We urge all students to make the most of the free tutoring sessions offered on a Thursday afternoon in the Senior Centre and the Maths Boost session that runs every Tuesday afternoon in Rees House. We would also like to encourage all students to make a more pro-active connection with their teachers to ensure they are receiving the assistance they require.  Our message to the students is simple: this is your education; own it.

We would also like to wish bon-voyage to our intrepid travellers heading off onto the Northern Territory Tour. The trip is a once in a lifetime experience, and we hope everyone creates memories that stay with them for the rest of their life. But remember, never smile at a crocodile.

Congratulations to all the students who have been involved with the rehearsals for the Presentation Ball & Legally Blonde Production this Semester. The feedback we have been receiving is extraordinarily pleasing, and we cannot wait to see our students performing at both of these exciting events.  

Have a great Semester break everyone, try to stay relaxed and enjoy the time with your friends and family, but remember to come back recharged and ready for a huge Semester II. 

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

• Nelson Mandela.

Anthony Cotton & Christopher Leunig 

Year 11 Level Leaders 

Year 12 Newsletter Article

As we approach the end of the term our Year 12s have had a lot going on. 

Well done for all the GAT preparation, everyone was well versed on what the GAT looked like thanks to their work in mentor group. The GAT was a well run event for Year 12s, as everyone knew their seats and got in early for the day, we hope that students use it as a learning tool with how the end of year VCE exams will be delivered.

With the GAT over, the focus switches back to class work. With unit 3 results due in soon, students need to remain diligent in their studies and communicate effectively with their teachers. Remember Maths Boost runs on Tuesday afternoons and Tutoring will return next week on Thursday afternoons, as these are great opportunities for extra support.

Jessie Dennison & Andrew Beavis

Year Level Leader - 12