Senior School News 

Last Wednesday (7th September) all senior students undertaking a Unit 3 & 4 subject sat the General Achievement Test (GAT) in preparation for their upcoming exams. This along side with finalising VTAC applications, job interviews and apprenticeship signings means that things are well underway for our Year 12 students to begin their final few weeks of school.  

Over the past couple of weeks our college captains have organised events for the current Year 12’s to celebrate these final few weeks of their high school journey.  

Firstly a staff vs student netball game – a tightly fought match with the staff coming away with a 5-1 goal win.  

On Tuesday 13th September our Year 12 students were able to spend some time at lunch talking about common stressors and some healthy ways of balancing the demands of Year 12 all whilst eating some Pizza!! A big thank you to our wonderful wellbeing staff who provided support for the students.  

 Our final challenge for the Term came in the form of our favourite sport -TCHOUKBALL!!! Another staff vs student match set out on the soccer oval between Year 12 students and any staff who wanted to join in. Big thanks to all who came along and played and supported the event.  

A big thank you to all the students and staff who were involved in planning these fantastic events. A special shout out to our four college captains, Maddy Wicks, Shekinah Upkett, Isabella Evans and Ally Barnard. Also a big thank you to Catherine Blackburne for all her assistance in organising these events.  

VCAL VIETNAMESE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Year 12 VCAL have been reading and researching The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do in Literacy. While reading the book we watched clips of Anh Do to get an idea in his lifestyle and how he was brought up. This included his native country Vietnam and we discussed a fun excursion that everyone would enjoy but also combine Vietnamese culture. The Year 12 VCAL class decided on a day out to Bounce in Keysborough and a trip to Springvale for lunch to eat either Pho or a Banh Mi which are both popular Vietnamese foods.

On Monday 5th September we arrived at school with everyone excited for the excursion. Once at Bounce everyone was having fun playing dodgeball, rock climbing and on the obstacles. When our time was up at Bounce, Ms Daly drove us to Springvale, where we split into groups to enjoy Banh Mi or Pho for lunch. Everyone was pleased with their choices as the food was delicious. After lunch we all went to the shops in Springvale and had a look around. The day ended with Daniels Donuts!! Everyone enjoyed the day immensely and have a greater understanding of Vietnamese culture. 

Thank you to Ms Daly, Ms Roberts and Ms Taranto for organising the day. 

Abby Walker and Harry Jolly

Outdoor Education 

Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies 

Earlier this term, the Year 12 OES classed headed up to Mt Baw Baw for their final camp of their time at Patterson River Secondary. The students stayed up on the mountain, where they undertook plenty of time spent in the fantastic snow conditions. Students enjoyed exploring the mountain on snowshoes, as well as participating in a snowboarding lesson before perfecting their skills on the slopes. Students had a great time and made fantastic memories which they will look back on fondly. Well done to all those involved!

Year 10 Outdoor Education

This term, the Year 10 Outdoor Education classes have been lucky enough to start their excursions. Their first excursion was a visit to Bayside Rock Climbing, where they tackled some of the tougher rock climbs, whilst also learning how to safely belay and help out climbers. They also took on the indoor caves which quickly turned our students into contortionists as they moved their way through the dark and tight tunnels.

The next excursion was to Melbourne Cable Park where students took on the High Ropes. Students battled the heights, the obstacles and a little rain to push themselves outside their comfort zone. Well done to both classes on how they responded to these challenges. The next excursion for the classes will be our Kilcunda and Phillip Island Camp in Term 4.

HEADSTART 

HeadSTART is an education pathway for secondary school students that complements school-based education with an apprenticeship or traineeship. It’s designed to give students the confidence, capabilities and skills that employers in growth industries need. 

A number of Patterson River Secondary College students are completing their apprenticeship through HeadSTART. There was another successful signup recently:

Samuel Shirra was signed up to undertake an apprenticeship as an electrician with EK Concepts. Since then, he has successfully completed his Senior VCAL Certificate, and is now working fulltime. He will continue to receive the support of HeadSTART for the duration of his apprenticeship.

For more information regarding Head Start, contact Mike Kavanagh, Headstart Industry Coordinator Mike.Kavanagh@education.vic.gov.au or Karen Talbot, VET/Pathways Coordinator karen.talbot@education.vic.gov.au