Principal's Report

Senior Secondary Education Reforms - VCE Vocational Major & Victorian Pathways Certificate

From 2023, the new VCE Vocational Major will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL. This means the VCE will recognise different students equally. The new Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) will replace Foundation VCAL. Students will have more education choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences – preparing them for further study, training at TAFE or work. 

From 2023, more students will study the VCE. That is because the VCE will include the Vocational Major, a 2-year program that sits within the VCE. There will also be the Victorian Pathways Certificate for those who need flexibility in their learning. 

A new information and awareness campaign, Many Talents, One VCE will roll out explaining the changes. 

The changes are a result of the Review into Vocational and Applied Learning Pathways in Senior Secondary Schooling (the Firth review). The review found we needed to improve vocational learning in schools. 

Schools currently offering VCAL will switch to the VCE Vocational Major from 2023.

At Epping Secondary College we will offer students the option of VCE, VCE Vocational Major, the Victorian Pathways Certificate, in addition to continuing our Careers Focused and Pathways programs in 2023.

Some schools that do not offer VCAL will expand their options to include the VCE Vocational Major. Teachers and careers counsellors are available to answer questions and to support students as they make decisions about their final years at school. Now students will have greater access to high quality, relevant vocational education and applied learning opportunities.  

For more information, go to vic.gov.au/oneVCE 

Report Writing Day – Tuesday 21st June

On Tuesday 21st June all teaching staff will be working on the assessment of end of semester tasks and the completion of Semester 1 reports for all students.  As such, no classes will be run on this day and students are not required at school.

Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy

Building on from our last newsletter and some clear information and messaging around our school values and respectful behaviours it has been great to see the Victorian Government reinforce these messages with the release of the Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy.  Safe and respectful school communities create a better environment for children to thrive.  It's important for everyone to be respectful and kind to each other. Learn more about the new Department of Education and Training policy - Respectful Behaviours within the School Community. Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy (education.vic.gov.au)

End of Term – Early Dismissal

A reminder that Friday 24th June is the final day of Term 2.  All students will be dismissed at 2:30pm on this day.

Positive Start – Holiday Camps

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all children and young people, and is offering the chance for eligible students to attend a free camp program as part of the Positive Start in 2022 initiative, during the 2022 school holiday periods.

Please see the image below for more information, including how to determine eligibility and inquire about programs.

Supporting the health of our school community

A reminder for all families that if students are unwell they should stay at home, this will help minimise the chances of transmission for both COVID and influenza.  In the event that your son or daughter tests positive for COVID, please notify the school as soon as possible.  Be prepared and ready to provide us with the following details:

• Date of COVID positive RAT or PCR result
• Last day of attendance at school

Students are reminded that when they are away, they can keep up to date with their learning, if they are well enough, by checking their lesson plans on XUNO.

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout Term 2 and we appreciate your support as we work towards developing our learners and leaders of the future, and supporting the learning and wellbeing needs of our young people.

Brad Moyle

Principal