Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning
Walking Home Together
It has been very exciting to witness the whole school (Years 8-12) Step Up this week into their 2022 learning program. This is a first for The Hamilton and Alexandra College - in the past VCE students have been able to access Step Up but we decided that this year we wanted every student to have the chance to participate.
Step Up is a program designed to provide students with a head start on their learning. We know that change can be difficult, so meeting a new class and teacher and being provided with an overview of the curriculum or study design all help to put students at ease.
Learning expectations, respectful behaviour, peer interactions, good study habits and organisation are all a vital part of our learning culture here at the College. Throughout Step Up, Mentors will reinforce these important skills and senior students who have independent study periods in the Winifred Berry Library will be trained in how to participate fully in that space.
Step Up involves moving up and towards something new and away from the old. For some students they have left the Middle Years and are now beginning their Senior Years journey. With that step comes new responsibilities and new opportunities.
In 2022, the whole school will focus on learning how to learn, and the skills required to "study". We will have a strong group of students in the new Excel Program in Years 10-11 and our flagship The Edge program will capture the attention of our new year 7 students. Our wonderful co-curricular program will continue to challenge our students and provide them with new pathways for success, as will the outdoor education experiences and in particular Micah, the Year 9 program.
The Micah program echoes the important message of our College.
Do Justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly.
As we work together as a school community to support and serve one another, to learn, challenge and extend our opportunities I exhort you to embrace the essence of the Christian message of Micah (6:8) to serve one another. Let us walk the last days of the term together, students, teachers, and parents, and speak words of encouragement, love, and mercy to each other. 2021 has been a demanding year, but the end is near. Let us walk home together.
Mrs Simkin - Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert
Congratulations to Marg Simkin for being made one of ten fellows for the MIEE Community: Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. Marg will work with other experts in supporting staff and leading the professional learning of the College teaching community.
Congratulations Mrs Prosser – Teaching Excellence Program
Nerrida Prosser has been accepted into the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership's (Academy) inaugural Teaching Excellence Program. She will be participating in the English stream of the program. Being accepted into this program is a great achievement for Nerrida and will require significant hours of course work and commitment outside of her teaching load. We are incredibly lucky at College to have a culture of professional growth and development which our students benefit from.
Susan Bradbeer
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
The 2022 Year 11 Optional Central Australia Experience Information
As per the letter sent out recently to all 2022 Year 11 parents, the school needs to know by Friday 10 December if your child intends to be part of the April school holidays Central Australia Experience. This ensures that we can plan our staffing and AUSCAMP can do bookings for accommodation, transport, etc. Please email Mr Leigh Alexander about this by the end of the school year and also pay the $845 which covers the cost of this years July Alpine Camp.
Leigh Alexander
Head of Outdoor Education Programmes