Kings Park Campus Principal Message
Year 9 and 10 Exams
The end of the school year is nearly upon us; which means ‘exam season’. Exams are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and can potentially be enjoyable and satisfying. The likelihood of this scenario is greatly increased if students work solidly from now, not only completing homework, but revising what has been covered in the semester. Parents will continue to be contacted via Compass and telephone when students are behind in work. Promotion Panels will be taking place for those who may be at risk.
Students in Years 9 and 10 will receive letters, the exam timetable and a calendar for the rest of the year as exams approach.
This year at the Kings Park campus, we will be conducting the Year 9 exams in the gymnasium. This change has occurred so that we replicate a large venue environment similar to that at Delahey. It also means that all instructions and information are consistent.
Please ask you child about the upcoming examination period and check the calendar on Compass or the Website for details. One thing to note is that students are required to wear full uniform (not the Physical Education uniform) to complete the exams.
Year 7 and 8 Tests
Not only is it an examination period for our Year 9 and 10 students, but it is also a testing period for all students at Years 7-10. We are undertaking a number of tests at the moment to measure students’ growth and reflect on our teaching. The tests are PAT Maths, PAT Reading and for the Year 7 and 8 students, TORC (reading). It would be helpful if parents would encourage their children to do as well as they can on these tests so we can refine our teaching strategies to best effect.
Year 8 High Resolves Program
All Year 8 students are participating in the High Resolves program which is designed to spark in them an awareness of Social Justice and Digital Citizenship. The two sessions were run on Monday October 30 and Tuesday October 31.
Year 10 students selected to attend SEAMS (Strengthening Engagement and Achievement in Mathematics and Science)
An exciting opportunity awaits a few of our best Mathematcs and Science students in Year 10. They will be selected, then invited to apply for the SEAMS (Strengthening Engagemnt and Achievement in Mathematics & Science) program. This program is a joint collaboration between the University of Melbourne and Monash University. Students will attend a 2 day residential, participate in interactive workshops and receive specialist support as they embark on VCE Maths/Science units in 2018 an 2019.
Mentoring Programs
With the growing number of students from diverse ethnic backgrounds at the campus, we have been endeavouring to link community organisations with our students. We have had success with the My Mentoring (students of African background), Reconect (Indigenous) and the Mentoring Pacific Islanders (Pasifika) programs.
VCAL Showcase
At the beginning of term, our Year 10 students who are enrolling in VCAL for 2018 were invited to Delahey to see the VCAL Showcase. It was an inspiring and uplifting event where students spoke to a large audience about their community projects and what they learned about working in a team and communicating with outside organisations.
Year 10 Tasmania Camp
The Year 10 Tasmania trip was a great success in the last week of term and I am sure those students will have created long lasting memories from the adventure. The staff could not have been more delighted with their students’ positive and respectful participation. Thank you to Mr Rankin, Ms Dedes and Ms Geyer who no doubt were the drivers of those celebratory behaviours
Year 10 Formal
The Year 10 Formal is coming up on November 30. Parents are asked to become familiar with the conditions around attendance. Please encourage your child to attend as it is a unique and fondly remembered celebration of our students’ time at the junior campus.
Life skills Program
Our traditional pre-transition ‘Life Skills’ program for Grade 6 students from our neighbouring primary schools continues this year. The program is designed to assist students who may feel anxious about their transition to secondary school. We are immensely proud of the proactive stance that the campus has taken on providing opportunities for students to familiarise themselves with the campus. Thank you to Ms Pham, Ms Mary Scott and the student leaders
Year 10 Elevate - Educate
Year 10 students completed the final Elevate-Educate session earlier this term. The focus of the presentation was on setting aspirational goals for the next 12 months as students transition to the Delahey campus. This initiative has been a great success with Year 10 students giving the program a 95% rating for Engagement and Recommendation To Peers. In 2018, all year levels across the college will be involved in the Educate-Elevate program.
That’s all for now. Stay safe and healthy.
Mr Renato Carinci and Ms Mary Chiodo
Campus Principals