SENIOR SCHOOL

Dear Senior School Parents/Carers and Students

I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. As we near the end of another eventful semester, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to our exceptional Year 11 and 12 students, as well as our dedicated teachers, on successfully completing semester one of learning and assessments.

To our Year 11 students, I commend you on the smooth transition from the 7-10 Campus and your dedication to laying a strong foundation for your final year of high school. You have shown great maturity and enthusiasm in your approach to your studies, and your commitment to your personal growth and development has been impressive.

To our Year 12 students, I am immensely proud of your accomplishments thus far. This semester has marked a crucial milestone in your academic journey, with the culmination of the General Achievement Test (GAT) and the Year 12 Assessment Week. Your diligence, perseverance, and countless hours of study have prepared you well for the end-of-year examinations (VCE students) and work placements (VCE VM students). Remember to take a moment to acknowledge your achievements and recharge over the upcoming break, as you have earned it.

Wishing you all a safe, enjoyable, and rejuvenating holiday break. We look forward to welcoming our students back for a successful and fulfilling Semester 2.

Ms Tiffany Greenhill

Campus Principal

Senior School

SENIOR SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS

Careers Education

All students and families are encouraged to access the school's Careers Website (via Compass) and search Senior School and the VTAC Guides. These guides specify the prerequisites for different courses and universities. The Senior School Handbook is also now available via the Compass Star tab. Students should spend some time over their holidays reading these resources in preparation for Course Selection and Course Confirmation in Term 3. Year 11 and 12 students are encouraged to read the incredibly informative Career Newsletters accessible via the Careers Website, these specify personalised information about Open Days, Universities and how to apply for further study. For example, the VTAC Quick Reference Guide for Year 12 Students.

Thank you to Ms Sharon Bourne and Ms Jessica Bambridge (Careers Practitioners) for their work and support of our students in the space of careers. 

Holiday Rest, Reset and Prepare for Semester 2

As we approach the well-deserved holiday break, I would like to emphasize the importance of utilising this time to rest, reset, and prepare for the upcoming Semester 2. Rest and relaxation are vital for maintaining a healthy balance in life. Taking the time to unwind and recharge not only helps to alleviate stress and fatigue but also enhances mental and physical well-being. Use this break to indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Equally important is the opportunity to reset and reflect. Use this time to reflect on your academic journey thus far – the challenges you have overcome, the accomplishments you have achieved, and the lessons you have learned along the way. Take stock of your strengths and areas for improvement, and set realistic goals for the second semester. By reflecting on your experiences, you can gain valuable insights that will guide your approach moving forward.

Preparing for the upcoming semester is also crucial. Use this break as an opportunity to get organized, set a study schedule, and gather necessary resources. Review your course materials and identify any areas that may require additional attention or revision. By setting a solid foundation during the holidays, you can start the second semester with confidence and a clear plan for success.

Study resources 

At this point in the year, many external providers offer additional end of Unit 1 and 3 revision lectures and headstart for Unit 2 and 4 revision sessions. Most are now available online. Subject teachers are best placed to recommend the providers they prefer. If students are interested, please encourage them to speak with their teachers. 

For Semester 2, students are reminded to make optimal use of the Senior Campus Study Spaces. Students are welcome to use the Presentation Space until 5.30pm. If students are wishing to stay back later, they need to sign in with Ms Tiffany Greenhill. 

Other Key Announcements 

• Official Year 12 examination timetables will be distributed in Year 12 Voice Mentoring Sessions and Year 11 Agency Workshops in Weeks 2 and 3
• Compulsory Year 12 holiday practice exams will run Thursday 21 September through to Thursday 28 September. 
• Thursday 20 July is the Tertiary Expo on the Senior Campus accessible to Year 11 and 12 students during Period 5 and 6 (if they have a study period) or from 3.30pm – 5pm. Families invited to attend from 3.30pm. 
• Monday 24 July Period 6 VTAC and SEAS briefing for all Year 12 students with Mrs Bourne 
• Monday 31 July is an offsite learn from home day for our Year 11 students where they’ll be tasked to complete some career education activities in preparation for their Course Confirmation Interviews. Year 11 students studying a Year 12 subject are expected to attend onsite classes during this day.
• Monday 31 July VTAC opens for applications for tertiary courses
• Monday 7 August Period 6 Access to Monash briefing for all Year 12 students
• Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 August: Year 11 into Year 12 Course Confirmation Interviews - Year 11 students will have a 15-minute interview scheduled throughout these days (parent/careers book via Compass). Classes as normal.

SENIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Recently Ava and I, with two of the Year 9 Captains, attended an event with the Minister for Women, Finance and Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher for a discussion about Gender Equality. I, personally, greatly enjoyed the discussion as it was very enlightening, educational, and inclusive of a multitude of different groups of people. Not only did the forum promote inclusivity, but also diversity, equality, as well as acknowledgement and respect to the various groups of individuals in today's society, which I greatly respect. As a newcomer to Australia, I got to learn and educate myself on the political situation as well as the political approaches Australian politicians are taking to solve the gender equality issue present in this country. Furthermore, I got to meet a lot of new people and learn their backgrounds and personal past experiences with the issue. Overall, it was an amazing experience as I got to leave the venue with an immense amount of knowledge and insight on the topic. Lena Ahmed, Year 11 aptain

SENIOR SCHOOL TEAM

The Senior School Team is here to support the student’s learning and wellbeing throughout 2023.  Please see the below table for key contacts:

If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact any member of the teams.

IMPORTANT DATES | SENIOR SCHOOL