It has already been a very busy Term 3 for our Senior Sub School students, with classes picking up right where they left off prior to the holidays. The start of a new term is also the perfect time for our students to reflect on their achievements and challenges, and set new personal and learning goals for a successful Term 3. We encourage students to speak to their Year Level Coordinator if they would like support with goal setting. 

June Practice Exams

The Year 12 VCE students were hard at work during the June school holidays, as they attended their practice exams. The practice exams are an important opportunity for students to test their understanding of subject-specific content and apply their knowledge and skills in timed exam conditions. Practice exam results will be available in the progress reports, which will can be viewed in the coming week on Compass. The next round of Year 12 practice exams will be held in the September holidays.

These exams are in preparation for the end-of-year VCAA exams which will be held from Tuesday 24 October – Wednesday 15 November. 2023.

Year 11 & 12 Assemblies

The Year 11 and 12 students had their assemblies on Monday 10 July 2023. The main focus of the assembly was to bid farewell and give our best wishes to the College Principal, Ms Dowsley, on her retirement.

Karli Keskin wrote an original rendition of “The Places You’ll Go” by Dr Suess, which was beautifully illustrated by Andrew Le, Madison Pacheco-Sio, Tassa Tran and Tina Tran. Anh Tran, who spoke on behalf of the International Students, and the Year 12 School Captains and Vice Captains thanked Ms Dowsley on behalf of the student body for her 40 years of service to the school community.

The Year 11 student assembly followed the Year 12 assembly. The students also thanked Ms Dowsley in a heart-warming speech. They then lighted the mood by presenting her with some novelty items during a humorous “things to do on your retirement” segment. The Year 11 SRC organised a video presentation, which included farewell speeches from past School Captains. Finally, Andrew Le presented Ms Dowsley with a gift of his artwork, which was inspired by the school’s grounds and flora.

On behalf of the entire Senior Sub School, I would also like to thank Ms Dowsley for her immense contribution to the school community. We would like to congratulate her on her well-earned retirement, and sincerely wish her all the best for this next exciting chapter and all her future endeavours.

Tertiary Information Sessions (TIS)

Year 12 students attended their after-school Tertiary Information Session (TIS) on Monday 24 July or Wednesday 26 July 2023. Students received information on how to apply for tertiary courses through VTAC and the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS). VCE VM students will have their TIS session on Monday 7 August 2023 during periods 1 and 2.

Year 11 – 100 Days of Success

The Year 11 students enjoyed the 100 Days of Success celebration organised by the Senior Sub School, as recognition of the effort, resilience, care and enthusiasm shown in their first 100 days of their VCE and VCE VM studies. The students were treated to a light afternoon tea, while they enjoyed Year 11 musical performances and a mesmerising magical act from world-renowned master illusionist, Duck Cameron.

 

 

Careers Counselling

As part of the College’s commitment to supporting students with making informed pathways choices, the Careers Team in conjunction with the Senior Sub School ran one-to-one course counselling sessions for Year 11 students on Tuesday 25 July 2023, to select their 2023 subjects. Students were referred to the school’s Promotion Policy, and made selections based on their school reports, tertiary pre-requisites and teacher recommendations.

The College’s Promotion Policy is available for viewing on Compass. Year Level Coordinators will be contacting families if their child is at risk of not meeting the Promotion Policy.

Youth Forum – Crime Stoppers

On Friday 21 July, Ms Gough and Year 11 and 12 student volunteers attended an excursion to the Victoria Police Centre.

Our students took part in discussions around developing ‘a creative content strategy’ suitable for a four-week-long crime prevention campaign. Victoria Police’s goal for the forum, was to better understand the students’ thinking, ideas and concerns, and to come away with an approach and creative ideas led by the students. 

The Crime Stoppers Community Engagement Team will be creating an educational program which provides students and teachers with supported and informed material to have conversations around violent crime, with a view of deterring young adults from engaging in the behaviours, but also to know what to do about reporting related incidents.

ABCN Focus Program

The ABCN Focus program is an initiative, facilitated by Mr Olthof, that addresses the underrepresentation of women in senior roles in Australia. It is designed to support young women to develop their leadership skills, aspire to senior roles in business and the community, and foster a sense of self-belief that will encourage them to aim high.

Focus involves female Year 11 students working in small groups with female executives who act as role models and mentors. Mentors sharing their own career journeys and challenges can make an enormous impact as students consider their options for the future.

The three fully facilitated sessions include an introduction to leadership styles, realising strengths and creating a leadership picture:

• Focus Session 1 – Monday, 24 July 2023 (city event)
• Focus Session 2 – Thursday, 3 August 2023 (on-site at school sessions 3&4)
• Focus Session 3 – Wednesday, 16 August 2023 (city event)

 Uniform

A timely reminder that school uniform jackets and school scarves ONLY are to be worn to, from and at school. Students are not to enter school grounds out of uniform, except in exceptional circumstances and with a note from a parent/guardian.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones are to be kept switched-off and in lockers during the school day. Regular checks will be conducted and mobile phones will be confiscated if they are not kept in lockers.

Wellbeing Support

We would like to thank parents for their ongoing support during what can be a challenging term for VCE students, as they start preparing for their final exams or VM portfolio interviews. 

Research shows that the most successful students are those that have regular routines, plan their study/work time and schedule regular short breaks. Students who work excessive hours in their part-time job and students who are not prepared for learning, are more likely to feel stressed and overwhelmed.

Wellbeing resources to support parents to have discussions with their children regarding their wellbeing, can be found on the Department of Education website: https://www.vic.gov.au/parents-mental-health-toolkit

We encourage parents to contact the Senior Sub School or Wellbeing team with any concerns regarding their child’s study habits or wellbeing.

Parents are reminded that they are always welcome to contact the Senior Sub School for any questions or concerns on 9366 2555.

 

Ms Marlene Cassar – Senior Sub School Leader