Congratulations to all our Senior Sub School students on completing a successful Term 1. We are proud of the dedication and hard work they have put into their studies, and the excellent start to the school year.

We have had quite a few exciting events this term. On Friday 8 March, Mr Bowden and Ms Butler’s VCE Art Making and Exhibiting classes attended the National Gallery of Victoria to visit the Triennial exhibition and the Buxton Gallery to see the Nadine Christensen exhibition. Students used this opportunity to examine how exhibitions are created, and the different curatorial requirements of public galleries.

On 28 February, Ms Hanley and the senior Biology students attended GTAC as part of their Unit 3 studies in applying biotechnologies to produce human insulin. The students conducted a series of experiments to insert a human insulin gene into a plasmid and to transform bacteria. The results were used as part of an assessment task back at school.

Some of our students have been completing subjects through Virtual Schools Victoria. Subjects being studied include Drama, Extended Investigation, Literature and French. These students have been attending seminars and interacting through their virtual classes. They have been working very well independently and have been completing SACs and ATs to a high standard (see report from Daniel Koutras below).

On Friday, March 1 2024, I attended a seminar at the State Library of Victoria as part of my Extended Investigation studies through Virtual School Victoria. Extended Investigation is a Unit 3 and 4 subject that entails a year-long research project for a topic of my choice. It involves reading and gathering relevant primary and secondary sources, creating and implementing methodology, and gathering and analysing data. The final assessment does not include an end-of-year exam like most VCE subjects, instead a 4000 (plus or minus 10 percent) word thesis and a 20-minute oral presentation with question and answer. The cohort is extremely small, with around 250 students in Victoria completing this subject every year. I have decided to attempt to answer the research question ‘In what ways do various elements of popular culture influence viewership of sports in female adolescents?’, and am currently in the process of engaging with literature to guide my research.

The seminar at the State Library of Victoria provided meaningful opportunities to engage with the high-performing achievers of Extended Investigation in the Class of 2023, as well as receiving advice on how to approach research from an alumnus alongside the presenters. The high-performing students demonstrated examples of intricate and sophisticated research, and the final product of the oral presentation was demonstrated through engaging communication skills and a thorough understanding of the topic they were presenting. The seminar was an opportunity to gain a meaningful insight into the commitment that is needed to persevere through this relatively self-motivated subject, and how each element of research intertwines with one another.

Extended Investigation has also allowed me to improve my time management skills, as there is only one virtual class per week for the subject, with work to be completed and submitted weekly. The teacher support at Virtual School Victoria is amazing, with email communication being replied to swiftly as well as additional virtual meet-ups being arranged when needed. In the past five weeks, the subject has allowed me to develop my academic writing skills to a more elaborate level, delicately choose and analyse sources of information, and expand my vocabulary significantly. I would like to thank Ms Marlene Cassar who has assisted me in the process of applying for the subject and the large amount of paperwork that entails the registration, alongside vice principal Mr John Coulson who approved the opportunity for me to study this subject at Virtual School Victoria. – Daniel Koutras Class of ’21

The senior intermediate boys baseball, senior and intermediate girls softball, senior boys soccer, and senior boys and girls tennis teams competed against other secondary schools. Our seniors also participated in the Keilor division swimming championships. Well done to all of our students who participated and for being such excellent representatives of our College.

The Senior Sub School held a Year 11 Parent Information evening on Wednesday 6 March to inform families of the requirements of the VCE and VCE VM. The information evening was well attended. It gave us the opportunity to share the Sub School’s expectations and requirements for Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, as well as enjoying some musical performances from the talented Tiana Stepanovski (VCE).

On Friday 15 March, our Year 11 students attended the Lady Northcote Recreation Camp, where they participated in a variety of outdoor team-building activities. These activities supported students in building their confidence and problem-solving. Students worked together as a team, enhanced their leadership skills, and built connections with their peers and teachers. Students participated in all the activities with enthusiasm and a competitive spirit. The winning team, led by Ms Pannu, celebrated their achievements at the end of a fun day.

The Year 11 and 12 students finished the year strong with highly anticipated annual Soccer Challenge between the Year 11 ‘Dozen Destroyers’ and the Year 12 ‘Soccerboos.’ The game was not only a showcase of excellent soccer skills, determination, and teamwork, but it was also a display of the ‘better together’ spirit that thrives within our sub school and school community.

We are so very proud of all the players for showing such great sportsmanship, our spectators for their respectful cheering and engagement in the game, and the cheer squad and mascots who supported their teams with so much energy and enthusiasm. The game had everyone on the edge of their seats, with a final score of 8 all. The match concluded with a thrilling penalty shoot-out, with the Soccerboos achieving a consecutive win. In the end, while there could only be one winning team, the real victory was in the bonds forged on the field and the memories created that will last a lifetime.

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the players for their outstanding performance and exemplary behaviour. Special thanks to Mr Jason Price, who refereed the game, Mr Krysinski and all the staff who helped organise and officiate the game.

Next term, on Friday, 17 of May 2024, all Year 11 students will be attending the Victorian Careers Show at the Melbourne Showgrounds. The Careers Show offers seminars on VCE subjects as well as information regarding careers, tertiary courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment. It is essential that students attend in preparation for their future career pathways. Parents/guardians will need to access Compass to give consent and make payment. A reminder that parents/guardians with a Health Care Card may be eligible for a government subsidy through CSEF (camps, sports and excursions fund). Please click on the following link https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund or contact our college office for more information.

The Senior Sub School has received Year 11 and 12 progress reports and has interviewed students and, in some cases, have held parent meetings. The reports show students’ progress through formative tasks and SACs. These reports are continuously being used to monitor students at risk and identify students who are ready for further extension in their studies.

Parents/guardians can access all reports through the Parent Portal on Compass. Individual Learning Tasks and the Students Weekly Planners are also accessible through the Parent Portal.

Many thanks to the parents/guardians who contact us when their child is absent for any reason. This is of great assistance to the Year Level Coordinators and the Senior Sub School Assistant, as we will call home regularly if there are any unexplained absences.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our senior students and their families a happy and safe term break.

If you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 9366 25555.

 

Ms Marlene Cassar – Senior Sub School Leader