As Year 12 students approach the final stages of their VCE. For both students and teachers, it is a time filled with both anticipation and anxiety. The rigorous demands of their studies, combined with the pressure to perform to the highest possible standard, can be overwhelming. However, with the right support from parents, students can navigate this challenging period more effectively.
Understanding the VCE
The VCE is the pinnacle of a student's academic journey. It not only determines their eligibility for tertiary education but also has the potential to shape their future career opportunities. The curriculum is designed to assess a wide range of skills, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. As such, the revision period into which our Year 11 and Year 12 students are now heading is crucial for consolidating knowledge and improving examination readiness.
How Parents Can Support Their Children
1. Create a Conducive Study Environment
Ensure that your child has a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable space dedicated to studying. This environment should be free from distractions (such as a mobile phone!) and equipped with all necessary study materials.
2. Encourage a Balanced Routine
While studying is important, so is maintaining a balance between work and rest. Encourage your child to take regular breaks, engage in physical activities, and get adequate sleep. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.
3. Be Involved
Show interest in what your child is studying. Ask them about their subjects, assist with flash card support, or simply listen to their concerns. Your involvement can provide the emotional support your child may need to stay motivated.
4. Provide Nutritional Support
A balanced diet can significantly impact cognitive function and energy levels. Ensure your child has access to nutritious meals and snacks that can sustain their concentration and stamina.
5. Set Realistic Goals
Help your child set achievable study goals. Break down their revision schedule into manageable tasks to avoid overwhelming them. Celebrate small milestones to keep their spirits high.
Overall
At this stage in their preparation, access to examination-style questions and eventually full practice examinations is critical. At this time of the year, writing notes is not a productive or useful use of a student’s time. They must expose themselves to past examination questions, and where possible, referring their work to the teachers for review. Unfortunately, students tend to be overly generous when marking their own work, so referring their work to their teachers is critical for a student to understand their level of understanding of key concepts. Our Year 12 teachers want to assist our students – they need only ask for assistance at this time of year.
At this stage in the year, for Year 12 students and many Year 11 students who are studying Units 3/4 VCE subjects, these holidays are not indeed, holidays. This is the time to work hard and put themselves in a position to attack an examination in the most efficient way possible.
I wish every student preparing for their VCE examinations every success over the next two weeks as they complete their Trial Examinations in the second week of the holidays. All students need to take their Trial Examinations seriously and use them as a springboard to success in their actual VCE examinations in October and November.
Brett Torstonson
Acting Head of Senior School
Japan Tour - Ibaraki Christian Junior High School
After a long flight, our Year 10 and 11 students were welcomed into the homes of their host families. After a bit of sight seeing, the students commenced attending classes with the Ibaraki students. After arriving at school they were excited to see some familiar faces, as the Ibaraki students who came to Newhaven earlier this year were very keen to catch up with old friends.
On the first day, students attended classes for the first part of the day, and then we were lucky enough to have a lesson in ikebana (flower arranging). The completed arrangements look beautiful and are proudly on display in the student locker area.
Also this week we visited a Shinto shrine and the Hitachi Origin Museum, a museum which celebrates the strong relationship between the Hitachi electronics company and the main city in the region we are visiting, also called Hitachi. We also enjoyed the opportunity to create wakamono (Japanese small things). This session brought together a variety of small traditional crafts - origami, cloth button making, knotting with paper twine and notebook binding.
Melanie Flower
Teacher
We wish students Eli Bowker, Georgia Courtney, Ashlynn D'Andrea, Bailey Dean, Ruben Jungwirth, Emily Kesterton, Alexndra O'Neill, Jasmine Ruffin and William Yarranton all the best on their big adventure, along with accompanying teachers Mitsuko Horiguchi and Melanie Flower.
A Term of Triumphs and Community Spirit in Year 9
Student Achievements Shine Bright
Our students continue to amaze us with their outstanding achievements. Whether it's academic excellence, sporting triumphs, or artistic accomplishments, their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring. We commend their efforts and celebrate their successes.
- Academic Excellence: A high number of Year 9 students have been attending homework club, demonstrating their commitment to academic success.
- Sporting Success: Our school's SEISA sports teams have been performing exceptionally well, showcasing the talent and dedication of our student athletes.
- Duke of Ed: Now that Wollangarra has finished students undertaking the Duke of Ed Bronze can complete their adventurous journey section. Students requiring assistance with this need to see Mr Foura or Ms Hall.
A Community United Against Sea Spurge
Our Year 9 community has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship. The recent sea spurge removal efforts along our coastline were a resounding success, thanks to the tireless work of students and staff. Together, we made a significant contribution to preserving our local ecosystem with over 300kg of the invasive weed removed.
Anticipation Builds for the Commando Games
As we approach the end of Term 3, excitement is building for the upcoming Commando Games. This annual event celebrates the Year 9 spirit, teamwork, and physical fitness. We encourage all students to participate and show their support for their classmates.
Looking Forward to a Remarkable Term 4
With the end of Term 3 in sight, we are eagerly anticipating the exciting challenges and opportunities that await us in Term 4. From academic pursuits to extracurricular activities, we are confident that our students will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on our school community. We also look forward to attending the Phillip Island GP as a school community event.
Sam Foura
Head of Year 9
Wollangarra: A Week of Growth and Adventure
Our recent Wollangarra camps were unforgettable experience for all involved. Students pushed their boundaries, developed new skills, and forged lasting friendships. From conquering the flying fox over the McAlister River to embracing the natural beauty of the surrounding environment, the camp provided a unique opportunity for personal growth and development.
Sam Foura
Head of Year 9
Wollangarra reflection:
"One of the things everyone looks forward to in Year 9 is Wollangarra. You spend five days in nature and experience a different kind of life without a lot of the luxuries we’re all used to having. It was really fun spending time with my class, not being on my phone and exploring very pretty places. During my time there I faced a few challenges. The hours spent hiking, very early mornings and cold temperatures were pretty difficult to deal with but in the end I’m very glad I went and feel like I got a lot out of it."
Milla Walker 9N
VicSRC’s Youth Congress
On Friday 13 September, Kadek Humphris and I, as Year 10 SRC representatives, along with Year 8 student Scarlette Hill, attended VicSRC’s Youth Congress in Fitzroy. We collaborated with over 100 students from across Victoria to explore major issues in education, including student mental health and well-being, inclusive education, definitions of success, and greater investment in schools, teachers and students.
We investigated the root causes of these challenges and proposed potential solutions, which were mapped out and will be included in VicSRC’s annual report. This report will be sent to the Ministry of Education and schools across Victoria to contribute to improving our education system.
Additionally, we had the privilege of networking with significant figures from the Ministry of Education, including Minister for Education and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, as well as the CEO of VicSRC and so many more.
Congress was a great opportunity for us to express our student voice and make changes on issues that directly affect us. I definitely have an improved perspective on student-leadership and hope to bring what I’ve learned from this experience to our weekly SRC meetings at school.
Tilly Stecher
Year 10 SRC Rep
Year 10 Geography field trip
On 23 August, the Year 10 Geography class went on a field trip to Silverleaves to examine the impact of environmental management strategies on a coastal area. At two different sites, the students studied the effects of longshore drift, coastal erosion and accretion, as well as the potential future risks that erosion poses to nearby properties. They collected data on how the area is utilised, identified potential threats and impacts, assessed existing management strategies, and created field sketches.
Back in the classroom, the students are using this data to evaluate a hypothesis and formulate recommendations for the future management of Silverleaves.
Sarah Taylor
Senior School Teacher
Year 12 VTAC Applications
A reminder to Year 12 students who are intending to apply for higher education courses to create their VTAC account and submit course preferences by September 30 (noting course preferences can be changed up until ATAR release on December 12). Students applying for Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and Scholarships need to complete this part of their application by 11 October.
Access the help sheets attached to support your application.
Preparing for interviews, auditions and folios
Anthea Bennett
Head of Careers