Well, we are almost half-way through Term 2. The term has been a productive one, offering our students many opportunities, both curricular and extracurricular.
This Friday, May 15 we celebrated our incredible Educational Support (ES) staff. Without the support of our ES staff many things around the college would not be possible. I would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Linda Smith, Ms Susan Stratford, Ms Yu Sun and Ms Vanessa Chong for their work with our International Student Program, Ms Juliana Sung for the support they provide the Senior Subschool team, and Mrs Narda McLennan and Ms Shannon Howlett for all their work with organising any excursions and upcoming trips.
Girls in STEM
Last week three of our Year 11 girls attended a special event at Monash University accompanied by Mr Phil Newnham. It was an historic visit from Ms Katherine Bennell-Pegg, 2026 Australian of the Year, Space Engineer and Australia’s first qualified astronaut. As guests of Monash Engineering Girls, they were part of a very small and select group placed in the front row of the venue. We were hosted by an amazing student ambassador who had our own students hanging on every word.
Thanks to Mr Ian Shaw for organising the event and for all of his work in building the relationship with Monash. On Thursday, I accompanied six students to the VicPhysics “Girls in Physics Breakfast” at the Australian Synchrotron in Clayton. The students shared a table with women in physics and engineering careers, and went on a behind the scenes tour of the Australian Synchrotron. The group was also addressed by Dr Rachel Williamson, Group Manager of the Crystallography Group at ANSTO’s Australian Synchrotron. Thanks to Phil for his support in organising this opportunity.
NHT Exams
Next week some of our Year 12 students will sit their Northern Hemisphere Timetable (NHT) exams for General Mathematics and Accounting. Thank you to our NHT teachers, Mr Warren McAlister and Ms Yuchen Zhao for all the support they have provided our students during this time. Please note that this is the last year VCAA will be running NHT exams and studies.
Exams
Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 will sit mid-year exams starting June 1. For our Year 11 students these exams are an opportunity to test their understanding and knowledge of the skills and content covered in Semester One. Exam practice is an important experience, particularly for our Year 11 students as it will assist them in preparing for Year 12 exams next year.
I would like to encourage students to use the exam advice provided to them by their teachers, seek out their teachers for assistance, and ensure they follow a study timetable to help them manage their time. An Exam Schedule will be shared with parents so that they can help support students during this time.
Exam Study Strategy – Pomodoro Technique
A study technique that might be useful to encourage your student to try is the Pomodoro Technique. It is a study technique that involves working in focused 25-minute intervals (called “Pomodoros”) followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer 15-30 minute break after four Pomodoros. It can assist in maintaining focus by breaking tasks into manageable sections, preventing burnout, and reducing procrastination.
Attendance
Regular attendance is important for every student’s learning, wellbeing, and academic success. To help the college maintain accurate attendance records and ensure student safety, parents and carers are asked to notify the college of any student absence by adding a note on Compass as soon as possible.
Notification of student absences will allow teachers and wellbeing staff to appropriately support students and follow up on any unexplained absences. A Quick Guide on how to add an attendance note in Compass is provided your convenience.
Ms Lauren Kelly
Campus Principal – Senior School