MWSC College News – Issue 8

Reconciliation Week

Mount Waverley Secondary College celebrated Reconciliation Week over the past week. The theme this year was ‘Bridging Now to Next’. This theme holds a lot of significance in how we as a nation should move forward in supporting First Nations People. Many activities for both staff and students were held which were organised by our Wellbeing Team. A very important day occurred on Monday 26 May which was National Sorry Day and students were informed about the important significance of this day. This day is the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, and we all need to understand its importance in Australia’s wider reconciliation journey.

Mathematics Victorian Curriculum 2.0

This year Mathematics teachers at Mount Waverley Secondary College will report on the Mathematics Victorian Curriculum 2.0 for the first time. Previously teachers would have provided feedback on your student’s achievement standards for the three strands of Mathematics; Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.

Under the Mathematics Victorian Curriculum 2.0, your student’s teacher will report against the achievement standard as a whole, providing a single, aggregated score. As the achievement standards reported on have changed, only an achievement standard for Mathematics will show, not progress. All reports after this one, will show progress against the single achievement standard.

The Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) made these changes to help teachers plan their teaching and learning programs in Mathematics, giving them more flexibility to support students to link ideas within Mathematics and with other curriculum areas.

Our ILEARN Values in action

Our college values are ones that we hold dear and are for all members of our learning community to uphold. As per what is occurring in our state health system and in other sectors of employment, schools are finding it increasingly hard to cover classes when staff are away.

So far, we have done an amazing job with the hard work of our two Daily Organisers Mr Scott Smith and Mr Greg Campbell and our many casual relief teachers who we employ to help fill these gaps, as well as teachers who are taking extra classes and support staff who are picking up extra tasks.

I would ask parents and carers to realise the challenges we face and to think about the way in which you address a member of my staff whether it is in person, on the phone or via email during these challenging times.

We all want the same thing and that is to support your children in their learning, but we cannot control when people get sick or must be absent to care for their own children. Your support and understanding would be much appreciated and can be demonstrated in a respectful and caring way.

Stay Well this Winter

Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu.

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from mid-April each year and is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of complications from the flu.

Keeping our school community well

Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:

• washing and sanitising hands regularly
• avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
• staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu Vaccinations

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

COVID-19 booster

The 2025 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.

Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID infection. Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2025 booster dose. You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.

Find out more

For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to:

• Better Health Channel influenza flu immunisation fact sheet
• Getting vaccinated against influenza.

Correction Day/Semester 2 Starts

Please note that Correction Day will take place on Friday 13 June, and this is a student free day.

This day will enable teachers to finalise their Semester 1 assessments.

Our Semester 2 classes will begin on Monday 16 June for all year levels which is the second last week of term.  The VCAA GAT exam will be held on Tuesday 17 June and no Year 11 or 12 classes will be held on this day.

Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal

As we move towards the end of semester, and term 2, it is important to take some time to reflect on how the year is progressing. I spoke to the Year 8 students at this week’s assembly about how now is the time to make some decisions about their schooling. At this time of year, the weather is getting colder, there are a lot of assessments occurring, and students can either succumb to the pressure, or make a choice to rise above it. Our school ILEARN values are a useful compass to guide our students through this busy period:

Integrity – Following through on the goals they have set for themselves
Learning – Being organised and diligent in their class- and homework
Excellence – Trying their best in everything they do each day
Accountability – Taking responsibility for their conduct and learning
Respect – For fellow students, staff, and most importantly themselves
Nurturing – Looking after themselves and each other

Mathematics Victorian Curriculum 2.0

This year Mathematics teachers at Mount Waverley Secondary College will report on the Mathematics curriculum 2.0 for the first time. Previously teachers would have provided feedback on your student’s achievement standards for the three strands of Mathematics; Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.

Under the Mathematics curriculum 2.0, your student’s teacher will report against the achievement standard as a whole, providing a single, aggregated score. As the achievement standards reported on have changed, only an achievement standard for Mathematics will show, not progress. All reports after this, progress will be shown against the single achievement standard.

The VCAA made these changes to help teachers plan their teaching and learning programs in mathematics, giving them more flexibility to support students to link ideas within mathematics and also with other curriculum areas.

E-Scooter Safety – What Parents and Students Need to Know

E-scooters are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport for students and community members alike. With their growing use, it is important that both parents and students understand the safety requirements and legal responsibilities that come with riding an e-scooter in Victoria.

Below is a summary of the key rules, as outlined by Transport Victoria:

What You Must Do When Riding an E-Scooter

E-scooter riders are required to:

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Wear a helmet at all times
• Ride at a maximum speed of 20 km/h
• Use front and rear lights (steady or flashing) when riding at night or in low-light conditions
• Park responsibly, ensuring the scooter does not block pedestrian paths or create safety hazards
• Ride only on:o Shared-use paths (not footpaths)
  o Bicycle paths
  o Roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less
• Use front and rear lights (steady or flashing) when riding at night or in low-light conditions
• Park responsibly, ensuring the scooter does not block pedestrian paths or create safety hazards

Why It Matters

These rules are in place to help keep riders and others safe. Failure to follow them can result in fines and puts both the rider and others at risk. As e-scooter use grows, it is essential we all do our part to promote safe and respectful riding in our community.

For more information and updates, please visit: 🔗 Transport Victoria – E-Scooter Road Rules

Mr Matt Sheehan
Campus Principal – Junior School

Students in the Middle School have been in exam mode this last week.  Our Year 10 students have completed one week of exams, which will continue next week.  While our Year 9 students have completed their mid-year exams this last week.

The Year 9 Explore Program is ready to go with students receiving information last week about how this program works.  Our Year 9 students will be exploring the Melbourne CBD from Tuesday 10^th to Thursday 12^th June.  The next major event for our Year 10 students is work experience which will happen in the last week of this term.  The Careers Team have been busy working with our Year 10 students to secure placements.

E-Scooter Safety – What Students and Parents Need to Know

E-scooters are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport for students and community members alike. With their growing use, it’s important that both parents and students understand the safety requirements and legal responsibilities that come with riding an e-scooter in Victoria.

Below is a summary of the key rules, as outlined by Transport Victoria:

What You Must Do When Riding an E-Scooter

E-scooter riders are required to:

•  Be 16 years of age or older
•  Wear a helmet at all times
•  Ride at a maximum speed of 20 km/h
• Ride single file – not in tandem or side by side
•  Ride only on:
  • Shared-use paths (not footpaths)
  • Bicycle paths
  • Roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less
• Not carry any passengers
• Use front and rear lights (steady or flashing) when riding at night or in low-light conditions
• Park responsibly, ensuring the scooter does not block pedestrian paths or create safety hazards

Why It Matters

These rules are in place to help keep riders and others safe. Failure to follow them can result in fines and puts both the rider and others at risk. As e-scooter use grows, it’s essential we all do our part to promote safe and respectful riding in our community.

For more information and updates, please visit: 🔗 Transport Victoria – E-Scooter Road Rules

Mathematics Victorian Curriculum 2.0 

This year Mathematics teachers at Mount Waverley Secondary College will report on the Mathematics curriculum 2.0 for the first time. Previously teachers would have provided feedback on your student’s achievement standards for the three strands of Mathematics; Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.

Under the Mathematics curriculum 2.0, your student’s teacher will report against the achievement standard as a whole, providing a single, aggregated score. As the achievement standards reported on have changed, only an achievement standard for Mathematics will show, not progress. All reports after this, progress will be shown against the single achievement standard.

The VCAA made these changes to help teachers plan their teaching and learning programs in mathematics, giving them more flexibility to support students to link ideas within mathematics and also with other curriculum areas.

Mr Ian MacLeod
Campus Principal – Middle School

We are nearing the end of Semester One, with Semester Two classes beginning on June 16. Congratulations to those students who have made it through their first semester of VCE studies. We are very proud of the way you have approached your studies, been seeking teachers for help and asking for support when needed.

Year 11s, we hope the exam period has given you a chance to reflect on what you did well this semester, and identify areas where you could improve.

Year 12s, you now have less than 100 days left of secondary school. As I said in my email to who all this week, it is a time to reflect on how far you have come, celebrate memories, and ensure you make the most of these final days. Remember that you have a whole team behind you cheering you on as you approach the finish line.

Well done to all our Senior Students on your work this semester.

Subject Changes for Year 11 Students

Some students may have requested to change subjects. Subject change requests for Semester Two closed last week. Our Head of Senior School, Ms Sarah Chase, is working through these requests and will communicate with students as to the outcome of their request to change subjects. Any student who changes subjects is encouraged to talk to their teacher regarding any work from Unit 1 that would be beneficial to revise to assist them in preparing for Unit 2.

VCE Vocational Major (VM) – Structured Workplace Learning

Students studying VCE VM have been attending Structured Workplace Learning placements as part of their course during the two week exam periods. This placement is designed to help students apply the skills and knowledge they learn in their VET program in an industry environment. We look forward to hearing about their experiences when they return to classes for Semester Two.

VCE Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences for VCE students will take place in the first week of term three on Thursday 24^th July between 4pm and 7pm. Parents will receive information about the booking process. All interviews will again be held virtually via WebEx. We encourage parents and students to use this opportunity to meet with teachers to reflect on Semester One.

The General Achievement Test (GAT)

The GAT is a test sat by all students studying a Unit 3 and 4 subject and will take place on Tuesday June 17. As a result all VCE classes will be cancelled on this day. Students sitting the GAT require an English and/or bilingual printed dictionary and a scientific calculator.

The GAT is structured into two sections, with a range of question difficulties. Section A is a literacy and numeracy assessment comprised of multiple choice questions relating to reading and numeracy, and a writing task. Section B assesses general knowledge and skills and is comprised of multiple choice questions relating to maths, science, technology, arts and humanities and an extended writing task.

The GAT plays a role in the quality assurance of all VCE assessments and it is important that all students try their absolute best on this assessment. Students will be receiving information relating to the GAT in their mentoring classes and year level assemblies.

E-Scooter Safety – What Students and Parents need to know

E-scooters are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport for students and community members alike. With their growing use, it’s important that both parents and students understand the safety requirements and legal responsibilities that come with riding an e-scooter in Victoria.

Below is a summary of the key rules, as outlined by Transport Victoria:

What You Must Do When Riding an E-Scooter

E-scooter riders are required to:

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Wear a helmet at all times
• Ride at a maximum speed of 20 km/h
• Ride single file – not in tandem or side by side
• Ride only on:
  • Shared-use paths (not footpaths)
  • Bicycle paths
  • Roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less
• Not carry any passengers
• Use front and rear lights (steady or flashing) when riding at night or in low-light conditions
• Park responsibly, ensuring the scooter does not block pedestrian paths or create safety hazards

Why It Matters

These rules are in place to help keep riders and others safe. Failure to follow them can result in fines and puts both the rider and others at risk. As e-scooter use grows, it’s essential we all do our part to promote safe and respectful riding in our community.

For more information and updates, please visit: 🔗 Transport Victoria – E-Scooter Road Rules

Ms Lauren Kelly
Campus Principal – Senior School

Supporting Your Child with Stress

As we come towards the end of semester 1, we’re seeing a noticeable increase in stress levels among students—particularly around assessments and exams. This is not unexpected, but it is something we all need to take notice of and proactively support our students.

It’s important to recognise that stress in itself is not a bad thing. In fact, a certain level of stress can be helpful—it can motivate students to focus, study, and perform at their best. It’s a natural response to challenge and change. However, when stress becomes overwhelming or is not managed well, it can start to interfere with a student’s learning, wellbeing, and overall health.

When stress is ongoing or feels out of control, it can lead to difficulties with concentration, sleep, mood, and even physical health. It can also affect a student’s confidence and performance. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and help your child develop positive habits to manage stress before it becomes unmanageable.

Here are a few ways parents/carers can help ease the pressure:

• Encourage your child to talk about how they’re feeling. Listen without judgement and be mindful of using any language that adds to the pressure they already feel.
• Support your child in planning their study time, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and setting realistic goals.
• Prioritise sleep, balanced meals, regular exercise, and time for rest and connection with friends and family. These are crucial for managing stress. Students who are experiencing academic pressure /stress often feel they need to study more- spending less time sleeping and socialising and more time studying. There are studies that suggest this is not actually helpful and that the brain does not retain information if students are “cramming” the night before on little to no sleep.

In this link, young people talk feeling stressed as a teenager and the things that parents can do to support them in stressful times.

If you have concerns about your child’s stress levels or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the wellbeing team at school.

Mr Paul Graham
Student Support and Resources Manager

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)

Submissions of CSEF applications close at the end of this term. If you are eligible, please ensure your application is received by the college before Friday, 27 June 2025. Late applications will not be processed after the closing date.

If you required an application form, please refer to the office or visit  https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund.

School Saving Bonus (SSB) 

A reminder that families have until 30 June 2025 to use the School Saver Bonus for purchasing textbooks or uniform. Any unused School Saving Bonus amount as at 1 July 2025 will be transferred to your child’s school account for future school activities such as camps, sports and excursions. Please find attached a system guide for parents and carers.

When electing to use your School Saving Bonus for school activities, our finance team will first check to see if there is any remaining School Saving Bonus funds for the nominated student. If there is no balance remaining for the nominated student, the college will allocate any available credit or SSB attached to the family account i.e. a siblings School Saver Bonus.

For any queries in relation to the School Saving Bonus, please contact the finance team on finance@mwsc.vic.edu.au.

Ms Kari Simmons
Business Manager

VCE Recital #2

Last Thursday, our VCE Music students once again took to the stage for the second VCE Music Recital of the year. The evening was a great showcase of talent, featuring a diverse range of performers, instruments, and musical genres.

These recitals are an important component of our VCE Music program. They provide students with a crucial opportunity to perform in front of a supportive audience drawn from the college community including many music alumni. Following their performances, students receive feedback from a panel of experienced music teachers. This input is incredibly beneficial, especially for our Year 12 VCE Musicians as they prepare for their important external examinations in Term 4.

A special thank you to Ms Melissa Knowles and Mr Tim O’Connor for their assistance in giving feedback and congratulations to all of the students involved.

This is the last of our music recitals for this semester. Congratulations to all of the Year 10-12 Musicians who performed and all of the teachers involved in the preparation for these concerts.

New Zealand Music Tour Farewell Concert

In mid-July, 45 students and 6 staff members will embark on an exciting music tour across the Tasman, featuring the incredible MWSC Symphonic Band and Stage Band.

Our musicians have been rehearsing diligently, rehearsing each week to master their diverse and challenging repertoire. We are  incredibly excited to showcase their hard work and share their passion for music with the wider school community before they depart.

To send them off in style, both bands will be performing a free farewell concert for the college community on Thursday 26 June at 6:30 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear the progress they have  made and wish them well on their journey. We hope to see you there. 

Year 12 Career Interviews

We encourage students if they haven’t already to book their careers appointment to discuss their post-school plans. Whether they are looking into university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or employment, we are here to support their next steps.

As always, the Careers Team is here to help, reach out if you have questions or need guidance.

Mr Phil Newnham and Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Careers Education 

The class of 1995 and 2005 school tour reunion bookings are closing 15^th June!

Don’t miss out. Come and see how things have changed since you were last at school.  Meet up with old school friends and teachers.     Bookings essential.

Class of 1995, 2005 Reunion

Thursday, 19 June 2025

We are also happy to include students from the following classes:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Click here to book your ticket.

Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Alumni Coordinator

Geelong Ekphrastic Writing Competition

The briar arch