As the days continue their way through the term, there is much going on at the moment. In recent times we have been addressing the student body about how the COVID lockdown last year impacted the established routines of school. We have addressed a number of concerns with students and I have written about some of these things in another Newsletter article published earlier this term.
School Routine
Despite a recent small outbreak in the local area, Australia’s management of the COVID crisis has continued to allow normal school routines to be the common feature of our day. Along with this comes the student responsibility of acknowledging and applying the school standards regarding appropriate behaviour, a strict application of the uniform standards and attending school (on time). We acknowledge that the majority of students are very supportive of these expectations and routines, but if these expectations are not met by students, it leads to the development of inappropriate dynamics of student behaviour and work ethic in the classroom. And so, the college will continue to work with students to help them identify and apply the best version of themselves to the college.
Masks
The government has now mandated the wearing of masks for students when in doors until Friday of next week. Students have been asked to provide their own masks as the college has a limited supply of masks for emergencies only.
Student Leadership Program
As mentioned in the last Newsletter, tomorrow (Friday) the Launch of the Student Leadership Program takes place for Year 10 and 11 students. At the launch students will be invited to participate in the Leadership Program which prepares students for leadership positions. We highly encourage students to be involved in the program as the leadership training that comes with it prepares students for leadership opportunities that will become available both within the school experience and outside of it.
Year 10 exams
The Year 10 exams commence on Friday 28 May. Students have been given an exam timetable which identifies days and times for each of the exams that need to sit. A copy of this timetable has also been attached to this Newsletter.
Exams can be scary experiences; but for most students who prepare for them by understanding what to study for and establishing good routines for study, they are navigated well. Study routines for any exam cannot be last minute activities, but they must be planned with a good schedule of study times in the days before the exam. Students should also be in regular conversation with their teachers to determine what to study and how to prepare for exams.
Year 10 Work Experience
After the Year 10 Exams are complete, Year 10 students will be enjoying a week of Work Experience from 7 to 11 June. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to discover the world of work and perhaps to get an experience of working in an area which they wish to pursue as a career path. It goes without saying that as students are representing the school, we are expecting good behavioural standards. Students who have been unable to get a work placement will be expected to attend school as usual to complete a specially designed program.
City Experience
Year 9 students will also be involved in an exciting program called City Experience which runs from 31 May until 4 June. This experience is not a social event or a shopping excursion but students will be venturing into the city every day for that week, using the train network, to explore Melbourne’s history, people and infrastructure. Their exploration will give them a good understanding of how their capital city and the people within it, live and work. Their findings will be presented in a special presentation night to their parents and staff on the Wednesday 9 June.