I am so proud of our students and staff as we continue with remote and flexible learning during lock down 6.0. The manner in which students are staff are engaged in learning despite the circumstances is admirable. We are all so blessed to be a part of the Penola Catholic College community.

Due to the recent lockdown extension some summative assessments tasks such as tests and SACs for VCE students will be completed online. Each student will be informed of the relevant details. Students must monitor their class page and year level page on a regular basis for important updates about their learning program. Students in Years 7-11 will complete tasks during their regular lesson times.

Some Unit 4 SACs will be scheduled in lieu of regular classes during Period 1 and 2 on August the 23^rd and August 24^th. Regular classes for Year 12s will resume for the remainder of each day. Further details will be posted on MyPenola.

YEAR 12 SACS

Students are required to have a fully functioning device in order to make the most of remote learning and to meet the requirements (VCAA and Penola Catholic College) when completing assessment tasks online. SACs cannot be accepted for assessment without a functioning camera. If your child is having issues with their laptop and cannot join Microsoft Teams meetings with a functioning camera and microphone you will need to contact the ICT Helpdesk via email at it@penola.vic.edu.au or by phone on 93012755. The helpdesk staff will be able to assist over the phone to fix the issue or they will make an appointment for you to bring the laptop to the College for repair. Only students with appointments will be permitted onsite for laptop repairs.

Parents you can support you child at home by:

• Discussing class work and learning progress
• Providing an environment conducive to online learning
• Regularly monitoring MyPenola for important messages
• Communicating with staff if you have a concern about your child’s wellbeing or learning

Parents, we know that this is a difficult time and many of you are juggling working from home and supporting your children to learn at home. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you require additional information or support for your child.

Subject Selection
During Term 3 students are considering very carefully their pathway and subject selection for the following year. Thus far students have been supported to make informed decisions via a range of activities.

These have included:

• Pastoral lessons focused on the curriculum structure at each year level
• Viewing vodcasts focused on key learning areas, VCE, VCAL and VET
• Viewing vodcasts on transitioning to the next year level
• Attending the Senior Programs Day to speak with Heads of Learning and subject teachers
• Attending lunchtime VCAL sessions to learn more about applied learning
• Attending Q & A information nights with their parents

From next week the current Year 8 and Year 10 students will be meeting remotely with course advisors and entering their subject preferences for 2022. Students will receive a MS TEAMs invitation in order to attend this meeting. At this stage all students should have completed their Planning Sheet prior to course advice.

This document and other resources are located on MyPenola. Students can access all vital information and links to key documents vis their year level page. You can also visit our Careers Website

I also encourage you and your child to view the virtual presentations from tertiary providers.

If you have questions please do the following:

• Read/view the curriculum resources on MyPenola
• Contact the relevant Heal of Learning or Year Level Co-Ordinator
• Contact Sandra Warren (Year 7-8) or Vera Treloar (Year 9-12)
• For VCE matters contact Joanne Barton
• For VCAL matters contact Daniel Catoggio
• For Careers contact Terry McGann

NB: Students interested in the VCAL pathway must attend the virtual VCAL Information Night with their parents beginning at 6.00pm on 25 August. Further details including the meeting link are posted on MyPenola.