Issue 12 13 Dec 2024

Year 9 

Year 9 students have had a fabulous year in 2024. In Year 9 the focus shifts to deepening knowledge in core subjects, preparing for more specialized study in later years, and building skills that are essential for success in both school and future education or career paths. Students undertake their core subjects with two electives each semester to support their progression and understanding. This year there were multiple excursions to The Gordon, Victoria Uni and Deakin Uni to explore future pathways and trial careers options, with some students undertaking work experience and part time jobs with the help of the Careers Team.

Throughout the year students develop various skills including:

• Critical Thinking: Students are encouraged to analyse, evaluate, and reason through problems.
• Independent Learning: Greater emphasis on managing time, completing assignments independently, and conducting research.
• Communication Skills: Oral presentations, group work, and writing are important areas of development.
• Collaboration: Group projects and teamwork become more common.

Selected students were chosen to participate in a Leadership program to develop their individual skills and motivate them to become future leaders within the cohort and within future leadership opportunities at the College. The Year 9 students were very active in Interschool sports, competing against other schools within the region and through the EIS programs. A lot of the students participated in the Musical and lunch time sessions at the piazza, sharing their singing and instrumental talents with the College.

This year has been an exploratory and developmental time for students both personally and within their education. My hope is that each student has learned and improved themselves on a personal level; started thinking about their future pathway and explored options moving forward. I look forward to working with this Year 9 cohort in the future and seeing the young adults and professionals they become.

Year 10

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s hard to believe that our Year 10 students are already preparing to transition into their senior years of schooling. This marks the end of their time within the Middle Sub-School and the beginning of an exciting new chapter as they embark on their VCE/VM and beyond. It’s been a year filled with growth, engagement, and exploration—one we’re incredibly proud of.

Throughout the year, we've seen our students engage in meaningful learning experiences designed to help them discover their passions and start charting their career paths. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Highlights of the Year

• Leadership Camp: A transformative experience where students honed their leadership skills, collaborated with peers, and built lasting friendships.
• Course Counselling: A vital step for students to explore their academic interests and make informed decisions about their VCE subjects.
• Careers Week: A week full of insightful talks, workshops, and activities, designed to inspire students and broaden their understanding of potential career opportunities.
• University Excursions: These excursions gave students a firsthand look at university life and the chance to explore different study pathways for their future.

Celebrating Academic Achievement

We would like to congratulate the following students who have been awarded scholarships as they head into Year 11. These awards are a testament to their dedication and hard work:

• Indah Blyth – English
• Leah Rogers – Humanities
• Jake Matchett – Mathematics
• Louis Smith – Science

Exciting New Opportunities: VCE and VCE Vocational Major Programs

In the past two weeks, students have had the opportunity to explore both the VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) and the Vocational Major Program during orientation sessions. Both pathways provide valuable support to students as they navigate their senior years of schooling.

• Vocational Major Program: This innovative program offers practical, hands-on learning aligned with a VET (Vocational Education and Training) program. Students participate in one day of practical learning each week, along with an additional day of work experience. The excitement around this program has been fantastic with students very eager to get started!

As our Year 10 students prepare to step into these exciting opportunities, we’re confident that their journey through Year 11 and beyond will be filled with success and personal growth. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see all that they will achieve.

Thank you to our students, parents, and staff for making 2024 such a memorable year. Here’s to the exciting road ahead in 2025!