Mercy News - Friday 10 November
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Key Dates
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Prayer
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Message From Our Principal
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Student Executive - Meeting with Anthony Cianflone MP
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Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
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Deputy Principal
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Counsellor's Corner
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Years 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
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Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
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Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
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VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader
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Maths
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Careers
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Locks on Lockers
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2024 Fees
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Community Notices
Key Dates
Saturday 11 November
- Remembrance Day
Monday 13 November
- Food Studies VCAA Written Examination (9.00am - 10.45am)
- Art: Making and Exhibiting VCAA Written Examinatiom (11.45am - 1.30pm)
- Music and Repertoire Performance VCAA Written Examinatiom (3.00pm - 4.15pm)
Tuesday 14 November
- 9B HPE Excursion to Go Climb (P1 and P2)
- Religion and Society VCAA Written Examinatiom (11.45am - 2.00pm)
Wednesday 15 November
- Year 8 Reflection Day
- 9C HPE Excursion to Go Climb (P1 and P2)
Monday 20 November - Thursday 23 November
- Year 11 Examinations
Wednesday 22 November - Thursday 23 November
- Year 9 and 10 Examinations
Wednesday 22 November
- Years 7 and 8 Indonesian Incursion
Friday 24 November
- Student Free Day for Years 9, 10 and 11
- Year 7 2024 Transition Day
Prayer
Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of conflict and ask that God may give us peace:
For the service men and women who have died in the violence of war, each one remembered by and known to God; May God give peace, God give peace For those who love them in death as in life, offering the distress of our grief and the sadness of our loss; May God give peace.
For all members of the armed forces who are in danger this day, remembering family, friends and all who pray for their safe return; May God give peace, God give peace For civilian women, children and men whose lives are disfigured by war or terror, calling to mind in penitence the anger and hatreds of humanity; May God give peace.
For peace-makers and peace-keepers, who seek to keep this world secure and free; May God give peace, God give peace. For all who bear the burden and privilege of leadership, political, military and religious; asking for gifts of wisdom and resolve in the search for reconciliation and peace. May God give peace.
O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world, and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm. As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and forever.
Amen.
Message From Our Principal
November: The month of Remembrance
The month of November is traditionally a time in which the Catholic community remembers those who have died. It is related to the fact that the end of November is the end of the Liturgical Year with a new year starting the First Sunday of Advent – the four week period of preparation before Christmas. The Church then uses this end of the year period as a time to think of the end of life and the end of all things and the great hope that our earthly end is transition into a new life in God’s heavenly reality. We give thanks for those who have gone before us and we look with prayer and hope to their new life in heaven and our desire to join them there one day.
Anniversary of Catherine McAuley's death
On the evening of Thursday, 11 November 1841, Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, died of terberculosis at the Convent of Mercy on Baggot Street, Dublin - the first of 12 convents she had established in the preceeding decade.
At the end of Catherien McAuleys life, she said to one of her sisters, "Be sure you have a comfortable cup of tea in the community room when I am gone".
Since then, a cup of tea has been a symbol of the warm and caring relationships which were at the heart of Catherine McAuleys Mercy vision which we as a College are proud to continue this legacy.
Remembrance Day - 11 November
Today as a College community we gathered to commemorate remembrance day which will officially be recognised tomorrow. It's a day when we acknowledge those who died while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. At this time in our world not only do we pray for those who have died and recognise those in particular who have lost their life as a result of war and conflict. We pray for peace so that that human dignity will always prevail.
VCAA Exams
Year 12 students and Year 11 students who have accelerated into a Unit 3 and 4 subjects are nearing the end of their VCAA examinations, the final hurdle in their Unit 3 and 4 studies. Despite the turbulent few years these students have experienced, I have witnessed firsthand their confidence and positivity as they sit these final exams. Many of us will remember from our experiences that these major exams can be daunting for students, the culmination of years of study, skills and knowledge. Our Mercy students have demonstrated great capacity for applying themselves to the curriculum, accessing teacher support and guidance, striving to achieve excellence and growth.
As a community, we are so proud of the way in which they have been flexible and adaptive in the current circumstances, remaining focused on their end goal. We continue to wish them all the best as the exam period continues.
Over mid-way through the final school term
As we have approached over the mid-way mark of the term, there have been many assessments going on and I encourage all parents and carers to speak to their Year 9 to 11 students about how they are planning for the upcoming exams. It is important we are involved in and encourage their learning and organisational development including good exam habits and how to best prepare for them.
Our Year 9 Outdoor Ed students have returned this afternoon after leaving yesterday for their Outdoor Ed camp. They were fortunate to have magnificent weather as they hiked, camped and surfed. I thank Mr Moss and Ms Shears for accompanying our students and providing them with this opportunity.
There is a lot happening and that’s what often happens as we near the end of the school year. I look forward to seeing you at some of our upcoming school events.
Let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God.
Lila McInerney
College Principal
Student Executive - Meeting with Anthony Cianflone MP
Last Friday afternoon, in response to an invitation, Mercy College was visited by Anthony Cianflone MP, the district representative of Pascoe Vale, Coburg and Brunswick West in the Victorian Parliament.
It was during this time that our College Principal, Ms McInerney and five members of the 2024 Student Executive team gathered with Mr Cianflone and discussed issues regarding transport and road safety around our school.
While we raised our concerns about our safety when using public transport services before and after school on Sydney Road and we hope to implement change for the security of our school community. With the aim of further improving the safety of the environment for students and community members, we acknowledged what has already been done (dragon's teeth road markings near the tram stop on Sydney Road and a reduced speed limit in front of the school) when Ms McInerney and student representatives met two years ago with the then MP for Pascoe Vale and Lizzie Blandthorn and the then Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Ben Carroll. However, we also recognised that unfortunately, this is not enough.
We discussed potential solutions to the ongoing problem of transport to and from Mercy and not feeling safe on Sydney Road when students are accessing and utilising public transport. Such improvements that were mentioned included a railing/fenced off area to further separate students waiting on Sydney Road outside of Gate 2 for the tram from incoming traffic. Also, we suggested the implementation of a set of traffic lights, located within closer proximity to the school, in order to better cater for our school community members, who may have different needs.
We are aware that access to Sydney Road is only achievable via the overpass, or a 7 minute walk to the nearest set of traffic lights - Notably, neither of these options are accommodating towards individuals who may struggle with mobility issues. Therefore, we are hopeful that our meeting on Friday, as well as the letter that we hope to write to Parliament will at least provide us with a step in the right direction, as we request change for our school community’s safety.
Jessica Mirabile
College Co-Captain
Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
All Saints and All Souls Day
Last week we commemorated the triduum of All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. While Catholics do not celebrate Halloween in the way we see in the movies, it's important to know that Halloween comes from the concept where saints and holy people are called "hallowed." In the Our Father, we pray, "hallowed be Thy name," which proclaims God's name as holy. While All Hallows' Eve is not on the liturgical calendar, it is the vigil of All Saints' Day and vigil days are often reserved for fasting and preparation. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying some chocolate throughout this triduum, Mercy College encourages our students to think deeper than spooky costumes and spend this time in reflection of the saints and our loved ones who have passed. Within the context of a girls school, we particularly pray to female saints such as Joan of Arc, Josephine Bakhita and Mary Mother of God. On 2 November, we commemorated all of the Faithful Departed, or All Souls. On this day, we prayed that all those who have died— our loved ones, and also those people around the world who we will never meet— through the mercy of God, will rest in peace. All members of the Mercy College community were invited to light a candle in our College Chapel in memory of loved ones who have passed.
Nima Ballenger
Director: Student Wellbeing and Faith
Deputy Principal
Assessment in a Catholic school is a means of uncovering the narrative of learners: their growth, progress, success and challenges in learning.
Source: School Improvement Framework (Learning and Teaching Sphere)
With reference to the above statement, at Mercy College, we are committed to providing feedback on the progress, or growth every student is making throughout the school year. Families are reminded of the arrangements listed below for Years 9 to 11 Semester Examinations.
Semester Two Examinations
Semester Two examinations have been designed to provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their level of progress and achievement based on the key content covered throughout this semester.
These examinations will also provide an indication of the level of student performance across each subject with results included in their semester reports.
Year 11 Examinations: Monday 20 November to Thursday 23 November
Year 10 Examinations: Wednesday 22 November to Thursday 23 November
Year 9 Examinations: Wednesday 22 November to Thursday 23 November
Students will receive feedback from their teacher(s) following these examinations with additional feedback placed on SIMON for parents to view. This aim of this feedback is to identify areas of achievement as well as areas for future improvement to support students with their learning.
Further information including a letter to parents outlining the arrangements for these examinations and the Semester 2 Examination timetable has been made available to parents and students. These details have also been posted on the Daily Messages on SIMON for all students to access.
In the meantime, please contact your child’s subject teacher with any questions related to their overall progress and learning. If you have any questions about the upcoming semester examinations, please contact me via phone or email: nambrozy@mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.
We wish all students the very best for their upcoming examinations.
2024 Booklists
The 2024 Booklists can now be accessed via Parent Access Module (PAM). Please see the instructions below to access the booklists.
PAM Instructions
Step 1. Login to the Parent Access Module (PAM) via: https://pam.mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au.
Step 2. Click Campion Booklists 2024 Located under Knowledge Bank on the main page.
Step 3. Click the required booklist
Have your say on NAPLAN 2023
We are keen to hear from parents and carers about their NAPLAN experience this year following a number of changes made in 2023, including the tests taking place earlier in March instead of May and the new proficiency standards.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) would particularly like to understand your views on the earlier timing of NAPLAN and the changes to reporting to provide simpler, clearer and more meaningful results to schools, parents and carers. The feedback provided may help inform any future improvements to NAPLAN.
Please share your thoughts on NAPLAN 2023 in the below short 10-minute survey.
Have your say now
Nicholas Ambrozy
Deputy Principal
Counsellor's Corner
Optimism is the belief that things will ultimately work out for the best and it can have a profound impact on our lives, especially in the context of school and education. In challenging times, it is important to remember the power of optimism.
Some of the positives of being optimistic include:
1. Resilience: Optimistic individuals tend to bounce back from setbacks more effectively. In the face of academic challenges, personal difficulties, or global crises, maintaining a hopeful perspective can provide the strength needed to persevere.
2. Positive Learning Environment: An optimistic classroom environment encourages a growth mindset among students. When teachers and students believe in the potential for improvement and growth, it fosters a culture of learning and achievement.
3. Problem solving: Optimistic people are more likely to approach problems as opportunities rather than obstacles. This mindset can lead to creative solutions, which can be particularly important when faced with unexpected challenges.
4. Health and Wellbeing: Research shows that optimism can have a positive impact on mental and physical health. It reduces stress, boosts the immune system and increases overall wellbeing.
To help our young people cultivate optimism we can encourage them to find things to be thankful for each day, set achievable academic and personal goals that will allow them to experience success and create an environment at home where they feel connected and supported.
Janine Crociani
Counsellor
Years 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Term 4 brings with it closure and beginnings.
Year 7 2024 Transition
Last week saw the beginning of the 'Transition Period' for our future Mercy Students - who will be the Class of 2030!
Year 6 students coming as the only students from their Primary School were invited to an afternoon tea and activities afternoon with the purpose of connecting with other students who were also coming alone from their Primary Schools. The afternoon also gave parents of the students an opportunity to network amongst the parent group.
At the end of the afternoon students had learnt two facts about another student after collaborating in ice breakers such as “I am hosting a party and I am bringing...”, lining up in birthday order without speaking and forming groups of people when a number was called out. All of the Year 6 students were made comfortable enough to collaborate in the activities, even if they had just met each other! Two Year 6 students made a bond from learning they had the same birth dates! Some students were already exchanging contact details which was great to see.
The three Year 7 students who helped with the afternoon shared their experiences of being solo students and the message was clear, “Staff will help you at Mercy, always ask when you are unsure and you may not make friends with everyone, which is okay, you will find your people”. I was very proud of the honest and insightful way Violet, Stephanie and Olivia from 7B articulated their transition experience from Year 6 to Year 7 as solo students.
Year 7 students have been using wellbeing periods to also reflect on their transition journey, as well as reflecting on how they have changed, what could have been done at Primary School to better prepare them for Secondary School and what should be done for the Year 7 2024 students.
Reminders for the remainder of Term 4
A reminder to parents that...
1. Students should not be leaving school during the school day unless for an emergency and if an appointment can not be made after school.
2. A note on PAM or a written note must be provided to a Learning and Wellbeing Leader in the morning for a Yellow Early Leave slip to be issued.
3. Check in with your daughter regarding their homework and assessments and assist in establishing a productive studying environment at home or if this is not possible, take advantage of the library after school or a public library near home.
Maria Daniele
Years 7 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind” – Jennifer Dukes Lee
This week’s focus is on the Mercy Values: Excellence, Justice, Hospitality and Compassion.
Excellence – Doing your best to maximise your potential.
This involves dedication, resilience and determination as the pursuit of excellence is not a destination, but a journey of growth. It requires a willingness to learn from failures, being able to adapt to circumstances and having a positive attitude when faced with adversity.
Justice – Being fair in everything that you do and giving what you deserve.
Fairness includes being honest in our actions and decisions and treating people with respect. In peer relationships, fairness centres around honest communication and ensuring that each individual is acknowledged and respected.
Hospitality – Giving to others to make a positive difference in their lives.
Acts of giving can take various forms, from material help to emotional support or just being there for someone when they need it. Often, without realising, these actions can have a ripple effect of kindness and gratitude. In giving the true reward lies in the positive impact we make in the lives of others.
Compassion – Caring or understanding about someone in need or in trouble.
Listening or lending a hand to those in need can ease their burdens and remind us that we are never really alone. Like the act of giving, it has a ripple effect which inspires others to follow and creates a compassionate culture. Lastly, acts of caring and understanding develops a more empathetic and resilient community.
Over the remaining four weeks of the year, reflect on the Mercy values ensuring that you are following Catherine McAuley’s lead when it comes to: Excellence, Justice, Hospitality and Compassion.
Important Dates:
Monday 20 November – Normal Classes
Tuesday 21 November – Normal Classes
Wednesday 22 November - Year 9 English Exam (11.05am – 12.45pm)
Thursday 23 November – Year 9 Maths / Advanced Maths (8.45am – 10.25am)
Thursday 23 November – Year 9 Science (1.40pm – 3.20pm)
Friday 24 November – Normal Classes
Wednesday 6 December – Last Day of Term
Tania Benevento
Years 8 and 9 Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
As the term comes to a close and the Year 10 students are completing assessments in all their subject areas, they are reminded to be organised and to keep a record of their assessments and their due dates. They may choose a variety of ways to do this - in their school diaries, as sticky note reminders on their laptops and/or as a calendar visible in the home/study area. We would encourage any students who are feeling stressed or anxious in relation to these assessments to talk to their subject teacher, their Senior Homeroom teacher and/or their Learning and Wellbeing Level Leaders so we can work together to assist the students in achieving success in meeting the demands.
In last fortnight’s Newsletter there was advice for the Year 10 students on how to start preparing for their upcoming examinations in the subjects:
- English
- Science
- Maths/Advanced Maths
- History/Commerce
- Biology Units 1 and 2 for those undertaking these subjects
During Homeroom, the Year 10 Senior Homeroom Group teachers have been, and will continue to provide strategies and tips on how to prepare effectively for the upcoming exams. It is important for the Year 10 students to explore what techniques may work best for them to achieve success and then utilise these in 2024 to enable them to be best placed for success in the senior school.
The students journey towards their studies in 2024 commenced this semester with the subject selection process. Now, we head into their preparation and Semester Two examination period. This will conclude with the Headstart Program in the final two weeks of Term Four, where the students are introduced to their Unit 1 and 2 studies and for those who have chosen a Unit 3 and 4 subject.
On Tuesday 21 November, during the scheduled assembly time, the School Counsellor, Ms Janine Crociani, will give the students a presentation on coping with stress and anxiety, should this arise when completing exams.
While many young people report feeling nervous and/or anxious around the time of tests and examinations, research shows that if we believe stress is a helpful response, it can serve as a tool that works to our advantage.
Because stress induces increased blood flow to the brain and heightens our capacity to respond to a challenge, it can actually lead a student to performing better than if they remain unperturbed or unconcerned.
Studies have demonstrated that students who viewed stress as a positive emotion and as an opportunity, were able to use it for self-growth and this helped the students to perform better. Conversely, viewing stress as a threat led to a decreased effort and performance.
If your child does experience any excessive stress or anxiety during this time please do not hesitate to contact the College.
Key dates to remember
Year 10 Exams: Students are expected attend school as per a normal day. Students have access to their Semester Two Exam Timetable on their Senior School Classroom page, posted 3 November
Monday 20 November: Normal classes except for those doing Biology Units 1 and 2 (1.47pm - 3.20pm)
Tuesday 21 November: Normal classes
Wednesday 22 November: English (8.45am to 10.25am), Study Session (P3 and P4), Science (1.40pm to 3.20pm)
Thursday 23 November: Maths/Advanced Maths (8.45am to 10.25am), Study Session (P3 and P4), History/Commerce (1.40pm to 3.20pm)
Friday 24 November: Student Free Day for Years 9, 10 and 11
Monday 27 November to Tuesday 5 December: Headstart for 2024
Wednesday 6 December: Final day for students
We are here to support the students and the families of the Year 10 students, so please contact us with any questions and/or concerns that you may have in the coming weeks.
Vicki Harvey and Jenni Hickey
Year 10 Learning and Wellbeing Leaders
VCE Learning and Wellbeing Leader
The VCE cohort is continuing to prepare and complete various end of year exams. For our Year 12s, some have completed their final exams and now it is time for them to enjoy a well deserved break and rest before they begin their new chapter in 2024.
For those Year 12s who are still completing exams, please ensure you are taking care of yourself and staying motivated to excel and exceed in your final exams.
Beginning next week, our Year 11s will begin preparing for their Semester Two exams. These exams are an excellent opportunity for our Year 11s to trial various studying and revision methods to take into next year. Classes next week will be dedicated to revising content and applying knowledge to various questions and activities to support students' confidence going into exams. Although classes are dedicated to revising, it is important to utilise opportunities accessible in the College to further support students. Please encourage your child to access Homework Club after school and always email their teachers if they need additional support.
The exam week timetable has been shared with students which will assist them in creating a study schedule for their exams. Students are encouraged to seek help from a trusted teacher or their Learning and Wellbeing level Leader to assist in creating a study schedule that will aid in ensuring there is adequate time for each exam.
We wish all students the best of luck in their exams and are incredibly proud of all their achievements this semester!
Annie Driver
Senior Learning and Wellbeing Leader
Maths
A Year in the Life of a Maths Student
This year in Year 7 Maths we have done so many fun activities. In Term One we learnt the basics of Maths to start us off, like multiplication, division, subtraction and addition. Then in Term Two, we started learning about fractions and algebra. In Term Three our teacher experimented with fun learning games, like GIMKIT and BLOOKET which was really fun and our class loved it. This term we are learning about shapes and equations. I love Maths and I’m excited to continue it next year.
- Aranya R, Year 7
The Year 8s this year have been working hard on their Maths. They have been focusing on integers, linear equations, shapes and solids, fractions, measurement, algebra, ratios and rates, graphs and transformations. Through all the tests and studying, the year is almost coming to an end and we have learnt a lot so far. I know that we, the Year 8s, are thankful for all the effort our teachers put into our lessons and everything we have learnt during the year.
- Jessica I and Luana B, Year 8
Throughout my journey of studying Year 9 Maths, I have made incredible progress academically and in my personal growth. This year, my Mathematics development and mindset has transformed immensely throughout the coursework with the help of fabulous teachers and peers. Through the encouragement, perseverance and support from teachers, I was able to overcome challenges whilst also recognising my mistakes along the way. From discovering new and intriguing real-world concepts, to gaining new found knowledge of different calculation methods on the CASIO classpad, I am proud to say that I have developed into a confident learner. This journey has reshaped my learning processes and I am ready to undertake further mathematical learning.
- Sarah K, Year 9
In Year 10 Maths, we have developed a deeper understanding of various topics, including measurement, probability, quadratic equations and surds. Having been taught by Mr Klepp during my first year at Mercy, I was keen to learn again. I achieved my first A in Year 7 and have continued to try and achieve more strong results since then. Recently, we were also introduced to parabolas, an important topic to remember when going into our final Year 10 exams. Entering the exam period of Term Four, I am ready to put in the hard work with the knowledge I have gained from Year 10 Maths this year.
- Olivia P, Year 10
In Year 10 Advanced Maths this year we studied a variety of topics, ranging between surds, logs and polynomials. My favourite topic of the year was quadratic equations, which was a continuation from our work last year. I enjoyed factorising quadratic trinomials by completing the square and using the quadratic formula, and solving them using the Null Factor Law. The value(s) of x that we found were later used as the x-intercept(s) when sketching the graph, also known as a parabola. Overall, this year I learnt a variety of new mathematical techniques and topics, including hyperbolas, and these set the foundation for Mathematical Methods in VCE.
- Dana G, Year 10
In Units 1 and 2, General Maths catered towards a range of interests and provided us with a glimpse of Year 12 content. Participating in Year 11 General Maths, we were able to apply techniques, routines and processes which all expanded and challenged our knowledge. To kick off our studies, we undertook the course content of statistics and finance. This was fascinating as it offered an insight into real-life scenarios which required appropriate mental strategies and by hand solving skills. While at times it was difficult, accompanied with the guidance of our teachers and trusty CAS calculator, it made the job easy. The range of activities including tests, problem solving tasks and mathematical investigations encourage us to get involved and take initiative in our learning. This was shown through an investigation where we interacted with one another, formed mathematical conclusions and noticed the influence mathematics had on real life applications. Overall, Year 11 General Maths offered a well-rounded course which resonated with real life scenarios. With the fundamental understanding of concepts, we will be able to expand and apply our knowledge with greater confidence when completing Units 3 and 4 next year.
- Mariam S, Year 11
In 2023, the new VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM) curriculum placed a strong emphasis on numeracy as a dynamic reaction to the changing needs of the labour market. The VCE-VM gives students a solid grounding in numeracy while also including real world applications such as learning about interest rates, mortgages, data statistics and much more. It also emphasises giving students the tools they need to grow and improve their numeracy abilities so they can make sense of their personal, public and professional lives. When students learn about time management, data analytics, budgeting and other skills necessary for handling the complexity of today's world, they are better prepared for academic achievement and workplace numeracy.
- Mia M, Year 11
This year in VCE-VM Numeracy we have covered a number of different topics that range from calculating money, navigating maps, data and systematics, banking and interest. As a class we worked together to ensure everyone understood the material covered. Overall this year we have felt we have gained more knowledge on how these skills can help with our future, beyond high school.
- Annalise G and Haylee H, Year 12
Maria Carinci
Learning Area Leader: Mathematics
Careers
VTAC Webinar: ATAR and Subject Scaling
VTAC will be holding a webinar for applicants, parents and schools on the ATAR and subject scaling on Wednesday 15 November at 6.00pm.
In this session they will discuss:
- How and why subjects are scaled
- What an ATAR is and they are calculated
- Eligibility for an ATAR
- How and why the ATAR is used by institutions to make course offers
Registration is open at http://www.vtac.edu.au/events
Locks on Lockers
A friendly reminder that all students must have a locked locker at all times. Students are welcome to purchase their own lock or a lock from Reception to ensure this requirement is met. During the school day, students should keep their bag and belongings securely in their locker. Lockers should be neat and tidy with only one laminated College name tag on the front.
2024 Fees
On Friday, families were emailed documentation in relation to 2024 school fees. If you have any concerns or would like to follow up, please contact the College.