Dear Parents/Carers
Year 11 students have until Friday to enter their 2023 subject selections into our online system. They’ve had many reminders and offers of support to do this but I’m aware some are leaving it very late. Can I please ask you to check at home to make sure this has been done? Students who miss Friday’s deadline can still make subject selections but their choices may be more limited.
Year 12 students intending to apply for a tertiary course through VTAC have until September 29 to do so, otherwise the cost of making an application rises sharply. The college strongly encourages students to make an application now rather than take a ‘gap year’ and apply in 2023. Our Careers and Pathways team have already had 1:1 interviews with most Year 12 students who might apply for a university or TAFE course through VTAC and they are available to offer any further assistance that students require.
Thank you to the parents who have responded to the annual parent survey. The survey remains open until the end of this school term and you’ll find details of how to complete it in the email sent to you on Sunday August 21. Please help us by finding that email and taking 15 minutes to give us your feedback.
At this time of the year a growing number of our Year 12 students have obtained a driving licence and are driving to school. It’s important these students remember that they are not permitted to park on college grounds or in the grounds of the Bowls Club in Gaol Road.
Coming up on September 7 we have the GAT (General Achievement Test) for students doing a Unit 3/4 VCE subject and, for the first time, a large number of our VCAL students. The GAT is valuable for VCE students for a range of reasons and it also allows VCAL students to demonstrate that they meet literacy and numeracy standards which are valuable for employers. I encourage all students to perform to their best and to enjoy the opportunity to show what they can do in a formal exam setting.
As always, there’s a lot happening around the college. Last week our students and staff enjoyed all the activities on offer during Wellbeing Week. Today students have attended the ‘Whole New World’ presentation in the theatre. On Thursday evening our Musician of the Year event will take place and on Friday evening we’re looking forward to the student formal in the Ulumbarra foyer. Coming up next Thursday we have VCAL Market Day. There’s always lots to see and do around the college!
You will be aware that COVID numbers have dropped sharply in Bendigo and we are seeing this among students too, hence the reduced number of notifications from the college. Please continue to monitor for symptoms and to notify the college if students test positive. We still have RATs and surgical masks available for students who need them.
Yours faithfully
Dale Pearce
Principal
