Senior School Report – April 14, 2016

Welcome back to Term Two, a very important term for all students in the Senior School.

Sincere thank you to all parents for their support in ensuring the smooth transition to the winter uniform. As our boys are the public face of St Patrick’s College I continue to call upon your support in ensuring that your son’s appearance enhances the College reputation in the community. Full details of the College Uniform policy are outlined in the College Student Diary.

Academic Achievements

• Victorian Training Awards

Congratulations to Campbell Spittle who has been nominated for- the School-based Apprentice of the Year Award in the Victorian Training Awards. –

The Victorian Training Awards- (VTA)- offer nominees recognition for the hard work and achievements made within the vocational education and training sector. We wish Campbell well!!

Social Justice Street Retreats

The Year 11 Social Justice Street retreats commence April 19 and run weekly throughout the term. I would like to thank all parents and guardians in advance for supporting this marvelous initiative. As a parent I know it’s a struggle waiting up till 11:30pm midweek and coming out in the cold of winter to pick up your son when the excursion ends. It is a big ask-¦. Sincere thanks.

Teaching and Learning

• Year 10 Morrisby Parent Information Evening

As you know the year 10 cohort participated in Morrisby profiling late last term. Mr Barry Darnell will return to the College on Wednesday June 1 to provide parents and students with their son’s personal report and outline how this tool will assist them with subject and career choices into the future. I look forward to welcoming all parents to this important event. Where? The SPC Old Collegians Pavilion; When? 7:00pm

• PAM (Parent Access Mode) and the Assessment Calendar

The Senior school assessment calendar still remains available on the school homepage and continues to be updated regularly. Parents may refer to this as and when required so that you are informed about your son’s current workload.- Alternatively you can refer to PAM (Parent Access Mode). This live program provides parents with information about both homework and assessment tasks being undertaken together with feedback and results as tasks are marked and returned to students. I encourage parents to embrace this tool so that they can fully support their son’s academic journey. Any questions or hiccups please do not hesitate to contact me.

• Semester One Examinations

Year Ten and Eleven student Semester One Examinations will commence on June 1, 2016 and run through to June 10, 2016. Parents please schedule this examination block into your diaries and, if at all possible, avoid making appointments for you son during this time.

In preparation for the examinations it will be important that all boys establish a revision programme and adopt effective study habits early in the term to avoid unnecessary stress in coming weeks. This routine will become part of their tool kit and modus operandi when they approach VCE. Later in the term they will undertake specific tuition in how to prepare a study revision programme and be exposed to a range of memory and learning techniques.

• General Achievement Test (GAT)

All students undertaking a Unit 3 VCE subject will be undertaking the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday the 7th of June, 2016. – The GAT is a three hour test, undertaken by all students enrolled in one or more Unit 3 / 4 studies. The results have been used in statistical moderation of course work against exam performance and in the calculation of derived examination scores should an unforeseen event (accident, illness etc) occur which results in your son missing a final VCE- exam conducted in October and November.

Given that two of the major Victorian Universities have begun to refer to students GAT results when contemplating third round course entry offers the GAT has taken on a greater significance than ever before. Thus students need to adopt a positive attitude and undertake some preparation to- prepare for the GAT. Past GAT papers are available form the KRC for practice and revision purposes.

Edmund Rice Day

On Thursday, May 5, 2016 the SPC community celebrates Blessed Edmund Rice. The day’s activities encapsulate the touchstones of EREA: Gospel spirituality though the celebration of the Eucharist, Justice and solidarity through the funds raised for charity via the Walkathon, Inclusive Community — all are encouraged and expected to attend – and Liberating Education via ‘SPC Has Talent’. This whole of College event is a significant day in our calendar as it affirms and celebrates all that we stand for. Please encourage your son’s attendance and support for the day.

May Gods peace be with you and your families.-

Mrs Elizabeth Ryan

Director of Senior School