Farewells

With just a few weeks left of the term, there is much activity to conclude this academic year and prepare for the next.

Some significant events have occurred this week in relation to the conclusion of Year 12. On Wednesday evening, students and staff enjoyed a pre-Valedictory meal together at Russell’s in Willunga. It was lovely to see the students looking relaxed and socialising together as a year level for the final time as students.

Last night marked the concluding ceremony for these students as their Valedictory Service. Here we formally acknowledged the students’ graduation and individual student achievements – academic and personal.

I would like to extend a thank you to all staff who contribute to this significant event. It is very special to share in the formalities of the evening as well as the less formal refreshments afterwards.

Well done to the class of 2018 in all of their academic endeavours.

A group of Year 12 students left for an alternative experience to ‘Schoolies’ this morning of this week. Thank you to Mr Richard Rowe and Ms Courtney Blake for the organisation of the Shepparton Mission Trip. Students will work with a church community in Shepparton before visiting Melbourne and returning to Adelaide after some team work and well-deserved rest. I wish students and staff attending a fantastic time.

I look forward to the release of the Stage 2 subject results on Tuesday 18 December. Students are reminded that these results are released online and access to this information depends on the use of a unique set of details. Should students have misplaced this information, they are encouraged to contact Mrs Simes in order to obtain a replacement. Students and families are reminded that the College will be open on this day should students wish to visit and staff will be available for advice if required.
 

Transitions

As our Year 12s leave us after 13 years of education, we arrange for students to move into a transition experience to prepare them for the expectations of the next stage of their education. Students currently in Years 9, 10 and 11 have a customised experience of the next year level to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Year 11 students will experience a week of transition next week from Monday 26 to Friday 30 November. This schedule begins with a CRAVE Seminar held externally followed by four days of lessons where students will be provided with year level information such as ICT requirements, Stage I SACE information, expectations for work submission and hearing from recent Year 12 graduates about the experience of Year 12. Students will also spend two lessons with each of their subject teachers in order to experience an introduction to the course for each subject.

Year 10 students will have a similar experience with three days of formal transition into Year 11 commencing on Monday 3 December through to Wednesday 5 December (Week 8). In this time students will be introduced to the expectations of Stage I SACE and spend a double lesson with each subject teacher where they will be advised of the expectations of each course.  A further non-compulsory offering is in place for students on the following Thursday and Friday (6-7 December) when they can attend a Barista Course or complete a Senior First Aid Course. Students are encouraged to sign up for these opportunities if interested as there are still limited places available.

Year 9 students are welcomed into the Senior School on Thursday 6 December with a day of transition. This experience will provide a taste of Senior School and the purpose is to introduce students to the expectations and routines of Senior School life as well as beginning relationship building with Home Class, Subject and Year Level Teachers. It can be an apprehensive time for Year 9 students and this transition is designed to allay nerves and answer questions about becoming a Senior School student.
 

Stationery

For all Senior School Students, stationery orders are important. Once student courses are confirmed, please ensure you make your book-list orders online through Lighthouse Books. The earlier that the orders are made, the better since this will mean that stationery will be delivered before the school year begins. You will be contacted with the details for this in the next week if it has not already occurred.
 

Summer School

Summer School will be offered in Week 8 for all Year 10 and 11 students who would like to complete their subject seminar work at the College with access to the library, resources and subject teachers. For some, this is a positive way to conclude the transition experience and a great way to dedicate time to the completion of tasks before a well-deserved break can begin.
 

Doorways to Construction

It was great to see so many parents able to attend the introduction session to the Doorways to Construction VET Course on Wednesday afternoon this week. We are proud of our capacity to deliver Vocational Education and Training on site and this course provides an excellent opportunity for students who are interested in obtaining a trade to experience a taste of construction trade skills.

Thank you to Mr Proeve, Mr Mosel and Mrs Templeman for their work with this program. We are currently developing additional educational experiences to support this subject and will release these at the beginning of the 2019 academic year. The students who have earned a place on this course have done so through an application and interview process. Well done to you all and I look forward to seeing your work next year.

I wish all of our students and families a positive experience in this season of transition and anticipation of the future.

Yours in Christ.

Mrs Marylyn Marshall
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL