Dear Families, Students and Community Members,
This year the Senior School has been extremely busy, and the focus has been on raising the achievements of our students whilst maintaining our ethos of care and support. As the year draws closer to an end we have many successes and achievements to celebrate.
Our Year 12 VCE students have now officially finished coursework and exams and are no doubt enjoying a well-earned rest. Our VCAL students have also completed the outcomes of their program and are making plans for their future apprenticeships or training. It can be a somewhat difficult time, as they are no longer driven by their daily lesson schedule; they are not spending time in class with peers with whom they have been so close for many years; they are not being guided and supported on a daily basis by the teachers they now know so well. Yet, it is also an exciting time; the start of the next chapter in their lives; a time of opportunity. On Tuesday 24 October, the entire College community formally said farewell to the Year 12s at their Final Assembly – it was fantastic to see so many parents, families and friends there to acknowledge their achievements and to join us at the morning tea which followed. They further celebrated their graduation with their families and teachers at the Valedictory Dinner, held at Southern Golf Club on Friday 27 October. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Time Capsule, buried by the students back in Year 7!
The members of the 2017 student leadership team have been a delight to work with and they have provided us with lots of useful feedback and ideas on which we can build in the future. It is an extremely exciting time at Mordialloc College as we move to the future with even higher expectations and more aspirational goals for all our students. I look forward to working with the student leadership team for 2018 who were recently appointed, and the Year 10 cohort who have now joined us in the Senior School for Head start.
It is really important that all students are working hard during Head start and that they complete holiday homework by the due date. We will be working closely with students to ensure they have chosen the appropriate pathway and that they are managing their time effectively. We continue to encourage students to remain in school at the end of the school day to study in the Senior Study Centre or meet with their teachers for extra help if required.
The first day back for Year 12 is Wednesday 31 January 2018 when there will be an alternative program arranged. Attendance is compulsory for all VCE and VCAL students. For Years 10 and 11, the first day is Thursday 1 February 2018. A normal schedule of lessons will be in place for this day.
I wish everyone in Senior School a very happy and safe Christmas holiday and look forward to celebrating their achievements in the new academic year.
Mrs Jo Greenhalgh
Director of Senior School