N E W S L E T T E R

PO Box 1436 Mildura, 3502 (P) 03 5021 2911 (F) 03 5023 2440 Email: mildura.senior.co@edumail.vic.gov.auPrincipal Belinda HudakActing Assistant Principal Ineke Rogers Assistant Principal Andrew BanksBusiness Manager Yvonne Edwards

www.milsen.vic.edu.au

V O L 1 0 - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

It is a pleasure to reflect on another school year. We can be reminded of the amazing young people we support each day and how much they have achieved over the course of the year and their time at the College.

Congratulations to the student body, who this year continued to pursue high expectations both in the academic and extracurricular field. We build our expectations for our students around a consistent pursuit of our College values - respect, resilience, responsibility, independence and success. Although we have a strong focus on the academic outcome of our students, we clearly understand our role in the development of our students as they transition from secondary school to full time employment or further study beyond our College. It is through these values that we can support our students to leave our College more rounded and developed than when they first began.

For 2019 we will continue to have a focus on student growth and developing the capacity of our staff to cater to the individual

learning needs of our students. Our key improvement strategies are centred on:

• Implementation of a consistent whole school Instructional Model and ensuring a highly effective teacher Performance & Development Process that builds high-quality teacher practice and high-quality intervention strategies for students to meet improved learning goals

• Increasing school capacity to effectively monitor & track student growth and support students to become agents of their own learning and parents are better informed so they can become partners in their students learning journey.

This time of year sees us farewell the following teachers Glen Stephen, Amy Gretz, Reem Yunis and Graeme Smyth. A sincere thank you to these members of staff for their contribution to our school during their time at Mildura Senior College.

I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Marg Wilson, Jim Blue and Joanna Pangiotaros to our College leadership over many years. They will continue as senior teachers at the school. In 2019, we will welcome a newly formed leadership group to drive our school Improvement.

Thank you to our amazing teaching staff and Education Support Staff who continue to pursue our goals which will ensure the growth and learning for all students.

Thank you to our College Council President Mr John Bergin and to the College Council. The guidance and expertise of this talented group continues to ensure our growth and success.

I wish each and every one of you a safe and restful holiday and happy new year and look forward to seeing you in 2019.

Belinda HudakPrincipal

Jan 22-23 Book Collection/Fee PaymentJan 29 College Staff returnJan 31 Year 11 Students returnFeb 1 Year 12 Students returnFeb 12 PST Welcome NightFeb 28 Commencement Ceremony

2019

It is with great pleasure that we announce

the College Captains for 2019 are:

Captains: Rohullah Ataye and Eliza Bessell

Vice Captains: Jasper Lord and Madison Young

2019 College Captains and Vice Captains

Mildura Senior College Newsletter

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Assistant Principals’ ReportTransition and EnrolmentThe College Head Start program was a successful beginning to the transition into Year 12 for 2019 students. The program allowed students to begin their 2019 courses in Unit 3 and 4 subjects. We had a small number of Year 10 students join us on one of the three days to undertake the Unit 3 and 4 subjects they will study when in Year 11 in 2019.

The enrolment sessions from the 26th– 28th of November saw approximately 950 students enrol and confirm their 2019 subject selections. The Second Hand Book program has assisted many students to purchase their 2019 texts at significantly reduced prices.

The Orientation program occurred over 3 days from the 11th to the 13th December. We hope this has been a smooth transition for Year 11 students to the Senior College in 2019. We also provided an opportunity for students to change subjects on the 13th of December, which went smoothly.

Student WellbeingFor students transitioning to the College, please ensure all medical, student and parent/carer contact details and numbers are kept current. This is important to support the work of the Wellbeing Team.

Special ProvisionStudents who will require Special Provision Applications for 2019 should have been in contact with Martha Maiorana or Anne Symes over the enrolment period. If you are unsure of the process or if you can apply please contact Martha or Anne at the College.

GraduationThis is a very special event for the College and once again, it was a highly enjoyable night. It was also The College's first staging of the event at Chaffey Secondary College and we thank them for their generosity in allowing us to use the facility. The occasion recognises the success and achievements of ALL graduates. Obtaining a Year 12 Certificate is not easy and we congratulate each and every graduate and their families on this achievement.

Student Reports – Year 11 StudentsYear 11 Semester Reports are included in this mail out. Year 11 students who are returning next year, should take the time to reflect on teacher comments and plan how they can improve in 2019.

Student Progress Reports 2019We will continue with our Student Learning Profiles (SLP’s) in 2019. Parents are reminded that these reports can be accessed on line through our Compass Parent Portal and can be accessed via any device including smartphones. Parents will receive further information about the Portal early in 2019, as well as our first Parent/Student/Teacher Conference.

2019 School YearYear 12 students will start on Friday 1st February. If Year 12 students were given any “Holiday Homework” at Head Start, this needs to be completed before school returns.

Year 11 students’ start on Thursday 31st January and teachers officially return on Tuesday 29th January.

VCE Summer Holiday LecturesIf you are considering attending some Revision Lectures during January 2019 to gain a further insight into your Year 12 studies, the following organisations will be running sessions:www.neap.com.au www.tsfx.com.auwww.accesseducation.com.au

ReportsYear 11 students receive their Semester 2 reports in this mail out. Year 12's receive a Statement of Results from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).

Thank You & Seasons GreetingsWe wish all students who are not returning to MSC in 2019 all the best for the next phase of their lives, be it employment, travel or further study. To those who are returning in 2019, be prepared for the challenge and make the most of your opportunities next year.

We would also like to take the opportunity to thank all parents for their support during 2018 and to congratulate all of the students on their results and hard work throughout the year. Thank you to our dedicated staff for their hard work. We hope you all have a happy and safe Festive Season and find the opportunity to spend time with your family.

Ineke Rogers (Acting) and Andrew BanksAssistant Principals

Around the CollegeIVET Student Excellence AwardsEach year the IVET Institute invite applications for the Student Excellence Awards (8 x $500 award to assist with post-secondary studies) In 2018 we had over 100 entries, which was a fantastic result. The awards are designed for students who have consistently applied themselves to their studies throughout the year and have demonstrated a high level of commitment and passion in their chosen VET subject. The students and schools listed below have been notified of their successful application and we would like to congratulate them by putting their names “Up in Lights” this Term.

Adam Maggs: St Joseph’s College Ferntree Gully Certificate III Information, Digital Media and Technology

Amelia Hill: Mildura Senior College Certificate II Business

Ben Firt: Northcote High School Certificate III Sport and Recreation

Jake Penman: Euroa Secondary College Certificate III Sport and Recreation

Riley Young: Williamstown High School Certificate II Community Services

Kennedy Scicluna: Victoria University Secondary College Certificate III Sport and Recreation

Natasha Campbell: Hume Valley School Certificate II Creative Industries

Courtney Taylor: Mooroopna Secondary College Certificate II Community Services

A huge congratulations to Amelia Hill!!

Mildura Senior College Newsletter

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Australian Business Week 2018 for The MildurianIn mid Term 3, Year 11 Business Management students participated in the annual ‘Australian Business Week’ and got a real taste of the inner workings of how to run a company.

The week long business activity held in the school gymnasium this year, saw the students form six company teams with each team taking over a simulated hotel business with the aim of developing student’s business entrepreneurial, teamwork, communication and negotiation skills.

Mildura Senior College staff and students would like to thank the many local businesses whom supported the ABW program by donating sponsorship prizes for students. Also acknowledge the time and support given by the local business community personnel from La Trobe University, SuniTafe, SMGT, Crowe Horwath, DMH Partners and NMLLEN whom mentored students throughout the week, and also the many judges and guest speakers from the local business community.

Supporting Our Community“On Wednesday 21 November, the Afgahn Hazara community in Mildura held Candle Lit Vigil at Nowingi Place. It was held to show support to the grieving families who lost some of their loved ones in recent extremist attacks on their area in Afghanistan. Many of our Afghan students belong to the Hazara Shiite minority which is persecuted by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Our school sent a wreath to convey our sympathy with the grieving families. Our own EAL coordinator, Jane Moglia gave a speech to the crowd on behalf of Mildura Senior College, Chaffey Secondary College and the other schools where the Afghani children attend. The families were very appreciative for the teachers’ attendance. We send our condolences to our students’ families and wish them well at this difficult time ”

Reem Yunis

Photo of Australian Business Week Grand Champion Company Team - ‘Hotel Di Caprio’

Centre NewsVTAC (VICTORIAN) Change of Preference Information - To make changes to your course preferences once your ATAR is released can be found at the link below.

http://www.vtac.edu.au/applying/courses/cop.html‘Change of Preference’ periods will be re-opened between offer rounds. Applicants who have changed their mind about which course they want to study will simply adjust their preferences after an offer round, irrespective of whether or not they have received an offer. There are 5 change of preference rounds in Victoria. (See p. 50 of the student copy of the VTAC Yr11 &12 Guide, which each student received in July.)

How does change of preference work?Change of preference will reopen after each offer round, and close before the next one (until the last round). While change of preference is open, you can add, remove, and re-order your preferences as many times as you like. Use the arrow keys to move courses up or down. Do not delete a course unless you do not wish to be considered for an offer. If you remove some courses you cannot get them back as a preference e.g. Medicine.

Applicants can change their preferences between offer rounds. The deadline for each offer round can be found in the table on p. 50 of the student copy of the VTAC Yr11 &12 Guide

SATAC (South Australian) Change of PreferenceSACE results for South Australian students are released 8.30 am Tuesday 18 December 2018. Students can contact SATAC on 1300138 440 (local call charge) to find out your adjusted score for SA, around the 21st or 22nd December. Year 12 students who have submitted a SATAC application for UNDERGRADUATE degree courses still have time to change their preferences. The change of preference deadline is Thursday 3rd January 2018. In the MY APPLICATION section of the SATAC website students will be able to log into their account with their User Name and Password (created when the student set up their SATAC account in August/Sept.), & access ‘Current Services for Applicants’ and select and select change the course preferences. Students can then ADD courses or alter the ORDER of the course preferences BY RENUMBERING the course preferences.

Change of Preference University HotlinesGoogle any University for their Change of Preference help

Year 11 Student Studying a Year 12 Subject

If you have studied a year 12 subject in Year 11 VCAA will send you a copy of your year 12 subject result if you did not register to access your results by 13 December, 2018.

Students Seeking Non Tertiary Options - Employment, Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Cadetships, Work

The MSC Careers Website provides valuable information regarding employment and further study in the ‘For students’ section under Job Vacancies.

If you need any assistance the staff at the Careers Centre Lavina Hamilton & Nick Goodieson are available to assist you from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm from Monday to Friday until Thursday 20th December and from January 18th by appointment.

Lavina Hamilton - Careers & Tertiary Advice Co-ordinatorNick Goodieson - Workplace Transition Coordinator

Mildura Senior College Newsletter

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F R O M

M I L D U R A S E N I O R C O L L E G E

Bus Travel Buslink Sunraysia wish to provide information regarding your child’s 2019 school bus travel.

BUS ROUTES: Currently there are no changes to our bus routes.

For time and pick up location / drop off points, you can visit our website http://buslink.com.au/your-bus-service/mildura/ scroll down to the “Getting to and from school” drop down menu and source the travelling requirements from there. These are also in printable format.

Please feel free to contact our friendly office staff for further information if you require.

Conveyance Allowance Eligibility for Victorian Conveyance passes is sourced via your co-ordinating school, not the bus lines.

Please note Buslink’s Conveyance pass guidelines:

• Pass valid 7 days / week at any time during the School Term only

• Pass cannot be used for travel on NSW bus services

• Pass is issued subject to prior approval by Department of Education and Training

• Pass must be presented upon boarding the bus or on demand by an Inspector or a fare must be paid

• If you relocate to a different address and your child is no longer eligible for the conveyance allowance, the conveyance card must be returned immediately to the co-ordinating school as it will no longer be valid.

Term Or Yearly Bus Passes If your child is not eligible for the Conveyance Allowance and you

do not wish to provide cash for a daily or weekly ticket, you can

obtain a Term or Yearly bus pass from the Buslink Sunraysia office.

This type of pass is a pre-paid travel pass and the concession fare

applies to students 16 and under.

You will need to provide a passport sized photo of your child and

cheque or cash payments are accepted.

Currently Public Transport Victoria has not released the 2019

fares however, to give an indication of the 2018 term fares:

• Term 1: $94.40 – 8 weeks, 3 days

• Term 2: $119.20 – 10 weeks, 3 days

• Term 3: $112.00 – 10 weeks

• Term 4: $121.60 – 10 weeks, 4 days

NB: these fares are the 2018 fares.

The 2019 fares may rise. Please phone the Buslink office in early

January to obtain the new fares and fees of the pass.

If you decide this type of pass is the best option for you, it would

be appreciated if you can organise it with the Buslink office staff

during the school holiday period.