8 May - Western Heights College

8 May 2015
We s t e r n H e i g h t s C o l l e g e
PARENT NEWSLETTER
Learning Community Reports
Maths Competition
5277 1177
5215 0245
www.whc.vic.edu.au
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Some of the items
inside this issue
College Principal’s Report
Phone:
Fax:
1
3-9
5
May 13 - 15
Year 8 Camp at Wensleydale
May 13 - 15
VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies Otways Camp
Monday May 18
Year 7 Immunisation
Friday 29 May
Mufti Day - Gold coin donation
June 9 & 10
Year 10 Mid Year Exams
Library News
9-10
Wednesday June 10
GAT Exam for all students doing VCE Units 3 & 4
Pathways
10-11
Monday June 15
First day of Semester 1 - Year 10, 11 & 12 students
Community News
12-13
To provide and sustain an inclusive, stimulating and supportive community of skilled and creative learners
which enhances opportunities and pathways, personal growth and well-being of all its members.
FROM THE MIDDLE YEARS PRINCIPAL
- ROBYN ANDERSON
Our students praise the college for many different
reasons. The top two that I hear are; the great
teachers and the close connection the students have
with them, especially their mentors, and the breadth of
opportunities are offered to students. There is certainly
a vast array of opportunities and we encourage
students to grab hold of these and try something new,
challenge themselves and just see how much they can
achieve. In writing this article and listing the current
opportunities I am reminded how this is integral to our
college philosophy of encouraging students to achieve
their best in which ever arena of student life they’re
competing.
An example this week is the third of our College Sports
Carnivals, the College Cross Country. Students all
completed the course along the Barwon River from
Fyansford to Balyang Sanctuary. Many students, and
some staff, ran the course, 3 or 5 km depending on
their age, while others enjoyed the chance for a brisk
walk and talk along the river banks with class mates
and staff.
Students then enjoyed a BBQ lunch and
house activities where the healthy house rivalry was
evident. The perfect weather topped off this perfect day
for both students and staff. Once again the combination of a cross country run, BBQ lunch and afternoon of
activities was very successful. I thank Ms McCarthy,
House Leaders and Student Leaders for their
organisation of the day and to the staff and students for
their willing participation reinforcing this event as another college tradition. Students across many levels are
competing in interschool sport for a range of teams.
Our sports report indicates the success of these teams
and individuals and I congratulate them all, coaches
and participants.
Next week our Year 8 students set off on their Year 8
Camp to Wensleydale. This is a fantastic adventure
camp and I wish the Year 8 students and their teachers
all the best for their camp. A reminder that students who
are not attending camp are expected to attend school as
usual. A learning program will be running during the 3
days of camp, and as we expect every other day of the
school year, students are required too attend.
On Wednesday, staff were involved in a day of
professional learning, and being our ‘Year of Writing’ we
focussed on improving writing across the curriculum; in
each learning area and year level. Having the day to
work together to learn and develop learning strategies
and materials together is invaluable and very productive.
Time was also spent on consolidating our Positive
Behaviours Approach, the way in which we teach our
SOAR (Safety, Organisation, Achievement and Respect)
expectations to everyone, and also encourage and
reward when students are meeting the college
expectations.
Page 2
P r i n c i p a l ’s N e w s
NAPLAN testing is held next week on Tuesday 12,
Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May for all students in
Year 7 and Year 9. A letter has been circulated with the
details and I encourage any parents who have
questions to contact their child’s mentor teacher or
myself at the college. Students across all year levels
have also recently completed the Students Attitude to
School Survey, a DET survey that is administered at all
government schools. At Western Heights College our
planning and improvement strategies are based on data
and these two data sets contribute to this.. The Student
Attitudes to School data provides information on the
connection of students with their college and their
engagement in their learning which we use to inform our
planning of learning tasks and activities within the
learning communities. The NAPLAN testing provides
data on literacy and numeracy skills which are used
directly by teachers to plan appropriately levelled
learning tasks to cater for students learning needs.
The NAPLAN report to parents will be available at the
end of term 3 and will be distributed at the end of term 3
Student Led Conferences.
Our MyLe program, slate computers which continues to
be an essential element of the learning program across
all year levels. The use of OneNote, where teachers
save curriculum programs and learning tasks for
students, is constantly growing and being refined.
The curriculum and learning activities are accessible to
all students at any time on OneNote. The best aspect of
this is that students can access their learning on
OneNote 24/7 and it is updated whenever they are
connected to wifi.
We are providing learning
opportunities for staff to build their expertise in using
OneNote so that the programs delivered to our students
are second to none, stimulating your child’s learning
and encouraging their achievement. The extent of the
slates indispensability has been tested recently with a
delay in slate repairs from our supplier, LENOVO.
We apologise for any delay that a few students are
experiencing and we are doing everything that we can
to ensure that the effect of this situation is minimized
and rectified by the supplier quickly. Students are
expected to charge their slates each night and bring it
to school each day. When your child does not have
their slate, they should borrow a ‘day loan’ computer
from the library before the start of the school day and
return it after school.
The student selection process for 2016 Year 7 has
begun, with Year 6 students currently completing
preference forms before the end of May. Following our
most successful Information Evening at the end of last
term, tours for prospective Year 7 students and their
families are being held each Tuesday morning at
9:15am during May, beginning from the Administration
Centre.
Once again Western Heights College is
offering scholarships to incoming Year 7 students for
Academic Excellence, Performance Art and Community
Leadership.
The scholarships are valued at $3500 and include the
cost of the MyLe Slate PC and the Year 7 camp for
successful applicants. If you have a family member
beginning in Year 7 next year or you are aware of other
Year 6 students who are considering Western Heights
College, please encourage them to apply for a
scholarship and if they did not attend the Information
Evening to participate in a tour of the college. Scholarship Application Forms and further information are
available from the College Office or phone 5277 1177.
A reminder as the weather is growing colder about our
college uniform.
In colder weather students are
encourage to wear the college jumper and for extra
warmth and protection the college jacket. Hoodies are
not permitted, with the exception being the Year 12
students with their Year 12 College tops. A reminder
also that socks should be white. In winter girls have
the option of the Western Heights College kilt or grey
tailored pants, both available from Bellarine Uniforms in
Moorabool Street. Please note that navy pants or
leggings are not part of the college uniform. If you are
unsure of the uniform requirements please contact your
child's mentor teacher.
Robyn Anderson
Middle Years Campus Principal
COLLEGE
ABSENCE LINE
Please note that the college
absence line phone number has
changed.
Please phone 5277 1177
to report all student absences.
Page 3
Ye a r 7 N e w s
STEPPING IT UP IN TERM 2! RAISING THE BAR TO
GET THE MOST FROM STIMULATING LEARNING:
The Year 7 attendance has been excellent, with most
weeks having over 90 per cent of our students at
school. We can improve in the area of approved
absences. We are having an attendance competition in
the Year 7 Learning Community between the mentor
groups Congratulations to 7RD and 7KS students for
having the highest attendance over the past two weeks.
Students were rewarded with an extended recess.
Students who are absent and who have called in to let
us know what is happening for that day or subsequent
days if unwell or injured etc. are marked as explained
absences. This means that for their mentor group, the
absence is not UNAPPROVED. For known absences
please record these in your child’s planner stating the
date(s) your child will be absent. If your child is absent
for any reason please phone the college.
PREP:
Students in Year 7 should be spending 1 hour each
night on PREP which is being prepared for all classes
by completing work at home or spending time revising
completed work for a deeper understanding. The
following is an outline of what students should currently
be working on at home from their OneNote in Year 7 for
Literacy, Numeracy and MESH.

Literacy – Working on the narrative essay,
following the rubric and adding in elements that
have been suggested in the feedback rubric.
Due 19 May.
Reading the chunk section of novels each week,
completing their role for the week.

Numeracy – Completion of work unfinished in
class. Math Space questions each week.

MESH – Just because we can, should we?
Applying Climograph, completing introduction –
including why the topic was chosen (from
Monday Week 1) , applying longitude and latitude
co-ordinates for the area being investigated,
designing a food web for the environment.
If students have any questions or difficulties when
completing their PREP at home they are encouraged to
discuss this as soon as possible with their Mentor
Teacher.
SPORT:
Year 7 Inter – school sport is approaching fast. If your
child has signed up for a sport, they will attend
compulsory training sessions in order to attend the
selected sport. Students must attend all sessions to be
eligible for selection. Students will commence training
this week on Friday. If your child has training they may
wear their sports uniform to school or bring their PE
Uniform to change into at lunchtime.
UNIFORMS:
Alanah, Kaitlin and Emily
Zac in perfect uniform.
wearing the uniform with pride.
Year 7 students and parents are to be thanked for the
exceptional wearing of our uniform with pride. It is very
rare for students to be out of uniform and I encourage
everyone to keep this up. This term, there have been a
number of woollen jumpers left around the space or in
the yard. Please ensure that your child’s name is clearly
written on the tag so that we can have the jumper
returned to the correct student.
CO–LEADERS & PATHWAYS:
Our co-leaders met with Tracey (MIPs Coordinator) last
Friday to discuss career pathways. This leadership
group will be meeting on a regular basis and talk about
the future and options for careers. The students will
lead the visit to Deakin University later in the year,
outlining areas of interest they will set up to view at the
university.
Well done to Tracey and all of our
co–leaders.
DOJO and SOAR AMBASSADORS:
We are reaching exciting times in our reward system in
the Year 7 Learning Community. Our weekly
assemblies continue to excite our students, with 5 or
more students drawn out every week for following our
SOAR expectations. The raffle bowl is overflowing
every week, meaning that most of our students are
meeting the expectations and receiving multiple raffle
tickets for this weekly draw. When students
demonstrate behaviours above and beyond our
expectations, they are rewarded DOJO points which will
be no surprise in the households of our Year 7
students.
Page 4
Ye a r 7 N e w s C o n t i n u e d … .
We have now reached over 10 students who have
accumulated 25 points which entitles them to a SOAR
AMBASSADOR card. Students place this in their
lanyard and special privileges are given to these
students who have worked hard to earn this card. I will
meet with all students who have received over 25 points
this Friday to discuss the first privileges they will be
entitled to. Students will have major input in this
process.
In addition to the daily privileges that students will
certainly have a voice into. I have also surveyed 14
students on where they would like to go for an
ambassador’s excursion to further acknowledge and
thank those students who have demonstrated our
SOAR expectations to the highest level. Once we get
20 students at this status, their first excursion will run.
I am confident that by the end of this week we will have
our 20 students!
Congratulations to our current SOAR ambassadors and
well done to all students who have received multiple
points, who are currently working hard to join the
ambassadors.
YEAR SEVEN ART:
Students are putting the finishing touches on to the
collaborative painting they have been working on for the
‘Reconciliation in the Park’ event. Their work will be on
display in the Geelong Art Gallery from 16 May to the 8
June. Leading up to this students have studied
Indigenous art and participated in an incursion with
Narana about Aboriginal culture and history.
Ye a r 8 N e w s
Over the past week our students have had the
opportunity to participate in our College Cross-Country
along the Barwon River, a break dancing workshop for
Performing Arts and have begun their new unit in MESH
on the ‘Environment’.
Additionally in Health and
Physical Education, our students have begun the
Sports Education Physical Education Program (SEPEP)
unit organising a round robin competition with and for
their peers.
As we look to week five, excitement is growing as our
students prepare for our Year 8 camp at Wensleydale,
North of Anglesea. The camp is from Wednesday
13 May until Friday 15 and will provide learning
experiences around camping, initiative activities and
adventure sports. Our students will learn to provide
shelter and meals for themselves.
My day at cross country
On 4 May 2015 we had cross country. We had the first
2 sessions of normal classes then during recess we had
to go to our house meetings and get our name ticked off
and get our name tags. The name tags were also used
for our free lunch.
After we got our name tags we had to go to the bus
stop. When the bus came, Yellow house got the first
bus and we went to our starting point near the
Fyansford hotel.
We had to go in to separate groups, the runners and
the walkers. The walkers had to wait for the runners to
go first so the runners had to run 3km and walk 2km or
they could run the whole distance. The walkers went
and the rest of the students enjoyed the 5km walk and
when they finished, they could choose a sausage or a
burger and a water. Next we had some games. The first
game was the sack race for the juniors and the intermediates then seniors. After the sack races, we had the 3
legged race then the water balloons toss. The winning
house was green house in the novelty events.
The winner of the whole day was red house.
Brandon Cottle
YEAR 8 ART TONAL DRAWINGS IN CRAYON:
In Year 8 Art, students are drawing portraits of famous
people and learning how to use light, medium and dark
tones. They will also be choosing a portrait from the
Middle Ages, Renaissance, Modern Masters or
Australian Archibald competitors to analyse. They will
be looking at techniques, styles and the use of art
elements.
Annette Urquhart
Art Teacher
Michelle Roth
Year 7 Learning Community Leader
Mr Nicholas Chudoschnik
Year 8 Learning Community Leader
Page 5
Ye a r 9 N e w s
TERTIARY FUTURES PROGRAM:
This year, Western Heights Year 9 staff and students,
in conjunction with The Gordon Technical College,
have been involved in a trade taster trial program.
Each Thursday, all of Year 9 attends the East Geelong
and City campuses and experience a day’s training in
trades as diverse as Painting and Decorating, Hair and
Beauty, Brick laying, Interactive Digital Media and
Automotive crash repair. The course runs for ten
weeks and students trial five different trades.
Students wear standard safety equipment for their
trade and have an introductory theory session for each
trial trade every second week. Students have learnt a
lot about the trades they chose to trial and have
formed some strong opinions about whether trades are
right for them.
Ye a r 1 0 N e w s
CAFÉ Q:
We have been looking into different cooking methods in
class and identifying the correct methods for which
foods to cook. We have investigated and presented
menus to the class that consisted of 5 different cooking
methods. The class then voted on the best Entrée,
Main and Dessert. The winning dishes were: beef
sliders, chicken parmys and chocolate mousse éclairs.
We invited one special guest for the 3 course meal last
Tuesday. To wash it all down we made mocktails with
apple, pineapple, lime, mint and sugar syrup.
The room was set with table cloths, cutlery and fancy
napkins. All the quests loved the food and the feedback
was awesome.
Mr Luke Scott
YEAR 10 FOCUS ON WORK WORK EXPERIENCE:
We have seen students demonstrate some fantastic
skills.
There are some students that show the
attention to detail and persistence to be great at the
skills they were trialling. The staff have been really
happy with the students’ positive approach to the
opportunity and would like to thank the students that
demonstrated their maturity.
Mr Dale Thomson and Miss Tamika Lee
All students are currently securing their work experience
placements. Please have a conversation about where
your child is intending to do their work experience
during August 3-7. Students have dates and the time
line to return their work experience forms. Students are
completing a range of tasks in Advisory to prepare
themselves. Ask them to share these tasks with you on
their ONeNote.
These are important weeks in the Year 10 Community.
This week and next sees the culmination of several
weeks of hard work and reflection as we publish our two
written pieces in English. Our Writers’ Notebook task,
which allows students to choose a type of writing, is due
to be published at the next lesson. Additionally, our text
responses to the novel ‘Wonder’ are also due this week,
Any student who feels that they would benefit from any
extra support is welcome to come to the offices in the
Year 10 Community and speak with any English
teacher. Good luck!
Mr Roger Conron
Year 10 Learning Community Leader
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Ye a r 1 0 N e w s C o n t i n u e d … .
ALCOA FUTURE LEADERS OF INDUSTRY:
The Alcoa Future Leaders of Industry (AFLOI) is a great
program for students in Years 9 and 10 who would like
to make a career in engineering and advanced manufacturing. On Tuesday 28 April I went to the launch of the
AFLOI program. The program participants met at
Geelong station in the morning. We then got on a bus
and went to Deakin University at Waurn Ponds. We did
some work readiness skills and then we went on a tour
of the engineering and computer science facilities at
Deakin. The computer science facilities were very
interesting. One of the gadgets we used was to simulate
the force required to move a ball through jelly. A small
robot arm was connected to a pen which was connected
to a computer screen. We had to hold the pen and move
the ball through the jelly piece on the computer screen.
We could actually feel the force of moving the ball
through the jelly just by holding the pen. Next, we saw a
much bigger robot arm which is used for driving and
flying simulations. Later in the afternoon we had the
official launch of the program, which was also attended
by parents and teachers. Each participant was presented a high visibility vest which we get to keep. Dr Mandy
D’Souza gave a very inspiring speech about career
options in engineering. We were then given a tour of the
Carbon Nexus Facility at Deakin. This is a pilot plant for
manufacturing carbon fibres for further research and
development on performance and usage applications.
By Farzan Karkaria - Year 10 Student
DEAKIN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
CHALLENGE:
On Friday, March 26, nine students from Years 9 and
10 competed at the Deakin Science and Engineering
Challenge against students from six other schools
around Geelong. Seven students completed two
activities such as building a bionic hand and building
the strongest tower. Two students built a bridge with
limited materials and then demonstrated how strong it
was in front of everyone at the challenge. All activities
required students to brainstorm, construct and test
their creations. Each activity was given a particular
amount of points and were added up in the end. WHC
came second in the bridge building competition and
sixth overall on the day. Students who attended the
Challenge said they had ‘a fantastic day experiencing
the world of science and engineering’, ‘a great day and
fun experience’ and ‘a lot of fun’.
YEAR 10 SILVER DUKE OF EDINBURGH CAMP:
The students involved in Silver Duke of Edinburgh
participated in their recent Qualifying Adventurous
Journey Camp which involved 3 days of bushwalking &
camping along the Great Ocean Walk. The second day
was the hardest which involved walking 14km up and
down hills and along the beach with our heavy packs
on. We also were involved in picking up plastic rubbish
along the beach which highlights to us the
problem with plastic in our society. We all enjoyed the
warm campfire, toasted marshmallows, yummy
damper and campfire stories on the last night.
Mr Gary Beasley
Duke of Ed Teacher
PLAYERS WANTED FOR NEWTOWN
HOCKEY CLUB
Players wanted for U13, U15 and
U17 teams.
Competition April to August, matches
Saturday/ Sunday morning.
No experience necessary.
All welcome.
Enquiries - Claire Barnes,
0417 015130,
www.newtownhockeyclub.com.au
Page 7
Ye a r 1 1 N e w s
Although Term 2 is only been three weeks, I can’t help
but think how eventful this term has been already, and
how much we still have to fit in!
Semester One is rapidly coming to a close as we
approach the GAT on Wednesday, June 10.
Shortly students will be issued with the exam timetable
for semester one subjects. These will be held on
Tuesday 9 and Thursday the 11 June and are arranged
around the GAT. Any VCE Unit 1 subject will have an
exam. The importance of students preparing and
attending these types of assessments cannot be over
stated. It is expected that all students completing VCE
Unit 1 subject sit the subject’s exam. Over the next few
weeks, we will provide advice and help in Advisory to
assist students with there preparation.
Last Thursday in Advisory Paul and Sarah from Deakin
University facilitated study skills programs for the VCE
and VCAL students. Sarah worked through a program
to help the VCAL students in completing their VET
logbooks and work in their applied learning program.
Paul Newitt from Deakin University worked with the
VCE students. Two of our VCE students Adam
Freestone and Alex Lapore were asked to reflect on
this presentation.
“Paul from Deakin University came down to give us tips
on how we can improve on our study, keeping
organized and on top of all our work successfully.
We went through a book called “Study Success” where
we were instructed to read these little questions and
then depending on what you chose, it reflected if you
needed to improve on time management, concentration
or reading for example.
Adam Freestone - Year 11 Student
“Secrets and tips to effectively studying and being
successful in school were explored last Thursday
morning delivered by a guest speaker from Deakin
University. I first identified areas of my strengths and
weaknesses through activities in the booklet we
received followed by how to improve what we lacked.
Other activities, including behavioral traits and study
habits common among students were also explored.
Time management and prioritizing work, management
of and factors that cause stress, coping with
distractions, preparation tips in for exams and
organizational strategies including weekly and yearly
planners were also explored. Ultimately, the common
study and behavioral traits among young students were
identified and how to improve your school life balance
was explored. Mainly the ability to successfully and
effectively study in order to achieve the best possible
outcomes in school and still have adequate hours
outside of study in one’s life, such as time with family,
recreational activities, working and more. I now aim to
apply the study and behavioral strategies I got out of
the program into my schooling in hope I can achieve
the best outcome.”
A special thanks to Tracey Jeffery for organizing this.
Alex Lepore - Year 11 Student.
This week we received a water vending machine from
the Unite Geelong Foundation, the charity arm of the
Cotton On company. This was placed in the foyer of
the VCE building. For $2 students and staff can
purchase bottled water with all proceeds going towards
homeless youth in Geelong to “empower them to learn
more, participate more and understand more.” Further
posters and information will also be provided to
improve the students understanding of this project.
A special thanks must go to Matt Kinnia from Year 11
who organized this great idea.
I must also thank Kiana Van Der Pol for providing a
microwave oven for the student kitchenette.
Matt and Kiana’s actions are just a few examples of
how the Year 11 students support each other.
Congratulations must also go to group of Year 11
students who debuted during week one of this term.
These students helped organize and ran this event
which is a fantastic effort.
Finally, congratulations to all those who attended the
Cross Country last Monday. This was an excellent day
thanks to Marli McCarthy for her organization of this
event, made even more difficult after having her
wisdom teeth out!
YEAR 11 STUDIO ARTS EXCURSION:
VCE Unit 1 Studio Arts class visited Federation Square
on Friday to view ‘Start Up’, the VCE TOP ARTS. They
also spent time photographing the streets of Melbourne
and developing their confidence using Digital SLR
cameras. It was a fantastic day out and the Western
Heights College can be proud of the way these
students represented our community.
Mr Brett Bullock
Year 11 Learning Community Leader
Page 8
Ye a r 1 2 N e w s
ENGLISH ORAL ASSESSMENTS:
Congratulations to all Year 12 English students who
recently completed their oral assessments. These took
place in the PAF Theatre, with each student scheduled
a time over a two day period. Each student prepared
and delivered an oral presentation on a current topic to
a panel of assessors and guests. It was a privilege to
be a panel member, I was impressed with the obvious
research, preparation and poise evident in each of the
speakers. Many complimented their oral presentation
with visual props.
School Captains Courtney Simpson and
Nick Christiansen representing Western Heights
College in the War Memorial for the
Geelong Schools Anzac Day Service
Michael James gives the panel the thumbs up at the
completion of his presentation.
CROSS COUNTRY:
Well done to the Year 12 students who supported our
recent College Cross Country event. We had students
who led the way running in a very competitive manner
and others that enjoyed the walk along the Barwon
River on a beautiful autumn day. Aaron Down led the
way, as first runner over the line in the 5km event.
Congratulations to each of these Year 12 students
who were once again great role models.
Kellie Goodall presenting her English Oral Assessment
to the panel comprising
Mrs. Tyzack, Ms. Sirotich and Mrs. Jansen
GEELONG SCHOOLS ANZAC SERVICE:
On 24 April, Nick and I went to Johnson Park to celebrate the Anzacs with a range of other secondary and
primary schools from all over the Geelong region. The
war memorial was filled to the brim with students,
teachers and guests who were all there to pay their
respects with 2 students from each school laying a
wreath. The ceremony showed that the Anzac sprit is
still alive in the younger community with a memorable
celebration of the Anzacs life and their sacrifice for us.
It was a great pleasure to be involved and Nick and I
are very proud of the youths in our community and
their participation is a special celebration such as this.
Thanks to Ms. Hammond for taking us to the event.
Courtney Simpson
College Captain
GAT:
General Achievement Test (GAT) for all students
studying at least one VCE 3 & 4 Study
The GAT will be held on Wednesday June 10, 2015.
It is an important part of VCE assessment procedures
and all students enrolled in one or more VCE Studies
or a scored VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 must sit the GAT
(that includes Year 11 students enrolled in one VCE
unit 3&4 study).
It is a test of general knowledge and skills in the areas of



Written communication
Mathematics, science and technology
Humanities, the arts and social sciences
Page 9
Ye a r 1 2 N e w s C o n t i nu e d … .
While the GAT results do not contribute directly to a
student’s VCE results, they play an important role in
checking that school based assessments and examinations have been accurately assessed. This means
that GAT scores may be used to even out marking
differences that may occur from school to school.
The GAT will be used as part of a final check on
examination scores. If a student’s final examination
score is significantly different from the score predicted
by the GAT, school indicative grades and any other
examination scores for the study, their examination
will be assessed again by the Chief Assessor.
A student whose performance on an examination is
affected by the onset of illness, accident or personal
trauma may apply for a Derived Examination Score.
All applications for a Derived Examination Score are
assessed by a trained, external panel. If an application
is approved, a student’s GAT scores will be used in
the calculation of the Derived Examination Score.
Also Monash University may use the GAT in their
selection process.
So as you can see the GAT is a valuable assessment
devise and it is important that all students take it seriously and try their hardest when completing the GAT.
The GAT is a 3 hour exam and is made up of 3 parts

Writing task 1 (30 minutes)

Writing task 2 ( 30 minutes)

70 multiple –choice questions ( 2 hours)
Students are to remain in the examination room for
the entire 3 hours.
Student doing the GAT will receive further information
regarding the GAT in the coming weeks, but if you
want further information it can be accessed at http://
www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vce/exams/gat/
aboutgat.aspx#H2N10055
Here you will find information about the use of the
GAT, instructions for completing the GAT as well as
being able to access previous GAT papers.
Nicole Henry
Year 12 Teacher
Ms Kerrie Hammond
Year 12 Learning Community Leade
S t u d e n t We l l b e i n g
& E n ga ge m e n t N e w s
Another fantastic fortnight has passed here at WHC and
another is well on its way! From our perspective as the
Wellbeing Team, the college collectively is moving full
steam ahead – in every Learning Community, our
students are busy and the staff are working hard.
Staff this week are eagerly involved in a Professional
Development Day. This day was a fantastic opportunity
for staff to increase their skills and understandings
around the Positive Behaviours Approach, Writing and
Instructional Practices.
The College Cross Country was also held this week and
was a fantastic day. Student were in great spirits, in full
voice and there was a colorful array blue, green red and
yellow as students supported their team.
The college continues to stress the absolute importance
of attendance – it is NOT OK to be away! We will make
every reasonable effort possible to ensure students are
here, are learning and receive the best supports we can
offer. Please do not hesitate to contact the college with
any concern, no matter how small or insignificant you
may think it is, regarding student engagement. Your
student’s mentor, learning community staff and the wellbeing team are always keen to listen and assist.
Mr Paul Rogers and the Wellbeing Team
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L i b ra r y N e w s
@ THE LIBRARY:
Parents and our local community are very important
members of our College Library. Did you know that in
addition to our excellent Western Heights College
collection, we are also a branch of the Geelong
Regional Library Corporation?
We are one of many branches serving Geelong, with
most of the features of any other Regional Library
branch. If you aren’t a Library member, please come in
and visit us, where the staff can assist you in joining
the Library and explaining all it has to offer.
In addition to the three clubs we run for students
Bookworms Book Club, Chess Club and Craft Club, we
also run a popular Parents and Friends Book Club, and
you are very welcome to join us!
This adult Book Club runs in the College Library on the
1st Wednesday of every month from 7pm – 8pm. There
is no specific book to read – we chat about our
favourite books and authors, recommend good reads
to each other, share our reading, have a laugh and
of course borrow some books for leisure reading.
You are very welcome to attend!
At the moment I am reading “Summer House with
Swimming Pool” by Herman Koch, what are you
reading?
Ms. Kerrie Sirotich
College Librarian
Sports News
SENIOR BOYS FOOTBALL REPORT:
On Tuesday 5 of May, the Year 11 and 12 boys set out
to McDonalds Reserve to represent Western Heights
College and to play football against other schools. At
the beginning of the day, the senior boys didn't really
have high expectations of themselves. However, they
were all wanting to play as a team, not as individuals,
and play hard football. Which is exactly what the boys
did on the day. All of the team members worked hard
together and did their part, whether it was on the field
or off the field, and this was definitely evident in the
games they played. The first football game they played
was against Geelong High School and it was a very
exciting game for the team to start off the day with as
they were able to win the game with the score of 3:4 (3
goals and 4 behinds) to 2:2 (2 goals and 2 behinds).
So the boys were on a high when they played
their second game against Lara Secondary College
which they were also able to win with the score of 4:4
to 0:1. After their second win, the boys had a bit of a
lunch break, which gave them the opportunity to also
watch the next school they were going to play against
which was Surf Coast Secondary College.
And this school was a team to beat, but that didn't worry the boys too much and they ended up winning the
game with the score of 0:2 to 0:0.
So it was definitely a hard game to win, but that didn't
matter anymore to the boys because now they were in
the Grand Final. However, they were against even a
harder school which was the Grovedale College, but
the boys held their heads up high and when the Grand
Final began, the boys immediately put their heads
down to work and played hard football as a team. This
helped them to win the game with the score of 3:1 to
0:0. The Senior boys had a massive celebration after
and before coming back home to Western Heights College, they were all spoiled with a meal at good old
'Maccas.'
Elijah Robinson - Year 11 Student.
Pat h w a y s N e w s
CAREERS IN SPORTS MEDICINE EVENING
WEDNESDAY 27 MAY 2015:
Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre is conducting
their annual Careers in Sports Medicine evening. It is
an excellent introduction to the world of sports
medicine for secondary school students and we
encourage parents and teachers to attend.
For students to register for this event please go to:
http://www.trybooking.com/HCCF
For further information please see the website:
www.opsmc.com.au
YEAR 12 MANAGED INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS
(MIPS) APPOINTMENTS:
The Year 12 Managed Individual Pathways (MIPs)
appointments will be commencing this Thursday 7
May 2015. Each student will receive a letter with an
individual appointment time from their mentor teacher.
Here's a list of all Year 12 MIPs Appointments.
A copy of this list will be available on the Year 12
bulletin board. I will make the booking online for each
student and they will receive a web message as
confirmation. Students will also receive a web message
reminder closer to your appointment date.
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Pat h w a y s N e w s C o n t i n u e d … .
As always, SACs, excursions etc. take precedence so
if your child needs to reschedule their MIPs appointment they can do this online from the College Home
Page under Curriculum > MIPS Interviews.
Barwon Health Work Experience Program
Application Form
I am asking students please bring their laptop and
make their way to my office for their scheduled
appointment time, in the Administration Centre on the
side closest to the VCE Centre. Students and parents
can enter my office via the external back door, however
if I am in an appointment please enter the back door of
the building and take a seat on the comfy red couch!
Here's a copy of the Year 12 Career Action Plan 2015 that each student will be completing. I am asking
that students please complete the first section before
their MIPs appointment. This will ensure that we can
make the best use of our time together.
Parents are invited to come along to the interview so I
would encourage you to come along and support your
son or daughter. Parents are the most influential
adults in your child’s career choices so it would be
great if we could have as many parents as possible
attending the MIPs interviews. I can be contacted by
email ([email protected]) or on the
College number if you have any questions or concerns.
I look forward to meeting with the Year 12 students this
term.
YEAR 10 MANAGED INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS
(MIPS) APPOINTMENTS:
The Year 10 MIPs appointments are coming to an end.
It has been a great pleasure to meet with all of the
Year 10 students throughout Term 1 and the beginning
of Term 2. If you have any questions or concerns about
your Year 10 son or daughters MIPs appointment,
please let me know.
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM – SOME
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
The Year 10 students are making great process with
their work experience. If you have a child in Year 10
who is having trouble finding a placement, there are
some helpful resources on the school home page
under Curriculum > MIPs-Careers > Students MIPs
Resources and Links > Year 10.
The Careers in Health Work Experience program is
open for applications. This is a competitive program, so
I would encourage students who are interested to get
started on their application. Please return application
forms to me by Friday 19th June 2015.
UMAT REMINDER:
A reminder to Year 12 students – if you are thinking of
applying to study medicine, dentistry or a health
science at University next year, you will need to
register to sit the UMAT this year. Registrations close
at 5pm on 5 June and the UMAT is on 29 July 2015.
Check out the website for more information, including
practice exams: www.umat.acer.edu.au.
Victoria University’s Work Experience of a Lifetime
program gives Year 10 and 11 students the chance to
win an unforgettable work experience placement at one
of Australia’s top companies.
This exclusive access to an exciting company that
matches their study interests could powerfully shape
their future career and help them build industry networks.
Last year was a huge success, with the winning students gaining hands-on experience with leading companies such as Leo Burnett, The Just Group, Nova,
Honda and The Mushroom Group. The companies
participating this year will be announced shortly.
At Victoria University we are renowned for presenting
our tertiary students with outstanding with outstanding
work placements through high profile industry connections - now we are offering your students the same
opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Page 12
EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE PROGRAM:
During Term 2 and 3 we look forward to welcoming a range of guest speakers into our College to speak to students.
Please see below for upcoming dates, including the Australian Catholic University, Deakin University and The
Gordon. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend these events.
REMINDER – THE VCE CAREERS EXPO 2015:
A reminder that the VCE and Careers Expo for this year is coming up this weekend, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May
from 10am to 4pm at the Caulfield Racecourse. This is Australia’s biggest Careers Expo with 170 exhibitors providing VCE, tertiary course, career, study skills and gap year information and resources. Admission is $10 or $25 for
families and includes all seminars. For more details visit
www.vceandcareers.com.au
REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE WESTERN HEIGHTS COLLEGE CAREERS BLOG!
www.careerswhc.edublogs.org
Including monthly updates from each University, updates from VTAC, work experience opportunities and lots of other useful information.
SOME IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR:
Date
Time
Event
Friday 15 May
Lunchtime
Friday 1 June
12.45 – 2.30pm
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Hosted by a representative from
ACU
Deakin and The Gordon in your Careers Office 1
(Appointments with Sarah Stares,
Deakin University and Kirsty Cassidy, The Gordon)
VTAC Course Applications, SEAS
and Scholarship Applications Open
VTAC Applications Student Workshop 1
SEAS Applications – Parent and
Student Information Evening
Hosted by Sarah Stares, Deakin
University
Deakin and The Gordon in your Careers Office 2
(Appointments with Sarah Stares,
Deakin University and Kirsty Cassidy, The Gordon)
Monday 3 August
Thursday 13 August
Lunchtime
Monday 17 August
7pm
Friday 21 August
12.45 – 2.30pm
Monday 24 August
Lunchtime
Monday 31 August
Lunchtime
Thursday 3 September
Lunchtime
Tuesday 8 September
Lunchtime
Thursday 10 September
Lunchtime
Wednesday 30 September
SEAS Student Workshop 1
Hosted by Sarah Stares, Deakin
University
SEAS Student Workshop 2
Hosted by Sarah Stares, Deakin
University
VTAC Applications Student Workshop 2
VTAC Applications Student Workshop 3
VTAC Applications Student Workshop 4
VTAC Applications Close
Tuesday 6 October
SEAS Applications Close
Friday 16 October
Scholarships Applications Close
Friday 30 October
Change of Preference Closes
Monday 23 November
Change of Preference Re-opens
Monday 14 December
ATARs Released
Monday 21 December
Change of Preference Closes
Monday 18 January 2016
1st Round Offers
Thursday 4 February 2016
2nd Round Offers
Page 13
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Page 15
Community News
At Second Hand School Specialists you can buy and sell your second hand school stuff
through us.
We are always in need of uniforms or other school items for Western Heights College.
We sell on consignment which is a safe and secure way to sell your unwanted or
school stuff. Just drop it off to us and we'll sell it on your behalf.
Please check out our consignment terms and
conditions on our website
outgrown
www.secondhandschoolspecialists.com.au or email us on
[email protected]
WE ACCEPT CASH, EFTPOS, VISA AND MASTERCARD.
Trading hours:
Tuesday
3.30pm - 5.00pm
Wednesday 3.30pm - 5.00pm
Thursday
3.30pm - 5.00pm
Saturday (1st and 3rd of each month) 9am – 11am
EXPECT TO SAVE FROM 30% – 80% OFF NEW PURCHASE UNIFORM COSTS AT OUR STORE!!!
…..RECYCLE AND SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT…..
FREE PARKING OUTSIDE OF STORE
21b FAIRLIE STREET, HAMLYN HEIGHTS, 3215
Mobile 0400 350 652