vol 6 - september 2021 principals report

PRINCIPALS REPORTI would like to extend my thanks to all of our school community for their amazing work during the recent lockdown and Remote Learning period. It is hard to believe that we are at the end of Term 3 and our Year 12 students only have a few weeks left of scheduled classes. It has been a challenging time for many students as they balance completion of the year, preparation for exams and start to plan for 2022. Many students can feel unsettled by the upcoming change. Staying focused on the completion of their course work and maximising their learning time is pivotal to their success.It’s also important during this busy, and sometimes stressful period, to focus on wellbeing. There are great resources online at Headspace and our Wellbeing Team is also here to help.https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-reduce-stress-and-prepare-for-exams/ Student AchievementThe Term 3 holidays are a time of study and revision for students undertaking Year 12 studies but it is also important to rest and recharge.Exam Tip sheets are a great source of guidance for parents to know how to assist their student with their Year 12 exam preparation. These are available to parents through our COMPASS portal. Homework Club for Year 12’s will run in the second week of the holidays from 8:30am – 12:30pm in the College Library. It’s a great way to stay in a routine, complete work and kick off the exam period. We will let you know if anything changes in this space.Students are encouraged to review the most recent SLP and use the time over the holidays to catch up on any overdue work.The Sub-School leaders are also focused on communicating with parents of students that are finding school difficult and support them with intervention strategies and modified programs where required. If you have any concerns please contact us.

Belinda Hudak Principal

We would like to respectfully acknowledge the Wemba Wemba People and the Millewa-Mallee People and their Clans; Latje Latje, the Nyeri Nyeri and Ngintait, the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which we meet and pay our respects to the Elders both past, present and emerging.

PO Box 1436, Mildura 3502 (P) 03 5021 2911 (F) 03 5023 2440 Email: [email protected] Belinda HudakAssistant Principal Ben Milsom Assistant Principal Andrew Banks Business Manager Jade Jackson

www.milsen.vic.edu.au

N E W S L E T T E RVOL 6 - SEPTEMBER 2021

Facebook Instagram

Music LaunchThis year Mildura Senior College boasts magnificient talent!We are very lucky to have the chance to not only listen to the wonderful voices of our musical talent, but watch them grow and develop as performers.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 Restrictions has not permitted us to showcase the students hard work by way of a music launch.

Nevertheless, the show must go on and we are pleased to share with you the QR Code for their Playlist / Album.

Please share this link with your family and friends. Well done to all students involved!

Assistant Principals’ Assistant Principals’ ReportEnd of Term 3Term 3 concludes at 2:30pm on Friday 17th September. We wish everyone a safe and restful break. In the mailout this week, there is important information about our Term 4 arrangements which differ significantly from other schools. Please read this document carefully and ensure it is displayed in a prominent position. Important Information for Year 11 and 12Included in the mail out, families will receive important information about the end of year process and enrolment for Year 11 students going into Year 12 in 2022. Current Year 11 students have now made their subject selections for 2022. The Year 12 mail out contains information about Exams and other important events. Please read all of the information carefully and contact the College if you have any questions. Term 3 Holidays Students undertaking Year 12 VCE and VET subjects should use these holidays as preparation time for their examinations. Completing past examination papers is proven to be the quickest way to raise your study score. Marking your papers and taking note of the examiner’s comments will further improve performance. All students that have signed up to Revision Lectures should take the opportunity to connect and use the information to support them as we move into the Exam period. Tertiary Study ApplicationsA reminder to families that the payment for further study for Year 12 students wishing to receive an offer from a University or TAFE provider for 2022 is now due. If you require support for this payment, please contact the front office. Year 12 VCE Exam TimetableThe 2021 VCE examination timetable is now available on the VCAA website at https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/Key-dates/Pages/VCE-exam-timetable.aspx Students may have received their individual exam timetables in their Pathways class but if not, can also refer to this site to access the times and dates of their end of year exams. Students who have a clash will be contacted by Brooke Summers in regards to individual arrangements.

Year 12 Term 4 Arrangements Classes for all students start at 9:00am on Monday 4th October. This is a vital time for Year 12 students to complete unit 4 and begin revision for examinations. The deadline for Year 12 coursework and assessment is Tuesday 19th October.This is the last compulsory day of attendance. Scheduled revision classes are held at school and commence on Thursday 21st October . Students are strongly encouraged to attend. All students undertaking a VCE Program are required to sit the English exam. Year 11 Term 4 Arrangements Classes for all students start at 9:00am on Monday 4th October.

Mildura Senior College Newsleter-2-

Students will be continuing coursework and assessment tasks.

The last day for Year 11 coursework and assessment is Friday 29th October. The last week of scheduled classes is a revision week to pre-pare for the Year 11 examinations. Year 11 classes end on Friday 5th November.Year 11 Examinations commence on Monday 8th November. Student WorkThe deadlines for end of Unit are strictly enforced - students must complete all the set work/assessment tasks by the due date - for Year 12 this is Tuesday 19th October and for Year 11 Friday 29th October.If extenuating circumstances are in play, students can negotiate an extension of these dates by working with their classroom teacher and Sub School Leader. Year 12 Study OptionsParents are reminded that students have a variety of options for Study and Revision Sessions:

• Students had the opportunity to sign up for a number of Revision Lectures that are coordinated by external companies. These lectures are linked to a number of subjects and will run from Saturday the 18th of September to Monday the 1st of November.

• MSC will run Revision sessions commencing in Week 3 for students. These will run in class time and also during the exam period commencing October 27th. Students will receive a copy of this revision timetable.

Student Services CentreStudents are reminded that the Student Services Centre is where they will find the Sub School Leaders and the Attendance Officer. If students have questions about their program or completing their certificate, attendance queries or just need general help they should go to the Student Services Centre for advice. To speak with a student’s Sub School Leader please call the College and follow the prompts. AttendanceAttending school every day is the best way for your student to achieve success. Missing classes puts pressure on them and makes it more difficult to complete all classwork and assessments. Texts are being sent if a student misses a class. Feel free to contact the Attendance Officer to confirm. We wish to support families to improve their student’s attendance and open up more opportunities for them. Please contact the Sub School Leader for assistance. Special ProvisionStudents with medical conditions, disabilities and exceptional personal circumstances are reminded that they can apply for Special Provision and/or Special Exam Arrangements. Students must see Anne Symes, Leading Teacher - Student Learning Support, for further information as soon as possible.

All students who are already on the Special Provision list will have received letters. Students are encouraged to seek support from their teachers or see Anne Symes if they are unsure how to best utilise their special provision in their exams.

Student SafetyStudents who drive to school are reminded they should register their cars at the front office by filling out a Student Driver Form.

Student drivers are also reminded that transporting other students in their vehicles is not permitted. Students are not to congregate in the parking area.

College PoliciesMildura Senior College & Mildura English Language Centre (College) Policies. Please note that the below policies are available to Parents & Carers through the College’s website. http://www.milsen.vic.edu.au/pages/information/collegepolicies

Personal PropertyREMINDER – the Department of Education (which includes our school) does not have accident insurance. Items of personal property that are lost, stolen or damaged at school are not the responsibility of Mildura Senior College and Mildura English Language Centre (College) or the Department of Education. Staff and students are reminded not to bring items of value to school.

Parent Portal on the College WebsiteThe Parental Portal is active on our College Website and parents are reminded they can access the following information;• Student Timetable• Attendance Data• Student Calendar• Parent Messages• Student Progress Statements If you need a new password or are unfamiliar with your log in details please phone the college on 5021 2911 and press 5 for assistance

Ben Milsom and Andrew BanksAssistant Principals


COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccines For those wishing to book appointments to be vaccinated below are the links to make a booking. https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/registerforvaccine/ https://schs.com.au/service/covid/covid-19-vaccinations https://www.mdas.org.au/HEALTH-SERVICES/Coronavirus-(COVID-19)-Info.aspx People in who live NSW can also access Pfizer and AstraZeneca at pop up clinics announced in Wentworth, Buronga and Dareton.Call to make an appointment by calling 1800 602 001 or emailing [email protected] What to bring to your vaccine appointment

- a face mask,

- photo identification, if you have one, such as a school ID or driver’s licence, and;

- a Medicare card or Individual Healthcare Identifier number.

Please refer to Department Health information on what to bring to your vaccine appointment for more information.We encourage Parents/Carers to accompany their Student to the appointment All students and parents/carers can find information to make their decision about vaccinations on the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website along with translated advice about the vaccines.

For more information about eligibility, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or use the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker.

For further assistance, contact:The Department of Health Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398the National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline: 1800 020 080

Term 4 Recommences

Monday 4th October 2021!

Eligible students can scan and upload a copy from their VTAC user account where it says SUBMIT SEAS/SCHOLARSHIP on the Menu bar at the top of their account.Click on the Uploading documents blue link and drag a copy of the file into the box.

Appointments can be made with Lavina Hamilton at the Careers Centre. She will assist you with VTAC SEAS/SCHOLARSHIP applications

If a student’s family is on a low income, or the student is already receiving Youth Allowance or Family Benefits (under their parents’ Centrelink Reference Number), they should also have filled in the Scholarship application form on the VTAC User Account section of the VTAC website. Every student should submit a VTAC scholarship application. If you are ineligible for Centrelink benefits,

you must provide your Australian Tax Office (ATO) - Notice of Financial Assessment for the 2020/2021 financial year for each contributing parent or partner, OR you can get your parents to supply three consecutive pay slips no older than three months old. A VTAC representative in Mildura this year stated, ‘students should make an application and let VTAC decide whether they are eligible.’ Other institutional Scholarships not through VTAC can be found at www.vtac.edu.au/scholarships

TAFE APPLICATIONSTafe applicants for 2022 - please note students will need to email an expression of interest to Sunitafe from August to January. Go to a course and send an ‘ONLINE ENQUIRY’ or call 1300 478 648.

Students are required to attend the JOB & SKILLS CENTRE to do literacy/numeracy tests and informally enrol.Students wishing to apply for Tafe courses elsewhere in Victoria (called VET in the VTAC Course Guide), will need to do a VTAC course application before the end of September.

APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPSStudents who are intending to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship for next year should be making applications NOW. They should check job vacancies and register with local agencies: MAS National (was AusNac) https://masexperience.com.au/about-mas-experience/ Workforce Partners Australia https://workforcepartnersaustralia.com.au/job-vacanciesSMGThttps://smgt.com.au/


CREATING YOUR LIST OF PREFERENCESWhen ‘Listing Preferences’ you need to ask:1. Have I met the course pre-requisites? You need to go

to the VTAC website this year to check pre-requisites for courses by doing a Course Search – once a course comes up scroll down until you see subject pre-requisites. For SATAC, go to the SATAC Guide to Undergraduate courses (Blue book) 2022 pp 46-75 to check if there are any subject pre-requisites for any courses.

2. I am aware of the EXTRA REQUIREMENTS (in order to enter this course eg folio, audition etc.) You will need to do a Course Search on the VTAC or SATAC website to check if there are any extra requirements for your courses.

3. I have listed the correct codes

4. I have kept my options open – University, Tafe and Independent Tertiary Colleges.

5. I have not accidently applied for a fee paying course. (DFP) domestic fee paying unless I can afford to pay yearly courses fees.

All the dates for the Victorian application process can be found on the VTAC website.

VTAC SEAS – Special Entry Access Scheme Applications Applications due in by Friday 8th October.

All students applying for courses in Victoria through VTAC should also submit a ‘Special Entry Access Scheme’ application. Special entry includes equity areas such as rurality, low income, Non-English speaking background, disability and impairment, a medical condition, as well as severe emotional issues that may have prevented a student

from adequately preparing for tertiary study. This may mean that if student who does not make the ‘clearly in’ cut off point with their ATAR score, they may still be considered for a course based on equity issues.

All of our students are eligible for the rurality which is (Category 1) as well as special consideration if a student has experienced difficult circumstances, disadvantagd financial background and medical condition.

This year students are all eligible under ‘Category 4: Difficult Circumstances’, to fill in a remote learning impact table. They will be given a school rating for this category which can contribute towards a course offer.

It is the students’ responsibility to lodge their application, and send any documentary evidence to VTAC (such as Centrelink Family Assistance INCOME STATEMENT for SEAS Category 2 for financial disadvantage).

From the Careers Centre

SCHOLARSHIPSYou can also do a scholarship search by using the Hobsons course finder website at www.hobsoncoursefinder.com.au Select scholarships then Search by level of study, keyword, state etc.

For individual institution scholarships, the students need to go online to each university website. There are all kinds of institutional scholarships to assist rural students and to promote access. There are also faculty scholarships promoting various careers where there is a skill shortage. (Eg. Engineering) So read the scholarships section of each institution that you are applying for, and give the institution a call if you need more information.

CHANCES FOR CHILDREN TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIPSStudents who will need financial assistance to meet the cost of going away, can apply to Chances for Children to be assessed for a scholarship. In September/

October the scholarship round will open. Go to www.chancesforchildren.com.au and register your details for a copy of their TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIP application form. Parents will need to fill in a FAMILY HOUSEHOLD BUDGET for the year’s expenses. Contact Lavina Hamilton to get a copy of the budget page.Lavina Hamilton - Careers and Tertiary Advice Advisor, can be contacted to support the application process. Applications are due in on Wednesday 20 October.

CENTRELINK ADMINISTERED SCHOLARSHIPS If you are planning to apply for Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY or Austudy, you need to lodge a claim as soon as you complete your Year 12 Exams. You can lodge claims 13 weeks before you start studying. It takes a minimum of 21 days to process claims. Payment of Youth Allowance in 2021 will usually be assessed on parent’s income for the 2020/2021 financial year. There is an additional income test if your parents/guardians are self employed. All claims are started online. Students can log on and register for Youth Allowance at http://my.gov.au. Students can link a Centrelink, Medicare or Child Support online account. Follow the instructions at my.gov.au to link your accounts to myGov.

STUDENT START-UP LOAN For all full-time students receiving student income support (Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY) who are starting a higher education course are entitled to $1,094 paid in two half yearly instalments in 2021. Relocation Scholarships for rural students who are receiving Youth Allowance etc. and have to move away from home to attend higher education, can recieve $4,626 in the first year and $2,314 in the following two years, and $1,156 for any following years.

ACCOMMODATION APPLICATIONS Accommodation Applications should be completed August/September/October, after course applications are completed.

Please note that when you apply for entry into an institution you should make an application for accommodation at that institution if it is your top three preferences. An application fee is charged, which you may or may not get back. Accommodation booklets for some of the universities are available in the Careers Centre as well as information booklets for some of the Accommodation Colleges. Start checking websites now to see which institutions have opened up their accommodation forms.

NOTE: Once a university has their Open Day you can do an accommodation application.

South Australian Residential Colleges such as Aquinas College, St Marks College, St Ann’s College, Lincoln College are open now for applications.

POOL LIFEGUARD CAREER OPPORTUNITYAligned Leisure are currently looking for enthusiastic Pool Lifeguards to work across our facilities at Colignan, Irymple, Merbein, Mildura Waves, Murrayville, Ouyen, Red Cliffs and Underbool.

See visit the link for futher details https://alignedleisure.com.au/career-opportunity-lifeguardmildura/

If you would like more information on this role please contact Karl Farquharson at [email protected]

Lavina HamiltonCareer and Tertiary Advice Coordinator E: [email protected]: 5002 0227

Nick GoodiesonSchool to Work CoordinatorE: [email protected]: 5002 0209


Check COMPASS for the latest opportunities

Mildura Senior College Important Dates Term 4


Monday October 4Term 4 Starts

Tuesday October 5 GAT

Thursday October 21Year 12 Revision Program

Wednesday October 27Year 12 Exams

Friday October 29Last day of Unit 2 Coursework All work should be submitted by this day

Monday November 1 to Friday November 5Year 11 Revision Week (Normal classes)

Tuesday November 2Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday (no classes)

Monday November 8 to Friday November 12Year 11 Exams

Monday November 15 to Thursday November 18Head Start – Compulsory for all 2022 Year 12 students

Friday November 19Year 12 Enrolment sessionsby Pathways groups

Thursday December 23 College office closes at 4.30pm

Monday January 17College office re-opens

Monday January 31Year 12 Students Commence Classes start at 9.00am

Monday October 4Term 4 Starts

Tuesday October 5 GAT

Tuesday October 12Year 12 Assembly

Tuesday October 19Last Day of Year 12 Classes

Thursday October 21Year 12 Revision Classes Start

Wednesday October 27Exams Start

Friday October 29Year 12 Revision DayStaff PD Day / No students required at School

Wednesday November 17Last day of VCE Written Exams

Thursday November 18Year 12 Dinner at Club Davinci

Tuesday December 14Graduation Ceremony Full details later in Term 4

Thursday December 16Year 12 VCE, ATAR & VTAC Results released

Thursday December 23College Office closes at 4.30pm and reopens Monday January 17

Year 12 Important Dates

Year 11 Important Dates

Full dates and more details are included in the mailout to families this week. As always, please check our website to stay up to date with our latest events and important dates, www.milsen.vic.edu.au.

These dates are subject to change due to the current COVID Pandemic conditions. We will endeavour to communicate to families, as always, if dates or details do change.

Clay Target Shooting - Big Day down at the Range

Ideal conditions with good light and no wind for the Clay Target Competition made for a strong competition, with big teams from as far as St Arnaud and Kerang.

A good close competition, with two categories going through to a shoot off.

From our team, Zoe Heinrich came third in the Senior Females, and secured her place in the next round at Kerang.

Great support from all parents attending for all our students.

Well done to the Mildura Clay Target Club for putting on a well organised day in trying times.

Mildura Senior College Latest News!


Laura Davidson Victorian Training Awards Finalist -SBAT Category

Laura Davidson is a finalist for the Victorian Training Awards – SBAT Category.

In June, Laura submitted a 1900 word nomination which included references, Statement of Results, Awards, photos and a video pitch. All done in between lockdowns.

Only 3 finalists are chosen from around the State and she had a 30 minute online interview with a 5 member panel on August 5th.

Well done Laura and we hope for a fantastic outcome!

Lunchtime Activities

Prior to the recent lockdown, the College had a plethora of activities and competitions for students to engage in at lunchtime including netball, chess, and table tennis.

These activities have been a great social construct to the students learning journey and we have noticed a postive impact to students growth, development and sense of belonging.

Thank you to Jim for hosting these competitions once again.

Mildura Senior College 2021 VETDSS Excellence Awards


First Name Last Name Award CategoryClaudia Allen VET PatisserieIsabella Allomes VET Community ServicesEmily Barling VET RetailJack Bithell VET EngineeringJack Bithell VET AutomotiveRebecca Clark VET HospitalityGrace Darby VET Salon AssistantLaura Davidson SBAT - HairdressingErin Garraway VET Wood TradesChloe Helms VET FitnessEthan Heywood VET Screen and MediaRyan Hillier VCAL IntermediateRory Jowett VET HospitalitySeamus Keogh VET FitnessBrandon Kitt VET Music Industry - Cert IIIGerard Krake VET PlumbingVirendra Kumar VCAL SeniorJarrod Le Breton-Hansen VCAL IntermediateCoby Mitchell VCAL SeniorTess Palamara VET Beauty ServicesLachlan Purdue VET Music Industry - Cert IIAaron Qualmann VET EngineeringAaron Qualmann VCAL SeniorMaylynn Sefo VCAL SeniorEmma Sleader VET RetailEmma Sleader VCAL IntermediateLucia Tanginoa VET Salon AssistantSophia Tui VET Community ServicesLachlan Vernon VET AutomotiveJonty Williams VET Community ServicesArzo Zahedi VCAL Foundation Connie Zara VET Community Services

Awards event to be held Wednesday 17th November organised by Sunraysia Careers Network. (Details to be confirmed closer to the date)The following students have been nominated for the 2021 VETDSS Excellence Awards:


Mildura Senior College Online FunDuring Remote Learning, we hosted Social Media Competitions in collaboration with important events that raise awareness for a charitable cause / message for change. Some of the events included PJ Day - Respect Day which highlights the importance of consent and respectful relationships, Bring your Pet to Class, and RUOK Day.

These days helped students to feel connected to each other and be creative while learning from home. Plus we had some great prizes up for grabs as well! Thanks to all the students who participated.

John was one of our winners for PJ Day Competition - we love the creativity!

Brittany dressing up with a full outfit for PJ Day Jessica combining PJ Day and pet day to earn herself a prize!

Jey’s early morning coffee break for PJ Day earnt him a voucher for PJ Day!

Ella shared with us her beautiful pet that brings a smile to everyone!

Jey participating in RUOK Day.

vol 6 - september 2021 principals report

Documents