CURTIS STONE
VICE PRINCIPAL | HEAD OF MORNINGTON YEAR 10-12 CAMPUS
The Padua community has come together in many ways over the last fortnight to celebrate the graduating Class of 2023. Celebrations began with the whole school assembly in which the entire College acknowledged the graduating class of 2023 with special recognition to all top students in each subject and the perpetual awards. Such an event not only recognises those who received awards but it also provides the students in Years 7-11 with the inspiration to be on stage when their time comes.
The time has arrived for VCE students to sit their final VCAA exams. The work that has been completed over this year, and years prior, has them in a position of preparedness for this period. We wish all students completing their VCAA final exams nothing but the best and we hope that they continue to stay focussed until their final exam has been completed. I also wish to acknowledge and congratulate the outstanding staff who continue to provide every opportunity for all students to achieve to the best of their ability.
The week following the long weekend will see all Year 10 and 11 students enter their exam period as they look to consolidate their learning from the Semester. Please ensure that you and your child are aware of the exam timetable and expectations within this period.
The week beginning Monday 20 November will see all current Year 10 and Year 11 students commence their 2024 academic program for two full weeks. Students will attend their new classes and associated subjects as teachers begin the coursework. These are scheduled classes and all students are required to be in class as per their new timetable. Subjects have been sent to all students along with the process of requesting adjustments to their program. It is important to note that not all adjustments will be able to be accommodated however, the College will work to its best ability to support the changes.
On Friday 3 November, the current Year 10 and 11 students will have their final Liturgy for 2023 as this is the culmination of the academic year, prior to the exam period. This is at the core of who we are as a Catholic school in acknowledging and celebrating our rich Catholic traditions. The academic assembly for the 2023 Year 10 and 11 students will be held during the Headstart program which allows for the exam period of assessment to be crucial in celebrating those amazing efforts of the students.
Finally, a huge congratulations to Mel Gilchrist and the Applied Learning Pathways team who, on Tuesday night, were recognised by the FMPLLEN for Best School Practice in the Applied Learning Sector across the Mornington Peninsula region. This highlights the wonderful work of our staff and celebrates the sensational work of the students within this tailored program.
As always, I encourage all parents to continue to be active members of the Padua community, engaging in conversation about what topics are being studied in class, keeping abreast of upcoming events and making contact with a subject teacher as needed.
Mole Day is celebrated annually on 23 October (from 6:02am to 6:02pm) and commemorates Avogadro's Number (6.02 x 10²³), which is a basic measuring unit in Chemistry. Mole Day was observed at our Senior Campus with celebrations and the presentation of the annual Avogadro Award. We congratulate Will Edwards, Jack Galvin and James Dixon, our top Year 11 Chemistry students and joint winners of the 2023 Avogadro Award.
Well done to our Year 12 Drama students who presented their seven-minute solo performance exam on Thursday 5 October, at the Kingston City Hall. Students chose from the prescribed structures and characters set annually by the VCAA, then researched and devised their performance to demonstrate their understanding of theatrical conventions, styles, dramatic elements, expressive and performance skills as well as the use of symbolism, transformation of time, place, and character.
On Tuesday 10 October, our Year 11 and 12 Applied Learning students hosted their annual showcase event to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of their cohort in 2023.
The Year 12 students shared their final assessment task, a portfolio highlighting their work over the past year, and a school journey album charting their personal growth over 13 years of schooling.
Hannah Lionnet was presented with the Peninsula Applied Learning Association Excellence Award for her leadership skills and outstanding work placement reports, and Tai Frier received the Peninsula Applied Learning Association Encouragement Award in recognition of his drive, dedication, and hard work. We congratulate both students for their valuable contribution to our community projects and for being such positive role models. The FMPLLEN Award winner will be announced next Tuesday 24 October at the formal FMPLLEN Awards Ceremony for Applied Learning.
Our Year 11 Applied Learning students held a successful Twilight Market on the evening which showcased a wide range of homemade items that they had prepared over the past six weeks in class and in their own time. The funds raised from these sales will be put towards Christmas Hampers for families in need.
Thank you to all who attended this event and supported our Applied Learning Department.
We wish our Year 12 VCAL students all the best as they begin their post-school journeys.
Melissa Gilchrist
Head of Applied Learning Pathways | VET Co-ordinator