Semester 1 - Exams

With three weeks remaining in Semester 1, we look forward to finishing the term positively. Year 10 and 11 students commenced their midyear exams on Friday and these run until Thursday, 8^th June. After the King’s Birthday long weekend, Year 10 students will have just under two weeks of work experience. I hope students’ embrace this opportunity to experience the workforce in an industry of choice. I attended the Year 10 assembly last week and shared a story of perseverance, resilience and how hard work can lead to success. There is no skill required for hard work and commitment - just the right attitude. This week Year 9 students experience exams for their core subjects from Tuesday, 6^th June – Thursday 8^th June. We encourage all students to try their best during this time as these exams are a great opportunity to validate the learning over the semester. The time to revise thoroughly and summarise key knowledge helps to consolidate learning and understanding. Success in VCE doesn’t magically materialise. It is formed and developed by committing to study, completing set work, and embracing learning in previous years. Strong academic results in Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 generally translate to strong results in Year 12.

Students completing Year 12 subjects will also be sitting the GAT on Thursday, 15^th June. This is an important assessment and contributes to the successful completion of VCE for all. There are minimum literacy and numeracy requirements that must be met by all students in VCE and students undertaking VM. An opportunity to prepare for the GAT will be provided this week with an external consultant and select key teaching staff delivering tips and advice for our senior students.

Excursions/Activities

Our Year 7 cohort spent the day at Melbourne Zoo on Friday as part of their science curriculum and from all reports they had a terrific day learning outside the classroom. Thank you to our science staff and Mr Derks who attended the excursion and ensured a positive experience. With only a few weeks remaining this semester it is important that key assessment tasks and unfinished work is submitted and completed to the best standard possible.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate our Year 8 students, and in particular key leaders, who were instrumental in running the recent Year 8 and 7 assemblies. These leaders helped guide the junior school students through the ATOSS requirements and the importance of the data collected. Well done to Ms Riquelme and Mr Rose for encouraging and providing student agency and leadership opportunities such as these.

Staffing

This week we also welcome Ms Nichole Lee, who joins us as an experienced teacher and coordinator. She will be teaching mathematics in addition to joining our junior school team as the Year 8 level coordinator. Ms Riquelme will continue as the Head of the Junior School overseeing the work of the Year 7 and 8 level coordinators - Mr Derks and Ms Kumar at Year 7, and Ms Lee and Mr Rose at Year 8.

Building Update

Work on C wing is progressing well. The elevator shaft has been constructed and the bottom level of the auditorium, music room and media room are in place. The suspended upper floor slab has been poured and some of the steel frame is now in place. A visual sense of what the new building will look like is certainly beginning to form.

School Values

Finally, I take this opportunity to remind the Rosehill community of our values of Respect, Initiative and Learning (RIL). These values are communicated to our students, but we also expect our staff and parents/guardians to adhere to these values. The behaviours we as adults’ model are vital in helping shape the next generation of adults in our community. I thank our parents/guardians and community for their support in working with us to help live these values each day and to help raise well rounded and respectful young people.

Arthur Soumalias

PRINCIPAL

School Policies have been updated in line with Department of Education and Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority requirements. Parents may review these on the school websitehttps://www.rosehillsc.vic.edu.au/under Our School > Policies > Minimum Standards Compliance – June 2022.

Annually, the Year 12 VCEVM students commit to a term of volunteer community work. This year’s class has worked at various organisations including St Vincent De Paul, The Red Cross and at our school.

Students were responsible for contacting organisations, liaising with staff, and reporting back to their class and teacher. They developed their planning, organisational, decision-making and communication skills, but more importantly developed a sense of community and self-worth.

Ms Vicki Handris.

VCAL COORDINATOR

Following is a reflection of their experiences:

Ben, Michael, and I have been volunteering at The St Vincent de Paul Society, more commonly known as ‘Vinnies’ in Glenroy on Friday afternoons.

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia has more than 45,000 members and volunteers, who work hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia. The charity's goal is to help by offering “a hand up” to those who may need it.

The Society also advocates on several pressing social justice issues such as homelessness, poverty, and asylum seekers. Vinnies was built by a friend group in an apartment when Frédéric Ozanam felt bad for all the people and families he had to walk past every day to get to his lectures. Slowly others joined and spread his charity across the world. The charity raises approximately 12.7 billion dollars a year. Their main areas of service are food insecurity, the cost of living, homelessness, and education.

Every Friday afternoon, we help the community by working in the charity shop. The main tasks we complete is pricing items, filling shelves, and keeping things organised. Doing this gives us a sense of fulfilment as we are assisting the community. We are going well and are supported by the other volunteers and staff when we need help or have a question. Vinnies needs volunteers and donations to keep their charity open. You can donate by going into Vinnies stores with supplies or going online and donating some money.

• Ben, Ashlyn, Michael

We are thrilled to inform you about the exciting outing organized by our International Student Program last Thursday 25^th May. Our international students had the incredible opportunity to visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo, a unique wildlife park that offers a truly immersive experience for all visitors.

The excursion aimed to provide our international students with an educational and enjoyable experience, allowing them to explore Australia’s diverse wildlife in a safe and engaging environment.

During the visit, our students had the chance to observe and learn about fascinating creatures such as giraffes, emus, kangaroos, and many others. They participated in guided tours led by experienced zookeepers who shared valuable insights about the animals’ habitats, behaviours, and conservation efforts.

This hands-on experience fostered a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation among our international students, promoting environmental awareness and understanding the importance of preserving our natural world. It also provided them with an opportunity to build new friendships, share cultural perspectives, and enhance their English language skills in an immersive setting.

Such experiences not only broaden our students’ horizons but also create lasting memories and promote cross-cultural understanding within our school community.

We would like to thank all the students who participated in the excursion for their exemplary behaviour and respectful engagement throughout the day. Their enthusiasm and curiosity contributed to making this outing a tremendous success.

We encourage you to take a moment to discuss the excursion with the students, allowing them to share their experiences and highlights from their day at the Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Thank you for your ongoing support in providing our international students with meaningful experiences and helping them feel welcomed within our school community.

Nan Li

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM

Would you like your child to experience the beauty of the Japanese culture? How about joining us on the 2024 Trip to Japan? All students are welcome regardless of the language they are studying at school.

Highlights of the trip will include -

• a visit to Tokyo Disneyland
• beautiful historical places in Kyoto
• the peace park museum in Hiroshima.

We will also visit Kogakkan High School, our sister school in Mie prefecture, and stay with their families. The last trip was extremely successful and those students who have taken part in this program have found it to be one of their most rewarding experiences.

The trip to Japan will take place from 14^th to 27^th of September 2024. We intend to depart a week before the Term 3 break and return during the break.

The cost of the trip is approximately $5,567.50 (with 15 students), however this may change due to the exchange rate and the number of participants.

The tour cost includes -

• return economy airfares
• 6 night hotel accommodation and meals
• a 7 day rail pass
• entrance to Tokyo Disneyland
• entrance Ghibli Museum
• insurances and homestay fees.

https://forms.gle/rhs1UkihaF3Pod77A

If you would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Snow or Mr Hayakawa.