After an engaging day of Staff Professional Learning last week, Term 3 has begun with a full list of activities and learning opportunities for our students. VCE Arts students visited the Heide Museum of Modern Art, VCE Biology students applied classroom learning at the Melbourne Zoo, while our runners impressed everyone at the State Cross Country Finals, to name just a few.

In addition, the Year 10 students and staff headed off for the highly anticipated Melbourne Camp. This camp fosters independence and resilience in our students as they learn to navigate the urban environment. During the three-day camp, they engage with community groups as well as take part in a range of activities tailored to their interests and possible career pathways.

This week has also been an important one for these students, as well as current Year 9 students, to make decisions about subject selections, their future pathways and career aspirations on their journey through their senior years of schooling.

Our staff have been on hand for open and informed counselling meetings with students and their families to support the decision-making process and help them better understand the programs that best align with their interests, goals and strengths.

For Year 9 students, this process has been enhanced by participation in a valuable Pathways and Transition Encounter Day at St Mary's this week. Not only did they begin to become more familiar with the St Mary’s Campus, but they were able to see first-hand the subjects and opportunities available to them as they make their subject selection decisions.

A highlight of their visit was the opportunity to hear from current senior students about their lived experiences. The students openly and authentically shared their experiences and offered insights to help the Year 9s feel more confident about their transition to the senior campus in 2027.

We have recently welcomed back some staff from leave as well as some staff who are new to our College. We offer them a warm welcome and hope they quickly feel part of our thriving community. The weeks ahead will bring plenty more opportunities for our students and staff to engage in a wide range of learning experiences and social activities.