News &
Events

Thank you, Mr. Madigan

Yesterday we farewelled Mr. Jamie Madigan at a whole College Assembly. We are grateful for the way in which he immersed himself into the Principal role this semester and lead the College community with great inspiration, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Mr. Madigan immediately established relationships with students, staff and our broader community and he provided great support to us all.

We thank Mr. Madigan for his authentic faith leadership, his energy and outstanding commitment to Thomas Carr College. We wish him a well-deserved break and all the very best as he returns to CRC Caroline Springs. We look forward to him visiting us in the future for special events.

Wishing our whole Thomas Carr College community a restful, rejuvenating, and safe holiday break.

Striving for Academic Excellence

Semester Examinations and Overall Semester Score

Last year we introduced cumulative assessment in Years 10 and 11 which provided students with an Overall Score for the semester. The Overall Score at Years 10 and 11 reflects the following:

• Semester Examinations are weighted at 40%
• Assessment Tasks are weighted at 60%

This enables students in the Senior School to see the importance of revising frequently and preparing thoroughly for examinations. In Year 12, student performance in the final examinations has a significant impact on the Study Score for each subject, therefore, this approach provides valuable preparation for Year 12.

This time last year, we advised that we would also be introducing cumulative assessment in Years 7-9. Therefore, all Semester One reports from Years 7-11 have an Overall Score for each subject. The weighing of examinations in the Middle School varies from 20% to 30%.

We anticipate that this change will enhance the culture of learning, the level of skill in completing examinations and the level of effort students apply in all learning and assessment tasks.

Literacy

This week our Literacy Leader, Ms Lexie Huculak, completed delivering a series of three one-hour workshops on explicitly teaching subject specific vocabulary. In the Assumption Term we will undertake three workshops on explicitly teaching reading skills to improve student comprehension and reading proficiency. We are confident that these strategies will have an impact on improving student learning outcomes as we undertake a whole school approach to using targeted literacy strategies in all classes.

Looking Toward Future Pathways

At the start of the Assumption Term, we will be launching the Subject Selection Process in preparation for 2024.

On Tuesday 18 July, we will be holding the Learning Pathways Subject Expo in the Fr. Moran Performing Arts Centre and the Fr Tobin Gymnasium. Attendance is compulsory for all students currently in Year 9 and Year 10 and their families. Letters will be sent via Operoo on Monday 10 July.  Year 11 students and their families are also able to attend as we will have representatives from universities and TAFEs in attendance.

School Holidays and VCE Classes

School holidays for Year 12 students are and excellent opportunity for revising the work of the previous term, reflecting on the key knowledge and skills, making summary notes and preparing for the next term. For these June-July holidays, a number of teachers have organised workshops as listed below and students are asked to prioritise these sessions that are designed for the benefit of our students. See the table below.

It is also essential for students to take breaks and rest during school holidays as the VCE journey can be demanding and stressful. Students are encouraged to organise their week days as though they are at school and maintain the 9am-3.30pm time slot for study. They can then enjoy the afternoons and evenings to participate in extracurricular activities, pursue their hobbies and interests, and spend time with loved ones and friends.

Students can also enrol in holiday programs that provide them with additional academic support, such as revision programs, study skill workshops, or subject-specific programs. One such opportunity is offered by LaTrobe University and ATARnotes through The Virtual School that will offer free interactive revision classes across Units 2 and 4 over the Term break across many disciplines in Science, Mathematics, Humanities and English.

Students will need to register for any of the sessions: https://atarnoteslectures.com/vic

VCE Holiday Program at Thomas Carr College
Date	Event Details	Room
Monday, 26 June 2023	English Mid-Year Revision 9:30am – 2:30pm – External Presenter   English Language Lecture – Unit 3 Revision 9.00am-2.30pm	PAC       B6
Tuesday, 27 June 2023	Chemistry Unit 3 – Practice Exam 10:00am – 12:30pm   English Language – Unit 4 Preparation 9.00am-2.30pm	D5 & D6 B6
Wednesday, 28 June 2023	Indonesian Unit 3 Practice Exam 10:00am-12:30pm	B19
Thursday, 29 June 2023	Religion and Society Unit 3 Revision & Past Exams 10:00am– 2:00pm   Product Design & Technology Textiles Unit 4 9.00am to 3.00pm	B1       BT7
Friday, 30 June 2023
Monday, 3 July 2023
Tuesday, 4 July 2023	Chemistry Unit 3 – Practice Exam 10:00am – 12:30pm	D5&6
Wednesday, 5 July 2023
Thursday, 6 July 2023	Health & Human Development Mid -Revision 10:00am – 12:00pm External Presenter	PAC

Note: For safety reasons, students must sign in and out when attending the College during the holidays. Once they have signed in, they are not permitted to leave the College grounds, therefore they must bring food and drinks with them. Students are not required to wear the College uniform for these sessions; however, all other school rules apply.

Ms. Lucy Angelico
Deputy Principal: Strategic Development & Curriculum