TA (7-10) and Subject (11-12) Interviews

We would like to remind you about the upcoming Term 3 interviews and provide you with some additional information. Bookings for the interviews will open at 9.00am on Friday 14 July 2023 and we encourage you to secure your preferred time slot as soon as possible.

Term 3 Interviews

Monday 24 July 2023 – Wednesday 26 July 2023

During the interviews, we will focus on facilitating subject selections and providing guidance on future pathways for our students. Please note that the interview format differs for each year level.

In order to enhance the effectiveness of these meetings, we request that you and your student(s) complete a brief online form before attending. The purpose of this survey is to gather valuable information about your student's achievements, goals, and pathways. By having this insight beforehand, we can ensure more focused and meaningful discussions during the interviews. It will allow us to tailor our discussions to address specific areas of interest or concern. We believe that this additional step will greatly benefit both you as parents and/or carers and our teachers, fostering a stronger partnership in supporting your student’s education. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to engaging in conversations that will contribute to your student’s success. We encourage parents, carers and students to complete the survey together by Monday 17 July 2023 (Survey Link).

For this round of interviews, families can book to be either onsite or virtually.

The interview schedule is as follows:

• Monday 24 July 2023 and Wednesday 26 July 2023 from 3.45pm – 6.30pm

Families are welcome onsite or virtually for the interviews.

• Tuesday 25 July 2023 from 8.45am – 5.45pm

Interviews will be conducted onsite and virtually. This virtual option allows for flexibility and ensures that everyone can participate in the interview process.

Year 7-10: Teacher Advisor (TA) Interviews

We will be conducting TA interviews for Year 7 and 10 students, capitalising on the Teacher Advisors' role in fostering social-emotional growth, particularly for Year 7s. This will also provide an opportunity for Year 8-10 students to receive guidance as they navigate the process of selecting electives for 2024. Each TA interview will be scheduled for 10 minutes, with an additional 3 minutes allocated for changeover.

Years 11-12: Subject Interviews

Subject interviews will be conducted for students in Years 11 and 12, focusing on future pathways based on subject selections. Each subject interview will be scheduled for 10 minutes, with an additional 3 minutes allocated for changeover. We would like to emphasise the importance of parents and carers attending subject interviews for Year 11 and 12 students. Research has shown that your presence and involvement during these interviews can be an effective catalyst in enhancing academic performance and supporting your student's educational journey. Your valuable insights and guidance can make a significant impact on their future success.

Year 10 TA Interviews: Signing up for Vocational Major and VET Subjects

We would like to emphasise the importance of attending TA interviews for Year 10 students, particularly those who are considering pursuing a VCE Vocational Major (VM) and/or VET subject. We highly recommend that these students come onsite for their interviews to ensure a comprehensive discussion regarding their academic and career pathways.

Following the TA interviews, we have arranged for the Careers and Applied Learning team to be available in the St Martin Resource Centre. They will provide valuable support to students and families in the application process for acquiring their Universal Student Identifier (USI) number, which is a mandatory requirement for VET and VM courses.

By signing up on the day of the interviews and engaging with the Careers and Applied Learning team, students significantly increase their chances of acceptance into their desired VET courses for the 2024 academic year.

To book your interview slot, please visit our online booking system through PAM. Remember, it is important to secure your preferred time slot as soon as possible as availability may be limited.

We believe that these interviews will play an important role in helping your student make informed decisions about subject choices and pathways for their future. Your active participation and engagement are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to seeing you during the interviews. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Parent and Students Pathways and Subject Selection Evening 2024

(Current Year 8-11 Students)

Date:  Tuesday 18 July 2023 

Time:  5.30pm - 8.00pm

Workshop Booking RSVP: https://www.trybooking.com/CJOKY

Click on the link above to select the appropriate workshop you would like to attend.

Purpose:

To provide an opportunity for parents and students to:

• participate in VCE/VCE VM workshops that will clarify any queries involved in subject and pathways selection for 2024. 
• request further information from Learning Areas on subjects offered and requirements. 
• request Careers assistance and direction to support students pursuing career options and pathways.
• generate active discussion at home to facilitate effective decision-making with respect to student subject choices and pathways. 

Information:

• Parents/Carers and Students are encouraged to access the student Pathways and Subject Selection Handbooks, as well as watch the information videos prior to evening workshops (all documentation is accessible from the College website). 
• This event is open to all 2024 Years 9-12 students. We do, however, encourage booking a time to attend the VCE and VCE VM workshops which will be in the College Library (SMRC).
• Parents and carers are encouraged to attend with their student (please bring stationery for notetaking).
• Learning Area, Careers and VET workshops will be held in the DEC. 
• Parents and students may utilise documentation provided by the College to assist in the decision-making process. 

Format for the Evening

Towards the Finishing Line for Year 12 VCE and VM students (Year 12 Students)

Term 3 marks the start of the homestretch for VCE and VCE VM students as we enter the final semester of their school education. This will be an extremely busy time with multiple SACs and Assessments in some weeks. Families of VCE students are encouraged to be conscious of the dates when organising family events for this period.

We would like you to be aware of the following school events which have been organised to support or celebrate our Damascus Year 12 students.

Parent and Student Information Evening

Tuesday 8 August 202 at 7.00pm in the DEC

We have proposed a Parent and Student Information Evening, titled "Towards the Finishing Line for Year 12s" that aims to equip both parents/carers and students with the necessary tools and information to successfully apply for courses through VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) and students undertaking exam excel in their Year 12 final examinations. By addressing these topics, we aim to empower students to make informed decisions about their future education and provide them with strategies to excel academically. 

Year 12 Final Day and Graduation Mass

Wednesday 18 October 2023 and Monday 20 November 2023

The Year 12 final day will be Wednesday 18 October 2023 and the teaching program will conclude with a final assembly. Students are welcome to come onto campus in the ‘swotvac’ period but are expected to be in school uniform. Students who are still completing assessment requirements will be required to use this time to complete all outcomes to a satisfactory standard. They are also expected to wear their school uniform for the final examinations. This may include the Year 12 hoodie. The Year 12 Graduation Mass will be on Monday 20 November 2023 followed by a Graduation Dinner at the Mercure. More information about these events will be sent out later in the Term.

VCE Students Trial Examinations

Friday 15 September 2023, Monday 25 September to Thursday 28 September 2023

(Year 12 students and those completing a Unit 3 and 4 subject)

The Unit 3/4 trial examination week is an essential part of the Year 12 program Damascus College offers and, as such, is compulsory for all students completing Unit 3 and 4 subjects. This allows students to prepare for the VCAA October/November examinations and provides them with the opportunity to look at the timing and to understand the level of revision required for each subject. The exams will be assessed, and feedback will be given to the students. The results may also be used by teachers to assist with the indicative grade calculations that are required to be submitted to VCAA. Indicative grade scores are used by VCAA to assist with calculating a derived exam score should it be needed. Students can wear casual clothes on these days.

The English and English Language trial examinations will be held on the morning the final day of Term 3 (Friday 15 September 2023). In light of this, Thursday 14 September 2023 will be a revision day and Year 12 VCE students will not be expected to attend school on this day. The remaining examinations will be held in the second week of the Victorian school holidays (Monday 25 September 2023 to Thursday 28 September 2023). We encourage students to spend part of the first week revising for the examinations and some Learning Areas may offer revision lectures.  We request that that "family" holidays, while tempting, should be avoided for this coming break, please.

The examination timetable is below. We anticipate there will be clashes and students will be sent information about rescheduled examinations later in the term.