15 SEP 2021 Learning and Teaching

Kolbe Catholic College has been advised by the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS) that we have 10 students who have made the finals for the 2021 STEM MAD (Make A Difference) Competition. This is an extraordinary achievement and illustrates the high calibre of STEM learning that is currently occurring as part of the Year 8 Inquiring Minds Program, the Year 9 LEAD Program and the Ignite Program.

The College congratulates all the staff and students involved in this initiative and wishes our finalists the very best of luck for the remainder of the competition.

The College has extended its Academic Tuition Program in Term Three 2021. Additional Tutors have been employed to support students within the context of Remote Learning, providing support with the attainment of knowledge, skill and understanding. This initiative has provided students with support both in remote classes, within withdrawal groups and as part of recess, lunch and after school study groups. Of particular focus has been the preparation of Year 12 students for the upcoming VCAA External Assessments.

Due to its success, the extended Academic Tuition Program will continue in Term Four 2021.

The College Sports Academy has experienced huge success online with student athletes engaging in strategically designed strength, skill and conditioning sessions that support their development. Students have had the opportunity to master further knowledge of the game and refine key skills whilst working with their coaches and teammates.

Details about entry into the 2022 Sports Academy will be distributed to the community in Term Four 2021.

The Primary School Afterschool Science Mindz Workshops have been a huge success in Term Three 2021. Grade 4, 5 and 6 students and their families have had the opportunity to experience the College Remote Learning Plan, engaging in Science Workshops from their kitchens that are led by members of College staff. Chemical reactions, lava lamps and lemonade are just some of the many experiments students have been engaged in.

COVID Safe deliveries by the Kolbe Bus containing all the required equipment and ingredients for each session have added to the excitement within the community.

The College normally runs a VCE Unit Four Practice Examination Program onsite at the conclusion of Term Three however within the context of COVID-19 this currently cannot occur face to face.

To maintain the health and safety of all students, the following examination preparation and support mechanisms will be activated for VCE and VCE VET Unit Four students:

• Subject Teachers will provide the opportunity for students to complete practice examinations and/or revision exercises throughout scheduled classes and as part of the Senior Masterclass Program in Term Four.
• Subject Teachers will provide students with revision resources and/or practice examination packages containing past examinations, worked solutions etc.
• The College has expanded its team of Academic Tutors with a focus on VCE/VCE VET Academic Excellence. This team have and will continue to work specifically with Senior Students focusing on upcoming internal assessments and the VCAA Examinations.
• The College has subscribed to a range of online platforms to provide students and staff with access to a library of examination resources, study tools, practice papers, worked solutions etc. The number of platforms available to students will continue to expand. These currently include EdUnlimited, Studyclix, EDROLO etc.

Each of these mechanisms have been strategically employed to ensure students have the relevant experience, practice and support to maximise their performance in the upcoming external assessments whilst maintaining their health, wellbeing and safety within the context of COVID-19.

At the commencement of Term Four the College will revisit the option for face to face practice examinations and communicate with students and families about the opportunities available.

The 2022 Subject Selection Process has now concluded. Students and families will receive notification following the commencement of Term Four 2021 regarding their 2022 Learning Schedule and the resources required.