10 AUG 2022 Learning and Teaching

STEM MAD (Making A Difference) State Finals

Once again Kolbe Catholic College was invited to participate in the STEM MAD State Finals. This enabled the College to showcase the high calibre of STEM based learning that is facilitated through the Year 9 LEAD Program, the Year 8 Inquiring Minds Program, the Ignite Program and the College Co Curricular Program. Students took over the Catholic Leadership Centre, showing their innovation and ability to design and create a prototype that aimed to address current social issues and/or needs within society. The College congratulates all staff and students who participated in the State Finals. The award winners from the event will be acknowledged at our upcoming College Assembly.

Live Release of Student Results via SEQTA

Members of teaching staff continue to provide feedback and engage in the live release of results via SEQTA. This enables students and families to receive information about student performance and growth in live time as summative assessment and key tasks are reviewed by Subject Teachers. Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to continue to log into SEQTA to access this information.

Homework Club

Families are reminded that Homework Club continues to be available to assist students. Homework Club operates in the College Library from 3.15pm - 4.15pm on a Wednesday afternoon. Complementing Homework Club is the operation of Afterschool Mathematics on a Monday and Thursday afternoon and the Extended Library Opening Hours throughout each week.

2023 Subject Selection Process

The 2023 Subject Selection Process is now complete for all students. The College extends its thanks to all students, families and staff for their participation in the different elements of the process. Students will receive confirmation of their 2023 Learning Programs in Term Four 2022. Complementing this will be the release of the Learning Resource Catalogue for 2023.

VTAC Application Process

On Monday 1 August 2022 the College hosted a successful VTAC Information Evening for our Year 12 students and families. Following this, students have spent the past week working with members of College staff to complete the VTAC Registration Process. The next phase of the process involves students being involved in pathways appointments with members of the Careers and Pathways Team. These aim to support each individual as they complete their VTAC Application in preparation for 2023. Families with questions associated with the VTAC Application Process and Timeline are welcome to make contact with Mrs Debra Williams (Coordinator: Careers Discovery and Programs).

Primary School After School Program - Science Mindz

The Primary School After School Science Mindz Program has successfully commenced with students creating hovercrafts, testing their senses and exploring the different components of Physics and Psychology. This program aims to build within each individual knowledge, skill and understanding as well as provide them with an insight into the exciting world of learning and teaching that is secondary school. The College congratulates all staff and students involved in the program and wishes each individual the best of luck as they embark on a discovery of Chemistry and Biology over the coming weeks.

Year 7 2023 Academic Testing

On Saturday 3 September 2022 the College will host academic testing for all students enrolled in Year 7 2023. The arrangements are as follows:

The purpose of the assessment – The Educational Skills Profile - is to provide the College with information about student skills in Language and Mathematics. It assists us in identifying possible areas of need for extension or assistance. It also provides an effective summary of how our students compare to a broader state-wide population. This helps the College to provide a curriculum for our students.

No one is assessed as passing or failing the tests; nor is the assessment seen as a conclusive statement of a student’s ability. It is one of the measures we use, along with information from our feeder primary schools and our observations over time, that allow us to monitor each student’s development.

The testing is conducted by Academic Assessment Services. A report summarising student performance in the assessment tasks will be forwarded to all Year 7 families in February 2023.

Student testing will be conducted in line with State Government and CECV Health and Safety Protocols associated with COVID-19. Families will be advised should arrangements for the operation of the testing need to change.

Dane Calleja
Deputy Principal