From the Principal
VCE Examinations Marking
This Term, the School will have 15 staff members who are selected as VCE Examination Assessors. The opportunity to strengthen knowledge specific to subjects is made available by training as an Assessor for VCE examinations with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and then forming part of the Statewide team of Assessors for Written Examinations, Oral Examinations and Arts Performance Examinations.
As the ultimate professional development for teachers, the experience of marking VCE examinations offers the opportunity for training along with the collegial sharing of ideas to enable a strengthened teaching and learning practice. It also provides teachers with exposure to the full range of student performance, a greater understanding of the expected standard of students and the opportunity to participate in discussions that inform decisions about the marking scheme.
Having such ‘insider knowledge’ of the examination processes and marking schemes certainly informs the teaching practices, the development of curriculum resources and provides a level of teacher-confidence within our Senior cohorts.
2017 VCAA Assessors
Maths Faculty
Miss Jeanette Gunn Maths Methods (Exam 2)
Mrs Janette Matt Specialist Maths (Exam 2) Assistant Chief Assessor
Science Faculty
Ms Lee Brandt Physics
Ms Vanessa Jackson-McRae Chemistry
Ms Fiona Ganino-Day Psychology
Ms Sue Macgeorge Biology
Humanities Faculty
Mr Adrian Puckering Global Politics
Miss Sally Wilkinson Business Management
Language Faculty
Ms Kanako Yokouchi Japanese SL (Oral Exam)
Mr Glen Robins French (Oral Exam)
Miss Winnie Xie Chinese SL (Oral Exam)
The Arts Faculty
Mr James Brown Theatre Studies
Ms Lilly Dusting Visual Communication & Design
English Faculty
Miss Kristy Forrest English
HPE Faculty
Mr Brad Hicks Physical Education
Remembrance Day Service
With the extended break this weekend, our Senior Students commemorated Remembrance Day this week during our School Assembly. As a School, we were honoured to welcome Mr Michael Fogarty, the President of the Toorak RSL sub-branch and Mr Jack Bell, a Second World War veteran to our Remembrance Day Assembly.
During the Assembly, Mr Bell shared his story as a War Veteran where he was a Royal Australian Air Force Pilot. Mr Bell fought in the Middle East and Mediterranean where he was unfortunately, captured following an aircraft accident. Mr Bell was held hostage as a Prisoner of War for nine months. At almost 100 years of age, he provided an honest and moving recollection of this period of his life; a time which he admitted to not speaking about for 45 years upon his return. It was a great privilege to hear Mr Bell’s first-hand experiences and for the audience to better understand the journey of those who have served our country. It was a poignant reminder of the Australian mateship and bravery. Our students showed a deep respect and gratitude for all Mr Bell had experienced during his time of Service. Mr Bell’s heartrending speech was followed by a stunning musical performance by Sherren Singers, conducted by Mrs Lyn Henshall, which provided a time for quiet reflection of Mr Bell’s journey in the Air Force.
During the Assembly, Mr Michael Fogarty, presented a plaque and certificate to the Humanities Faculty in recognition of St Catherine’s being recently announced Victorian School Winner of the ANZAC Day School Award. The Award recognised our commemoration of Anzac Day and the innovative learning activities undertaken during the Year 10 study of Second World War, which involved the digital storytelling of Australia’s involvement in the war, projected through augmented reality. Thank you and congratulations to Head of Humanities, Mrs Katrina Davey for coordinating the Service this week and her leadership resulting in the School being selected as State Winner.
The students also provided a rousing Happy Birthday to Mr Bell for his forthcoming centennial birthday.
The following ‘Pledge of Remembrance’ was read by Hope Kudelka (Year 10) during the Assembly.
The Australian soldier grows not old, the flame still lights his eyes
Although his body lays to rest, his flag forever flies
On the green and gold horizon where the wattles sweep and sway
It flies amongst the gardens and the classrooms of today
Over ocean streams and backyard dreams, above the sunburnt plain
Through harvest yields, on sporting fields, in rainbows after rain
It defines a life worth living and a day that must be won
For every father’s daughter and for every mother’s son
But more than that, the honour claimed in fighting for the free
The pride of the Australian soldier burns in you and me
When the night is dark and dangerous with the rumble of the storm
His courage calls the sunrise and his spirit makes it warm
We will not forget their sacrifice – the strength of their endeavour
For the choices we are gifted with, that flame will burn forever
With a smile that lights the future shining brightly in our scope
We will stand as one, together – we will carry on with hope
But as we go, we take the words that rightfully belong “ I am young and I am worthy, I am brave and I am strong
In the face of any challenge, I will strive to rise above
I deserve this opportunity to live, to learn, to love
I can truly make a difference; my path is up to me
And this is my commitment – be the best that I can be.”