Issue #11 30 Oct 2026

A Busy and Important Time in the Middle School

As we move further into Term 4, there is plenty happening across the Middle School, with a number of important events and milestones approaching for both our Year 9 and Year 10 students. Our Year 9 students have been enjoying opportunities to explore future career pathways through the Geelong Tertiary Futures Program, while our Year 10 students are preparing for their final examinations and the exciting transition into senior school. With examinations, orientation programs and end-of-year activities approaching, it is important that students and families are aware of the key dates and expectations over the coming weeks.

Year 9 – Geelong Tertiary Futures Program (GTFP)

Our Year 9 students have been participating in the Geelong Tertiary Futures Program (GTFP), delivered through The Gordon. This program provides students with an opportunity to explore different industries, career pathways andvocational learning experiences through a range of practical, hands-on activities.

Across three days – Friday 16 October, Thursday 29 October and the upcoming Thursday 5 November – students have been, and will continue to be, involved in Career Previews across a variety of fields. These experiences allow students to step outside the traditional classroom environment and gain a better understanding of the skills, knowledge and opportunities associated with different industries.

Programs such as GTFP are particularly valuable for our Year 9 students as they begin to think more seriously about their future pathways. While some students may already have an idea of what they would like to pursue, others are still discovering their interests and strengths. Having the opportunity to experience different industries firsthand can help students explore new possibilities and make more informed decisions about their future.

It has been pleasing to see our students embracing these opportunities, and I look forward to hearing more about their experiences following their final day at The Gordon on 5 November.

I would also like to acknowledge the staff involved in organising and supporting our students throughout the program, as well as The Gordon for providing these valuable learning experiences.

Year 10 – Examination Preparation and End-of-Semester Exams

For our Year 10 students, the coming weeks are an important time as they prepare to complete their final assessments for the year.

During week 6 (Monday 9 November – Friday 13 November) there will be dedicated examination preparations going on in class, providing students with an opportunity to consolidate their learning, revise key concepts and prepare for their end-of-semester examinations.

Moving into week 7, the official Year 10 examinations will take place (Monday 16 November – Friday 20 November). 

Students are encouraged to make the most of the support and guidance provided by their teachers during this time. Effective examination preparation involves more than simply reading through notes. Students should be actively revising, completing practice questions, reviewing feedback from previous assessments and seeking clarification on areas they are unsure about. Developing effective study habits now will not only support students through their Year 10 examinations but will also help establish a strong foundation for the academic expectations of senior school.

As students prepare for their examinations, it is also important to remember that Satisfactory (S) completion of Year 10 subjects is determined by more than examination results alone. Regular attendance, active participation in class, completion of required coursework and assessments, and demonstrating an understanding of the learning outcomes all contribute to a satisfactory result. Students who do not meet these requirements may receive a Not Satisfactory  (N) result, which can impact their progression into senior school in 2027.

We encourage families to support students in establishing a balanced study routine, ensuring they are organised,getting adequate rest and approaching their examinations with a positive mindset.

Year 10 – Preparing for Senior School: Year 11 Orientation

Following the examination periods, one of the most significant events approaching for our Year 10 students is the Year 11 Orientation Program, which will run across Weeks 8 and 9, from Monday 23 November to Friday 4 December. This program marks the beginning of our students' transition into senior school and provides an important opportunity for them to experience the expectations, routines and learning associated with their chosen senior pathways.

During these two weeks, students will begin attending their new Year 11 classes, whether they are undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the VCE Vocational Major (VM). All Year 10 students are expected to attend and actively participate in their Year 11 classes throughout the full two-week orientation program, regardless of whether they are undertaking VCE or VM. Students will have the opportunity to meet their new teachers, become familiar with their subjects and begin developing the learning habits and skills required for success in their senior studies.

It is important that students and families understand that these two weeks are not simply an introduction to Year 11.Students will be commencing learning in their new subjects, and the work undertaken during orientation will help establish the foundations for their studies in 2027.

Being Prepared for Orientation

Students are expected to arrive at their new classes organised and ready to learn. This includes having:

• New workbooks or exercise books for their Year 11 subjects.
• Pens, pencils and other essential stationery.
• Any subject-specific equipment or resources required for their new classes.
• A positive attitude and readiness to participate in their senior studies.

We ask families to support students in ensuring they have the necessary materials ready before orientation begins on Monday 23 November.

For many students, this is an exciting step towards greater independence and responsibility. It is also an opportunity to establish positive routines, build connections with new teachers and begin their senior school journey with confidence. We encourage all Year 10 students to approach the program seriously, ask questions when needed and make the most of this important opportunity.

Important End-of-Year Arrangements – Year 9 and Year 10

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, there are several important arrangements that students andfamilies need to be aware of.

Year 9 – Examinations

Year 9 students will undertake their end-of-semester examinations in Week 9, from Monday 30 November toThursday 3 December, with catch-up examinations scheduled for Friday 4 December.

Students will complete examinations in their four core subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Humanities
• Science

These examinations provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the content and skills developed throughout the semester, while continuing to build the examination preparation and study skills that will become increasingly important as they progress through their schooling. We encourage students to begin preparing early, seek support from their teachers and maintain positive learning habits throughout the coming weeks.

Year 9 – Locker Clean-Out and End-of-Year Program

On Friday 4 December, all Year 9 students will be required to completely empty and clean their lockers. This process will be coordinated by the Year 9 Subschool Team, with students provided with further instructions closer to thedate.

In Week 10, from Tuesday 8 December to Friday 11 December, Year 9 students will participate in the End-of-Year Program. This program will provide students with a range of activities and experiences as they conclude their Year 9 studies. Further details regarding the activities and arrangements for each day will be communicated to students and families closer to the dates.

Please keep an eye out for this information.

Year 10 – Locker Clean-Out and Final Arrangements

Year 10 students will begin their locker clean-out process on Monday 16 November, following their English examination. At this time, students will be expected to remove any books, resources and personal belongings that are no longer required for the remainder of the school year. Students will be permitted to keep their new Year 11 workbooks and any required equipment in their lockers throughout the two-week Year 11 Orientation Program.

However, all Year 10 lockers must be completely emptied by Friday 4 December, following the conclusion of the orientation program. No belongings are to be left in lockers after this date.

To assist with the clean-out process, skip bins have been organised for students to dispose of unwanted materials. We ask students and families to consider the following when sorting through school resources:

• Take home: Any books, notes or resources that students would like to keep or may find useful in future years.
• Dispose of: Unwanted or damaged materials that are no longer required.
• Donate: Unused or good-quality books and resources that students and families no longer wish to keep may be donated to the school for other students to use.

We encourage students to take responsibility for their belongings and ensure that their lockers are left completely empty and clean by the required dates.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks will be busy for our Middle School students, with examinations, orientation and end-of-year programs all providing important opportunities for learning, growth and preparation for 2027. I encourage all students to remain focused on their learning, maintain positive attendance and organisational habits, and continue to make the most of the opportunities available to them. We will continue to provide further information and reminders through upcoming newsletters and school communications as these important dates approach.

Thank you to our students, families and staff for their ongoing support as we work through this important stage of Term 4.