NGSC Newsletter
Issue 4

Senior School News

Term 2 - Setting the Standard

Attendance Matters

Practice GAT and GAT - Important Dates

SACs and Assessment

Senior School Catch-Up Sessions

Pathways and Future Planning

Uniform and Presentation Expectations

Final Thoughts

Joel McDougall
Senior Sub School Leader

Welcome back to Term 2. We hope the break provided a chance to rest, reset, and prepare for what is always a busy and important part of the year. Term 2 is a full-length term this year, and with that comes a sustained period of learning, assessment, and growth.

Term 2 – Setting the Standard

Term 2 is where momentum really matters. With a consistent run of classes, this is a great opportunity for students to build strong routines around attendance, organisation, and study habits.

Senior students play an important role in setting the tone for the school, and we encourage them to lead by example in their approach to learning, organisation, and commitment.

We encourage all students to:

  • Stay on top of classwork and avoid falling behind
  • Use their study periods effectively
  • Seek support early when needed
  • Maintain a healthy balance between school, work, and wellbeing

Good habits established now will set students up for success not only this semester, but for the remainder of the year.

Attendance Matters

A reminder that students are expected to maintain at least 80 percent attendance in each subject.

Regular attendance is essential for:

  • Demonstrating understanding of outcomes
  • Completing coursework
  • Ensuring work can be authenticated

Students who fall below this threshold place themselves at significant risk of not achieving satisfactory completion of their units.

Practice GAT and GAT – Important Dates

This year’s key dates are:

  • Practice GAT – Tuesday 20 May
  • GAT – Monday 16 June

All students required to sit the GAT will be notified via Compass. The Practice GAT is run under exam conditions and is an important opportunity for students to experience the structure, timing, and expectations of the real assessment.

The GAT plays a significant role in the VCE. It can be used to support and check examination results and is an important safeguard in ensuring fair and accurate outcomes for students.

Students are expected to approach both the Practice GAT and the GAT with a high level of seriousness and effort.

SACs and Assessment

As the term progresses, students will begin to see an increase in SACs across their subjects. Planning ahead is critical.

Students should:

  • Be aware of SAC dates and prepare in advance
  • Avoid last-minute study habits
  • Communicate with teachers if they are unsure or need support

Consistency is key. Small, regular effort is far more effective than last-minute cramming.

Senior School Catch-Up Sessions

Catch-up sessions continue to run each Tuesday afternoon. These sessions are designed for students who:

  • Have missed a SAC
  • Need to complete a redemption
  • Are behind in coursework

Students will be notified if attendance is required. These sessions are an important support and should be taken seriously.

Pathways and Future Planning

As the year progresses, students may begin to think more seriously about their future pathways.

We encourage students to:

  • Speak with their Year Level Coordinator
  • Engage with the Careers team
  • Explore options early and make informed decisions

There are many pathways to success, and making proactive, informed choices is key.

Uniform and Presentation Expectations

As we move into the cooler months, a reminder that full school uniform is expected at all times:

  • No hoodies or non-uniform items
  • Black school shoes are required
  • Students must be clean shaven
  • Uniform is to be worn correctly and with pride

Senior students are role models within our school community. The way they present themselves sets the standard for younger students and reflects the pride we have in our school.

We appreciate students taking this responsibility seriously.

Final Thoughts

Term 2 is a long and important stretch of the year. It requires consistency, effort, and a strong mindset. We are proud of the way our senior students have approached their learning so far and look forward to seeing this continue.

As always, we appreciate the ongoing support of our families.