Newsletter

VCE students have made a positive start to Term 2 with a strong focus on key learning habits, developed in Term 1, that are important in focusing on continued academic success and personal growth.

In the first week of Term 2, we welcomed the return of VCE students who took part in the VCE French Study Tour. This combined seamlessly with the ANZAC Day Liturgy, in remembrance of all Australian servicemen and women who have contributed to the defence of democratic values in World War I, but more broadly, in all active service. As part of the ANZAC Liturgy, College co-captain, Olivia Mosticone, and College prefect, Tadala Nkhoma, shared their reflections as part of the study tour that visited Villers-Bretonneux with the College community:

Over the break, we had the opportunity to visit a small village in Northern France that actively remembers and honors the contributions of Australia in the First World War. Specifically, the Australian soldiers who fought at Villers-Bretonneux to defend and recapture the land [as part of the wider Allied effort].

In the heart of this town, there is a museum, located in a primary school named “Victoria School”, with preserved recollections of those who experienced the War and recounts the ongoing relationship between Villers-Bretonneux and Australia which began in 1921. Images, artefacts and first-hand experiences were perfectly encapsulated in this momentous space. The fear, excitement and grief that war brings to those at the front and those at home creates a lasting international memory.

Notably, a short distance from this museum, there is the Australian Military Cemetery. As we viewed the graves of the brave representatives sent from Australia to battle in the war, we commended their efforts and contributions to present society. With each grave sharing a story of a life once lived and a sacrifice once made. Sacrifice was ultimately displayed with around eleven thousand who fell in France and have no known grave.

For Term 2, a key overarching concept for VCE students is the power of consistency.

In his book Leading: Learning from my life at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson discusses the value of consistency throughout his time at Manchester United. For Ferguson, Manchester United’s team triumphs “were [always] an expression of the consistent application of discipline.” As the Premier League’s most decorated and successful manager and a noted speaker with the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program, Ferguson’s focus on consistency is worth noting.

For St Aloysius College VCE students, consistently engaging with practice assessment tasks and revision – independent from set preparation tasks – is an integral part of preparation for success. Setting aside one hour or one Study Period as self-directed revision with practice assessment tasks or practice exam questions (available to students in shared folders in MS Teams as one example) is an important routine habit to form. These preparation tasks help students become familiar with exam formats, build confidence, and identify areas for improvement. It has been pleasing to hear teachers commenting that they have received practice assessment tasks and practice examination tasks from students independently from a number of students – a great start to continue.

Equally important for learning is the value of feedback received from teachers. Feedback provides targeted guidance on what’s working and what needs development. By reviewing and applying feedback in a timely manner, students can make meaningful improvements, avoid repeating mistakes, and refine their skills progressively. This active approach to learning fosters a growth mindset and encourages responsibility for one’s own learning.

Ultimately, starting the term with these habits sets a positive tone, builds academic resilience, and positions students to achieve their personal best as the term progresses. Small, consistent actions now lead to significant long-term gains.

Consistency will no doubt be a key aspect of the preparations that VCE students have made in the ongoing rehearsals for the upcoming St Aloysius College musical – Grease. VCE students have a number of leading and supporting roles on the stage as actors, dancers and singers, as well as the vital backstage work supporting the performance. With tickets selling fast, I encourage all students, parents and carers in the College community to act quickly to secure their tickets and support what will no doubt be a fantastic performance with so many iconic songs.

Tom Crowle
Senior Years Leader