Newsletter

Stepping Ahead

On Monday 24 November, all VCE students ‘stepped ahead’ into their respective 2026 VCE year as new Year 11 or Year 12 students. They did so in style, wearing their new College VCE jumpers. This was noticed by college staff who made several positive comments about how smart and minimalist the new design looks and noted the attention to the commemorative detail of three McAuley roses on the sleeve, which designates VCE students’ legacy as the final all girls’ cohort at the College.

This garment is an outward sign that acknowledges a new ‘rite of passage’ into the VCE – adding to the culmination in Year 12. This gift from the College is also combined with the advent of the opening of the new Senior Campus on Boundary Rd in 2026. These developments shows the important place that Senior students have in the College. Indeed, VCE classes of 2026 will be the trailblazing students who will shape the culture of the new and exciting expansion of the College at Boundary Rd. These cohorts will play a key role in integrating the legacy of an all-girls heritage with the future direction of the College in the purpose-built Senior campus.

Meanwhile, Step Ahead has been a highly valuable period of learning for all students in the VCE. The incumbent Year 11 students have demonstrated maturity and focus in the way that they have begun their first two weeks in their VCE years. Step Ahead is particularly important for students completing their studies in Unit 3 – 4 subjects. The addition of almost two full weeks of course content recognizes the fact that, for Year 12 students, Term 4 is devoted to revision rather than completion of course content and learning. I pass on the many commendations from VCE teachers to all Year 11 and 12 students for the smooth and attentive start that they have made during the Step Ahead period of learning.

Summer Preparation

Over summer break period, students are required to complete all preparation learning for 2026. The aphorism “start as you mean to finish” is apt and I encourage all students to consider completing their preparations for next year in the same manner in which they wish to finish the year – on a high. Perhaps students will consider the idea of completing their required preparation prior to Christmas and giving themselves the gift of confidence, knowing that they simply need to revisit their studies just prior to returning. Hopefully this may support student confidence and learning and the possible miscalculation of time needed to complete all preparation tasks for 2026.

Return in 2026

Finally, for VCE students the start of 2026 will be a busy time. For Year 12 students, the return on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 January begins at Australian Catholic University as part of the Year 12 Retreat. This includes tours at both Australian Catholic University and Melbourne University, as well as student-led Liturgy and reflection, critical thinking and team-based problem solving activities to develop teamwork. Students in Year 12 are responsible for transport to and from ACU – potentially taking them outside of their comfort zone and into a new area of Melbourne with all the future responsibilities of tertiary or working life in arriving on time at an unfamiliar venue. Real life skills. This two-day experience culminates in the Year 12 Formal, which will be held at the Park Hyatt, East Melbourne. This new venue offers an impressive and suitably sized space in the Trinity Room that boasts rust-coloured marble floor-to-ceiling design and inlays. The format is also new: with more of a focus on canapes, designer ‘mocktails’ and a secure and private outdoor garden. The DJ booth also includes a range of impressive lights. It will no doubt be a memorable evening for all Year 12 students.

For Year 11 students, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 January are a return to normal scheduled classes at school before all St Aloysius College students take part in the STRIVE Program. This is an integrated program focusing on student school connectedness and wellbeing, as well as integration of critical and collaborative thinking.

For Year 11 students, highlights include: keynote speakers on VCE success strategies, critical thinking and team work at the Adventure Escape Rooms, the physical challenge of ‘top rope’ climbing at Hardrock Climbing, as well as VCE research skills program and critical literacy through the State Library of Victoria and, finally, the wellbeing benefits of art at the National Gallery. Students will also take part in boxing fitness and yoga classes, as well as mindful reflection through art and creativity sessions.

For Year 12 students, this will include: keynote speaker Glen Gerryn from the Hopeful Institute (an inspiring speaker and former Young Australian of the Year), sessions from Headspace (the National Youth Mental Health Foundation) about accessing support services as a young person, as well as team building activities such as Strike Laser tag in which students will have to work together, develop strategies to both ‘defend’ and ‘capture the flag’ of opposing House teams inside a maze/obstacle course. Personally, my money is on McAuley House for the win. Go McAuley!

Exciting things ahead for all VCE students in 2026. As we near the end of the year, I wish all families a merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday. I look forward to seeing all VCE students again in 2026.

Tom Crowle
Senior Years Leader