Newsletter

Balancing exam preparation with completing the final Unit 1 Outcomes can feel demanding, but it becomes manageable with a clear plan and steady routines. The key is creating a study structure that supports both goals without letting one overshadow the other. Start by breaking Outcome tasks into smaller checkpoints so progress feels achievable. Pair these with short, focused revision blocks for each subject to keep exam content fresh. This approach prevents last-minute stress and builds confidence over time.

It has been interesting to hear how some Year 11 students have used Ai, like Microsoft Copilot to create summary notes from their own work. Some strategic use has included copy and pasting the various VCAA subject Study Designs to create an overall structure and summary tables for each Outcome statement and Study Design dot point. This is a far more effective way of synthesising notes to use as a study aid when completing practice questions.

Completing exam-style questions is by far the most effective and highest impact strategy for success – bar none. Including strategically selected questions to help improve and refine understanding is key. Using timed practice of such questions is a vital part of students’ preparation to manage timed conditions of examinations.

Maintaining balance isn’t just about workload; it’s also about wellbeing. Regular breaks, sleep, and movement keep your mind sharp and your motivation steady.

A simple next step is deciding whether you want help create a study timetable to support students’ agency and control over the revision and preparation process.

Mercy in Action: Young Mercy Links

As part of the Mercy in Action pilot program, Year 11 students involved in the program heard from Cass Prinzi and Angela Scarafino (pictured above) about their roles in the Young Mercy Links program that facilitates student experiences and the good works as part of the Mercy charism that is a core part of students formation in a Mercy context.

Most interestingly for Year 11 students was the fact that both Cass and Angela are both St Aloysius College alumna (past students). Seeing the photographs of their time at the College, including school photographs of a number of teachers like Ms Farah and Mr Georgiou (neither had aged a day from their photographs!).

Cass and Angela spoke to the work of Young Mercy Links through the Mercy Hub in facilitating student experiences in a range of good works, such as Cambodia emersion programs that two students at St Aloysius College, including Year 11 Lila D-K will take part in later in the year.

Young Mercy Links is a core conduit for students to engage with what it means to live in accordance with the Mercy charism and serve others in the broader community.

VCE VM Student contributions: Biggest Morning Tea

On Wednesday 27 May, the VCE VM students, with the assistance of Ms Cornell, set up for the teaching staff ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ fundraiser to support the Cancer Council of Australia. This annual fundraiser is an important way in which students at St Aloysius can serve the broader community through acts of service and fundraising.

Nancy (Year 12 VCE VM) writes:

We set up the staff room with decorations and put together different platters of food. Overall, it was a big success, with the staff raising $390 for the Cancer Council. This was just a warm up though, for the student fundraiser that we are running as a VCE VM class on Friday 29 May. We will be selling hot chocolates to the school community for a gold coin donation. Students have the option to add extra things, like marsh mellows and cookies for an additional donation. We look forward to seeing all Year 12s with their hot chocolates.

Unit 1 Art Making and Exhibiting Excursion:

The Year 11 Art Making and Exhibiting students recently attended an inspiring excursion to the Top Arts 2026 Exhibition at the NGV Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square.

The exhibition showcased outstanding work by emerging VCE artists from across Victoria, highlighting innovative approaches to materials, techniques, and creative expression. Students were introduced to the exhibition through an engaging talk led by an NGV educator, who provided insight into key artworks and the ideas behind them. They explored how artists developed their concepts, experimented with materials, and refined their work from initial exploration to final presentation.

Viewing student folios allowed our class to better understand the creative process and the level of documentation expected in VCE. This experience offered valuable inspiration and practical advice, encouraging students to develop their own artistic practice with greater confidence, creativity, and awareness of what contributes to success in Art Making and Exhibiting. "It was an insightful experience". - Elsa MacGregor. "Looking through the folio was very motivating". - Natalie Lu

ACS Athletics and sport

Congratulations to the Senior VCE Year 11 and 12 students who participated in the ACS athletics carnival on Monday 1 June. This is the culmination of ongoing training and preparation. I commend all girls who participated and competed in a range of track and field events. The Mercy value of courage was no doubt on display competing in difficult conditions – cold and wet conditions.

Mr Declan Gall writes: Our ACS Athletics team recently placed 5th which our best position and a testament to all of your efforts developing athletes. And our training programme is the strongest it has ever been with sessions every morning and consistent numbers for most sports, including the additional training of morning Run Club.

The seniors once again punched well above their weight at the ACS Athletics Championships on Monday despite the weather.

The year 11's came home with two medals. Susannah Engler and Jocelyn Weng both won bronze medals in discus and long jump to contribute an overall 5th place.

The year 12's picked up six medals. Mary Mangar won gold in high jump and a silver in triple jump. Lila Casey done a terrific triple with silver and two bronze medals in 400,800 and 1500m. Mary-Grace Fitzgerald rounded off a fantastic day with a bronze in the discus. Overall, the year 12 girls finished 3rd, our best ever finish.

Well done to all who participated. Attention now turns to ACS Cross Country on the 14th August. Training takes place Tuesday and Thursday's before school.

I commend the Senior VCE Year 11 and 12 students who have been taking part in a range of sports in the new ACS competition. These include the current AFL, netball and basketball seasons. The Year 12s in particular are living up to their “small but mighty” name, and have recorded wins and significant improvement in each game that they have played. I always notice the joy and excitement on Wednesday at lunch time as the girls rev each other up pre-departure in the D-Block locker room. Go St Aloysius!

Tom Crowle
Senior Years Leader