Our girls faced Victory Lutheran College in their first match. It was even contest to start off, both sides proving strong in the defence and midfield. Our key central defenders Jannali and Jemimah clearing the ball well from threatening shots on goal. We had plenty of shots on goal and found it hard to get one in past the Victory keeper. Caitlin Corkett kicked one in but unfortunately the flag was up, she was offside. Sarah Gorka played a great ball to Ella Corkett who then made a diagonally ball across to Happiness who was open to score our first goal. We quickly needed to defend as Victory were on the attack. Victory forward dominated through our defence and scored, 1-1. We re-grouped and Caitlin had another shot on goal although just missing going too far to the right. After a quick half time pep talk we went back on determined. Our midfielders worked hard to create more opportunities. Sarah Gorka made a fantastic run down the left wing and took a shot that flew past the keeper into the right corner of the net making it 2-1. We finished up with a win 2-1 which meant we had the bye for the next round.

Next game we played against Wangaratta High. The WSSC team was confident and determined to win. Kaitlyn Ross made some great saves early on from the WHS forwards. Evea Ryan made a fantastic cross through midfield to our forward Caitlin Corkett who then passed to Jess Pickersgill who was open in front of goal and scored 1-0. Wangaratta struggled in their back line which created an opportunity for us to win the ball. Ella Corkett was open on the wing and took her chances for goal and making the net beautifully. Score 2-0. The next goal was team effort where the ball bounced off the WHS keeper straight to Caitlin Corkett who missed but lucky Happiness Zipora moved in the right position to kick the ball into the net, 3-0. The girls worked well making it look easy with Happiness scoring another goal to make 4-0. After half time we went back on to score another two goals. Sarah Gorka on the left boot again coming from the wing kicked a beautiful ball hitting the top right of the goal. Later another goal from Jess Pickersgill making that a 6-0 win against Wangarratta High.

It was a great day for football with the sun shining and positivity from all players across the schools. Ā鶹¾«Ń” Senior Girls will be advancing to the next level, Hume Region. Congratulations. We look forward to see how you all go with coach Ms Woolford in Shepparton.

You can watch the matches here:

Stage 1

In stage 1 students will receive a virtual kit with a series of fun and engaging coding tasks. Students will participate in these tasks via a user-friendly online platform ā€“ accessible from school or home. The challenges will require that students apply coding and algorithmic thinking in order to solve interesting problems. These tasks can be conducted either at school or during school holidays, at the student’s pace.

Stage 2

Stage 2 allows students to compete with others in a state-wide coding competition which will be a face-to-face event. In this competition, students will be competing in groups of 2-4, in many different challenges and games. This promises to be a fun-filled day, with challenge, excitement, friendly competition and prizes for the winning teams. (Entry to stage 2 is not dependent upon completing stage 1, however students must have been registered for stage 1 before enrolling into stage 2.) NB: to attend the competition in Melbourne you will need to travel to Melbourne (on the train with a school supervisor) the evening before the competition and stay in a hotel overnight. Cost of accommodation will be paid for by the students.
If you are interested in participating in the Stage 1 Coding Challenge please email Vicki Northey nov@wssc.vic.edu to be registered.

Further information can be found here:

With the support of Shane Crispin, Head Start SBAT Coordinator based at WSSC, Jess Klippel Apprenticeship Field Officer with BUSY At Work he has now become part of the first-class Clarke Automotive Wodonga team through a Head Start School-Based Apprenticeship (SBAT).

Beginning in June, he will work one day per week at Clarke Automotive Wodonga and commence his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology with Wodonga TAFE. Gustave will complete his VET qualification alongside his school studies at WSSC over the coming years, gaining valuable real-world skills and earning an income while continuing his education. Gustave said he was looking forward to completing his SBAT successfully and one day working on his own dream car a high-performance Mercedes- AMG coupe.

We are especially proud of Gustave as it takes courage, determination, resilience to embrace education and training in a new country let alone a step into the challenges of a SBAT, reflects his commitment to his growth, contribution, and faith in his future. We extend our sincere thanks to Ivan, Marion, and the entire Clarke Automotive Wodonga team for providing such a welcoming , forward-thinking environment for providing this wonderful life changing opportunity for Gustave.

A special shout-out goes out to Nelson and Grace, the legendary WSSC Multicultural Aides, and to Gustaveā€™s amazing family for their invaluable support in helping make this opportunity a reality. Asante (Thank you in Swahili )

For more information about getting your young person hands on and in the driving seat of their future School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBATs), please contact Head Start SBAT Coordinator, Shane Crispin.
M: 0476 076 258
E: shane.crispin@education.vic.gov.au

VCAA GAT 2025 – Information for Students

GAT Times

The GAT is split in to two sections:

• Section A: 9:00am ā€“ 11:15am
• Section B: 1:15pm ā€“ 3:00pm

WHO SITS THE GAT?

Section A Only
Students enrolled in VCE Vocational Major (VM) Unit 3/4 who are not enrolled in any VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3/4 subjects.

Both Sections A and B
Students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3.

WHAT IS THE GAT?

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills taken by students in the course of completing their senior secondary studies.

The GAT plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments and also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards expected at a senior secondary level.

No special study is needed. Past study of subjects like English, Mathematics, Science and History prepares students for the GAT by building their general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy and reasoning.

Other key points for students/parents

• Students must have their student card for ID and student number purposes. This will not be available to collect from the front office on GAT day.
• Students must check the seating plan prior to Tuesday 17th of June
• Read through the attached document ā€“ pay close attention to the ā€˜Rulesā€™ Section
• Only water in a clear bottle is approved
• NO phones, Smart watches or any other devices permitted into the GAT
• Any pens, pencils need to be stored in a clear zip lock bag ā€“ No pencil cases.

Placements in Work-Related Skills

VCE Vocational Major Work-Related Skills (WRS) examines a range of skills, knowledge and capabilities relevant to achieving individual career and educational goals. Students will develop a broad understanding of workplace environments and the future of work and education, in order to engage in theoretical and practical planning and decision-making for a successful transition to their desired pathway.

The study considers four key areas: the future of work; workplace skills and capabilities; industrial relations and the workplace environment and practice; and the development of a personal portfolio.

Students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this study in the classroom environment and through Structured Workplace Learning (SWL).

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) must constitute a minimum of 20 hours in each of Units 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Appropriate Placement Settings:

• in a private enterprise or public sector workplace
• in community-based workplaces
• through part-time or casual work out of school hours
• through on-the-job training as part of a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

What is structured Workplace Learning?

Structured Workplace Learning offers students a chance to gain practical experience while they learn. It’s a way to:

• Combine hands-on experience at real workplaces with their VET studies. These VET courses are part of their VCE or VCE Vocational Major.
• Take part in work placements that match their applied learning program within the VCE Vocational Major.
• Show how they use their job-related skills as part of their VCE Industry and Enterprise studies.

By joining Structured Workplace Learning, students can:

• Improve their skills.
• Put what they’ve learned in class to real use.
• Get assessed on the things they’ve learned.
• Achieve certain learning goals.
• Open doors to better job opportunities.

Structured Workplace Learning Arrangement Form

This Structured workplace learning arrangement form (PDF) must be completed and signed before the structured workplace learning commences. It must be signed by:

• the employer
• the student
• the parent/guardian of the student ā€“ if the student is under 18 years of age
• the principal or acting principal ā€“ this authority cannot be delegated to an assistant principal or other member of staff.

The principal must ensure a copy of the signed arrangement form is provided to each party. The principal should retain the original copy.

Variations or amendments to the arrangement form may only be made in writing and must be signed by the employer, student, parent/guardian (if the student is under 18 years of age) and the principal.

Work Experience Travel and Accomodation Form

The Work experience travel and accommodation form (PDF) must be used:

• if it is proposed that the student may need to undertake vehicle travel with their employer and/or supervisor during the arrangement, including travel to or from the workplace
• if the student is required to stay in accommodation other than their normal place of residence while undertaking work experience.

This form must be signed:

• for travel ā€“ by both the employer and the parent/guardian, or the student if they are aged 18 years or over
• for accommodation ā€“ by the parent/guardian, or the student if they are aged 18 years or over.

Exams in the VCE Vocational Major

Students will be expected to complete internal exams (end of Unit 1/2, Year 10/11 exams) for:

• VCE VM Literacy
• VCE VM Numeracy

NOTE: These exams are online using the program BKSB (Basic Key Skill Builder), which students are familiar with as they use it during class time.

Students will also be expected to complete a mock interview during the internal exam period (end of Unit 1/2, Year 10/11 exams).

VCE VM Work-Related Skills

The following subjects do not have any external exams (end of Unit 3/4, Year 12 exams):

• VCE VM Literacy
• VCE VM Numeracy
• VCE VM Work-Related Skills
• VCE VM Personal Development Skills

The only external exam required of all VCE VM students is the General Achievement Test.
This is for students studying a Unit 3/4 subject (Year 12 equivalent). The exam is held in June each year.
For more information please see:

Some VCE VM students may be required to sit external exams for their VCE or VCE VET electives.
Eg. Unit 3/4 Hospitality (Cookery) has an exam at the end of the year.

Year 11 Student Grace Bartel pictured on the right.

The NSCC, funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and coordinated by National Curriculum Services, provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of parliamentary processes and the ways in which decisions made in parliament can impact communities across the nation. Grace was joined by 24 other students representing Victoria in this prestigious event.

The 2025 Convention theme, ā€˜Revisiting Sections 51ii and 90 to Reimagine Australiaā€™s Fiscal Federalism,ā€™ aimed to engage students in examining the fiscal relationships between the Commonwealth and the states as defined by these sections of the Australian Constitution. With guidance from Emeritus Professor Clement Macintyre from the University of South Australia, participants debated the complexities of fiscal federalism and proposed potential reforms.
During the three-day event, students attended a variety of sessions, including a mock referendum, a visit to Parliament House, and a meeting with Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at Government House. Additionally, Grace had the opportunity to connect with her local representative, Dr Helen Haines, Member for Indi, gaining further insight into the impact of national decision-making on her community.

The outcomes of the Convention will be compiled into a CommuniquƩ to be presented to the President of the Senate, Senator The Hon Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recording in Hansard.

With an application process that began in 2024, Grace applied in the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of how decisions are made in Parliament. The experience proved to be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to connect with like-minded students from across the state and country, all passionate about politics and the ways parliamentary decisions shape our communitiesā€”particularly in regional areas.

Ā鶹¾«Ń” congratulates Grace on this exceptional opportunity and commends her for her commitment to learning more about the Australian Constitution and its implications for regional communities.

About the survey
The AtoSS is a voluntary student survey offered by the Department of Education every year to help schools and the department understand students’ experiences of school. We will ask your child about their thoughts and feelings about their school, their learning, relationships with other students, resilience, bullying, health and wellbeing, physical activity, and life in general.
ORIMA Research Pty Ltd has been contracted by the department to manage the collection of the online survey and will provide support to schools through a telephone hotline and email.
This year, the survey will be conducted at your school from 12th May to 13th June.

What are the benefits?
Young people enjoy having a say! This survey has been running for nearly 20 years and helps schools plan programs and activities to improve your child’s engagement with school, their wellbeing and their learning. The survey data also helps the Department of Education understand how to improve student learning.

What are the risks?
We donā€™t expect many risks of participation, but some students may find some questions personal or sensitive. If you agree for your child to take part, they can still skip questions or withdraw at any time whilst completing the survey if it makes them upset or uncomfortable. A teacher will be present during the survey to support students.
The questions come from validated survey instruments used in Australia and around the world. They focus on your childā€™s strengths and are designed for each year level group.

What will my child be asked to do?
Your child will be invited to complete the survey online during class time using a purpose built secure online survey tool. We are not ā€œtestingā€ your child. Please note:

• Students can choose if they want to take part, skip questions if they donā€™t want to answer, and can stop doing the survey at any time.
• There are different versions of the survey to let all students take part.
• The survey will take around 20-40 minutes to complete.

How is my childā€™s privacy protected?
A teacher will give your child a unique login to complete the survey. This unique student login is an assigned identifier that will be used by the department to link data for analysis and research only. Some student demographic data such as year level, gender, age, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status are provided to ORIMA research, and linked with the unique student login ID to administer the survey. This information helps to support analysis and research, to paint a clearer picture of how Victorian school students are faring.
ORIMA Research will only use student personal information for research purposes to facilitate the administration and data collection of the Attitudes to School Survey. To keep your childā€™s survey answers private, ORIMA Research wonā€™t include any personally identifiable data in the survey answers file that is provided to the department.
All data is stored on servers located in Australia, and only staff who are working on the project can access it.

All information collected about your child will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Data and Protection Act 2014 (Vic), the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) and the Public Records Act 1973 (Vic), as well as the . Please note that consistent with the above legislation and our policy, there are instances where we may be required by law to share information provided by your child. For example, where there is a threat to your childā€™s health and safety.

How will results be reported?
The department will only use aggregated state-wide survey data to report on initiatives and this data may also be used in public discussions of issues about student engagement and wellbeing. An example of how survey data has been previously used includes reporting levels of student engagement in the Performance Summary in the Annual Report to the School Community. The department will not share any identifiable student data with any other party.
Your childā€™s school will only get reports about groups of students. Information about individual students and the student answers data file will not be shared with schools. If there are low numbers of student answers to a question, the report will not show results for this question to protect the privacy of those students.
Your school may share the survey report back to you.

What if I donā€™t want my child to do the survey?
This survey is voluntary. If you do not want your child to do the survey, please opt out by emailing your school at seniorcollege@wssc.vic.edu.au before the survey starts on Monday 19th May.
Student personal information will be shared with ORIMA Research to facilitate survey preparations prior to this opt out process. If you opt your child out of participating, then your school will ensure that your child is not provided with access to the survey. Student details will be deleted by ORIMA Research at the conclusion of the survey.
If your school does not receive a ā€œRefusal of Consentā€ email from you before the survey begins, we will assume that you agree for your child to take part in the 2025 Attitudes to School Survey. Please remember, as noted above, the survey is voluntary: even with your consent, your child can choose to skip questions or stop doing the survey at any time.

For more information about this survey, including the questions your child will be asked to answer, please visit the .

If you would like more information or have any concerns about the survey, please speak to your childā€™s teacher, or contact the department at school.surveys@education.vic.gov.au.

Yours sincerely,
Department of Education, Victoria

Nate has quickly adapted to the trade, beginning to learn essential skills such as breaking down cuts of meat, making sausages, and engaging with customers. With the expert guidance of experienced butcher Greg Cavanagh and his team, Nateā€™s growing attention to detail and appreciation for the craft will continue to develop. Employer Greg said that itā€™s great to give young people their start in this industry particularly with a shortage of qualified butchers. Nate said he was looking forward to learning more hands-on skills for the shop. Jess Klippel from BUSY At Work apprenticeships said she loves seeing young people start out in their careers which align with their passions.
We are incredibly proud of Nate for choosing this unique path to explore his future in a traditional trade and industry. A special thank you to Greg and his team for generously sharing their extensive knowledge and fostering such a passionate work environment, offering Nate this invaluable opportunity. Shout out to Renae WSSC Career advisor for her support.

If you know of a young person who wants to transfer their casual or part time passion into a career defining pathway, please reach out to Shane Crispin on 0476 076 258 or via email shane.Crispin@education.vic.gov.au

My teacher, Catherine McDougall, had put a poster up in the classroom 2 years ago about RAW24, I gained interest in it but chose to apply for RAW25, thanks to her I would of never have of gotten the chance to be a part of this amazing opportunity and to widen my artist experience.
Chiana Broydell
Year 12 Student