7 minute read
Kinnoull Campus
– SENIOR YEARS
Shane Mackintosh
Despite the many challenges in 2021, one can only have admiration for the grit displayed by all the senior students and staff this year. With great expectations that the events of 2020 were well behind us, unfortunately, remote learning permeated our landscape once again this year. Students and staff were required to adapt quickly, drawing on experiences from last year in managing the constant state of uncertainty.
Despite the stop-start presence of onsite learning, students displayed a positive mindset towards their studies throughout the year. Whether being onsite or during remote learning, the Mentors were instrumental in supporting the students by maintaining those all-important connections and relationships. The vertical wellbeing House system enabled the senior students to lead by example whilst continuing to cultivate a positive climate within each House. The exciting launch and implementation of the College reimaged personal development (GROW) took place this year. Guided by the Mentors, the bespoke program has been tailored to meet the specific wellbeing needs of the students. Whilst drawing on current research and best practices from Australia and around the world, the nuanced program focused on a range of topics that has equipped our students with the tools and resources to support their ongoing wellbeing needs. Our students have shown tremendous personal growth throughout the past twelve months and will no doubt reflect on this year as another pivotal step in their personal development. Finally, to the Kinnoull staff who have supported the students so tirelessly throughout the year – a huge thank you. The students and College are very fortunate to have such a wonderful and dedicated group of professionals supporting the needs of the young men in our care. Wishing you all a very safe and relaxing summer break. Shane Mackintosh – Director of Students, (Senior Years)
The 2021 VCE students are to be commended for their resilience, commitment and dedication. It has been a challenging year but the graduating students of De La Salle College are indeed worthy of congratulating. Various media articles have stated that up to three whole Terms have been spent in remote learning in the past 24 months. In 2021, the GAT was delayed five times before finally taking place after 10 weeks off campus.
We would like to thank the College Directors, Executive Team, Director of Students and 2021 VCE staff and acknowledge the creative dedication with which they have approached the learning and teaching of our VCE students. At every challenge, there was an innovative solution. Working as a team we ensured all students have had the opportunity to achieve personal best outcomes. All VCE staff were able to participate in Professional Development and we also had school partnerships in Unit 3/4 Drama and Applied Computing: Software Development. The College had 160 Year 12 students and many Year 11 students who completed a range of subjects across the Unit 3/4 VCE curriculum, offering choices in all subject domains. VCE VET subjects are a growth area and students are very keen on Sport/Recreation and Building/Construction. Students completing practical subjects were introduced to the many amazing digital and virtual platforms that allowed assignments to be completed. We also had three students studying a Higher Education subject at the University of Melbourne. They have each achieved excellent results and have thoroughly enjoyed their experience. In 2021, students were introduced to online SAC assessment. Students mastered this quickly and it allowed us to stay on track and meet all the external Study Design Assessments. We take this opportunity to thank the external supervisors who manage our examinations, led superbly by our Chief Supervisor, Lesley Freeland. We wish all students the very best of luck in their exams and in life beyond the school gates. James Gigacz and Fiona Sayner – VCE Coordinators 2021
VET
2021 saw a number of De La Salle College students undertake both internal and external Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects. The College once again had students study Building and Construction (Carpentry) and Sport and Recreation internally. The delivery of both of these subjects was severely hampered by the various lockdowns throughout the year and some of the practical components of the course were modified in order for students to successfully complete their certificates in these subjects.
Several students once again chose to study certificates externally and the variety of subjects chosen is a great example of why choosing a VET subject is a good option for many students. We had three Year 12 students complete a Certificate II in Aviation and all three have partially completed their pilot’s licences. Other Year 12 students completed certificates in areas including Animal Studies, Hospitality, Electrical, Plumbing, Screen and Media, Acting, Musical Performance and Musical Production. In a sign of the times, 2021 saw two of our Year 11 students undertake studies in Cybersecurity, an area in which I am sure their acquired skills will certainly be sought after in the job market post school. In what has been a very difficult year for the delivery of practical subjects, De La Salle College students are to be congratulated on the way they adapted to completing course requirements online. I trust that they will have opportunities in the future to complete some of the tasks that simply were not possible due to lockdowns. Jon Edgar – VET Coordinator
VCAL 2021 commenced with our headstart program in November 2020, a bumper crop of De La Salle College’s finest, producing a capacity Year 11 Intermediate and Year 12 Senior class. Our Intermediate and Senior students were excited with the prospect of a new beginning, fuelling expectations of new pathways that will take them to their dream occupations.
Previously our Senior Enterprise students had secured a Government grant of $12,000 for a school improvement garden project. Students wasted no time in rolling up their sleeves designing, quoting, determining suitable and appropriate materials to create their own Garden of Eden under the very capable direction and assurance of Dave Murray, Andrew Kearns and Jodie McLaren. Intermediate students embarked on their own new and wondrous experience, The Little Kitchen That Could, a VET Hospitality program integrating the VCAL strand of Industry Specific and Personal Development, maturing an understanding of hygiene with the finer points of culinary consciousness, bringing out the MasterChef within. They produced delectable delights! The Senior and Intermediate students assume responsibility for their onsite work placement, with many students gaining School Based Apprenticeships in Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, Refrigeration, while others secured Structured Workplace Learning opportunities as Motor Mechanic, Landscaping, Film, Music and Acting with numerous students working in the Building industry. This provides students with the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of their selected pathway and creates an advantage over others to secure employment. It has been a challenging, yet successful year for staff and students, as usual the VCAL team showed resilience and comradeship to carry us through for a very positive 2021. Congratulations to all and thank you for your dedication and hard work. Tim Hogan – VCAL Coordinator
Careers
This year, many have found it difficult to look too far into the future, let alone make projections. However, our De La Salle College students have embraced this challenge, made plans and became excited about their future possibilities.
The Year 9 Choices Program launched with an interview from an Old Collegian who embraced both life and learning experiences which led him on an overseas study and sport trajectory. This stimulated many students to look at possible career and subject selections with an enhanced vigour. Year 10 students were involved in an online interactive workshop from Shape Your Destiny which then segued into completing the Morrisby Report. The data gathered allowed students to critically review their strengths and see what industries these skills could be best utilised in.
Year 11 students were able to confirm their subject choices for their final VCE year of study, using research to guide them into making informed decisions which included both their passions and course prerequisites. Year 12 students embraced their VTAC Course Preferences and became genuinely excited about their post-secondary study and employment opportunities. It is always a privilege to work alongside the De La Salle College students and assist them in their explorations. 2021 has been no exception. Caroline Fitzpatrick – Careers Advisor
