Schedule of Classes:

Families are reminded that there will be no scheduled classes for students on the following days:

Preparing for Examinations – The 6 Ps of Examination Success:

The College wishes all students involved in the Semester 2 2023 Examinations the very best of luck. Included below are ‘The 6 Ps of Examination Success’ that may be of assistance to families as we work in partnership to support students with their examination preparation.

VCAA Examinations:

The VCAA Written Examinations commenced onsite for students on Tuesday 24 October 2023. The College wishes our Year 12 students and our accelerated Year 11 students the best of luck as they continue to participate in these assessments over the coming weeks. Families are reminded that the College Library and the various other study areas on campus remain available for students should they prefer to prepare for these assessments onsite. Subject Teachers and Mentor Teachers also remain available to offer support.

COVID-19 Reminder:

As the transmission of COVID-19 continues within the wider community, please find below some reminders associated with the College COVID Safe Plan.

Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms: 
In instances that students experience symptoms associated with COVID-19, it is recommended that they undergo Rapid Antigen Testing (RATs) and take the appropriate steps associated with infection control, isolation etc.

Rapid Antigen Testing:
It is recommended that Rapid Antigen Tests are used by students in the following circumstances:

• If symptoms of COVID-19 infection are present, no matter how mild.
• If a student is a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19.
• If a student is a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.

Rapid Antigen Tests are available via Council sites for those who need them. Individuals can attain 2 free packs (10 tests) for themselves and 2 free packs (10 tests) for each of their household members.

Testing Positive to COVID-19 – Notifying the College:
The following process is to be activated in circumstances that a student tests positive to COVID-19:

• Register absence via the standard process for students and report positive test result via email to community@avemaria.vic.edu.au

Testing Positive to COVID-19 – Isolation Recommendations:
The Department of Health recommends that individuals who report a positive result isolate for a minimum of 5 days and do not attend school until their symptoms have resolved.

Face Masks: 

• Face masks will continue to be available for students who choose to wear them.
• The Department of Health recommends that face masks be used in the following circumstances:
• Worn by a person who has COVID-19 for at least 7 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.
• Worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.

Infection Prevention and Control:

• Individuals are encouraged to practice good hand hygiene, particularly on arrival to school, before and after eating, after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet.
• Sanitiser Stations continue to remain in operation around the College.

College COVID Safe Plan:

• The College COVID Safe Plan will continue to remain in operation until further notice.

Learning Spotlight – International and Interstate Learning Tour Program:

As part of our celebration of student learning, each Newsletter will feature a different learning program. This aims to educate the community in relation to our wide range of offerings as well as celebrate the different pathways the students have the opportunity to engage in. This edition of the Newsletter will focus on the Ave Maria College Acceleration and Enrichment Learning Pathways.

Multiple pathways and opportunities remain in place to support students eligible for Acceleration and Enrichment. These are tailored to meet the needs and interests of each individual, providing opportunities for learning that maximise growth and engagement.

Some of the many opportunities available for acceleration and enrichment across Years 7-12 include:

• Horizons Program (A bespoke program that provides accelerated and enrichment learning opportunities for students. With a focus on the Charter for Education Learner Attributes and the Victorian Curriculum Capabilities, the program stimulates critical and creative thinking whilst also providing the opportunity for students to collaborate with like-minded peers both within our local context and the wider community.).
• Accelerated Personalised Learning Plans
• VCE Acceleration Program
• VET Acceleration Program
• University Acceleration Program
• Mathematics Enrichment and Accelerated Learning Program
• STEM and Interdisciplinary Accelerated Learning Projects/Modules
• College Cocurricular Program

The Acceleration and Enrichment Learning Pathways in operation are complemented by the College Targeted Testing and Assessment Program that enables us to collect ongoing data about student learning associated with Literacy, Numeracy and General Reasoning as well the performance of individuals and groups within subject based formative and summative assessments.