Our young people have commenced Semester 2 with enthusiasm and a willingness to focus on new learning opportunities, many of them having changed subject choices for this semester. Term 2 exams have been returned and students have been given the opportunity to recalibrate their goals in each subject.

This term, we begin to explore learning possibilities for next year. While this can be daunting for some students, the Subject Selection process and resources are designed to help them make informed decisions. Remember, our Careers Counsellors, Jovanka Jovcevski and Anna De Rosa are available for any additional guidance. Appointments can be made on Siena Central via the Careers Tile.

Subject Selection

Subject Selection Handbooks, Subject Presentations, and Subject Selection Interviews are integral parts of this transition process. Year 9 and 10 students will need to decide whether to pursue an Accelerated subject, carefully considering the implications. An Accelerated subject entails greater complexity and a significant time commitment. A high level of literacy is invaluable for students studying an Accelerated subject.

The Unit 1 and 2 Accelerated subjects are: Biology, Drama, Physical Education, Product Design and Technology, and Psychology.

Year 9 students must meet the following criteria:

• An overall result of 80% or higher in the Accelerated subject area
• An overall result of 75% or higher in all other Year 9 subjects studied in Semester 1
• An overall result of 70% or higher in Advanced Mathematics, if applicable

The Unit 3 and 4 Accelerated subjects are: Biology, Business Management, Drama, General Mathematics, Geography, Physical Education, Product Design and Technology, Psychology, and Religion and Society.

Year 10 students must meet the following criteria:

• An overall result of 80% or higher in the Accelerated subject area
• An overall result of 75% or higher in Year 10 English
• An overall result of 75% or higher in at least two other Year 10 subjects studied in Semester 1

The Subject Selection Tile is now available on Siena Central. It contains all the relevant information regarding the Subject Selection process including videos, PowerPoint presentations and Subject Handbooks. Consideration of future directions requires planning and research. Students are encouraged to discuss their options with their subject teacher or the relevant Head of Learning. Students in Years 8 to 11 should also refer to the Subject Handbooks.

Please note that the Subject Selection Form must be completed and submitted by the required date. Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 must obtain all required signatures prior to their Subject Selection Interviews. Parents are welcome to attend these interviews if they wish.

Below are the key dates relevant to each year level:

• 26 July: 2025 Year 12 Web Preferences due by 3.30pm
  
• 26 July: 2025 Accelerated Studies Applications due by 3.30pm
• 2 August: 2025 Year 9 Web Preferences due by 3.30pm
• 5 August: 2025 Years 10 and 11 Accelerated Studies Applicants notified via email by 4.00pm
• 6 August: Year 9 into 10 Transition Interviews (Periods 1 to 5 by House)
• 7 August: Year 10 into 11 Transition Interviews (Periods 1 to 5 by House)
• 9 August: 2025 Years 8, 10 and 11 Web Preferences due by 3.30pm

Student Learning Conversations (Parent Teacher Interviews)

The Student Learning Conversations take place in Week 8 of Term 3. They will be held online via Microsoft Teams: Thursday, 5 September from 9.30am to 5.30pm

Unit 3/4 Trial Exams

Year 12 and 11 students undertaking VCE Unit 3 and 4 studies in 2024 are required to participate in the VCE Trial Exams scheduled for Monday, 30 September to Thursday, 3 October. The VCE Trial Exams will be conducted under the same conditions as official Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) VCE. Please note that the VCE Trial Exams take precedence over any external revision lectures and seminars and will not be rescheduled for students who do not attend. The Trial Exam schedule will be published in the coming weeks.

While I was most grateful and felt incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to travel during my Long Service Leave in Semester 1, I am so glad to be back! Thank you to everyone who makes Siena College the special place that it is.