2026 Student Prefects

Throughout term 3 the College has run an extensive leadership program for our Year 11 students across both campuses. This was in preparation for selecting our students to become the College’s Student Prefects in 2026. The students found the after-school weekly sessions extremely valuable in developing their leadership styles and understanding the importance of servant leadership at Parade College. A sincere thank you to the staff who ran the weekly sessions for our students.

We have an outstanding group of student leaders. There is much to be excited about for 2026.

It gives me great pleasure to officially announce our 2026 Prefect Team. Please join me in congratulating the following students:

Principal Leave

I will be on leave for the first two weeks of term 4. During this time, Ms Mary Dourios, Deputy Principal, will be the Acting Principal.

On behalf of all of the staff at Parade College, I wish all of our students a safe and relaxing holiday over the term break.

As we approach the end of Term 3 and the school holidays, our Year 12 students continue their final weeks of formal classes before the Unit 3 and 4 VCE examinations begin. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, resilience, and hard work shown by our Year 12 students and their teachers throughout the year.

To our Year 12 VCE Vocational Major students, we wish you all the best as you prepare to transition into your next chapter through your chosen applied learning pathway. On behalf of the College Leadership Team, we were incredibly impressed by the portfolios you presented and the thoughtful discussions you engaged in with us.

For our Year 12 VCE students preparing for exams, these final weeks are crucial. Maintaining regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can make a significant difference to your learning and wellbeing. Please remember that your teachers are here to support you, don’t hesitate to seek help or clarification as you revise.

To our Year 12 families, your ongoing support is invaluable. As your child approaches this important milestone, it’s helpful to remind them that while their results matter and they should strive to do their best, these results do not define their worth or future potential.

We wish all students and families a restful and safe holiday break, and we look forward to supporting our Year 12s through their final weeks of school.

VCAA VCE and VET Unit 3 and 4 Written Examinations

The first written exam for most Year 12 VCE students is English, scheduled for Tuesday 28 October. However, oral language and music performance exams start earlier, from Monday 6 October, with some minor language exams also preceding English. Students must check their individual timetables carefully. In the first week of Term 4, students will receive the VCAA Exam Navigator, outlining all exam rules and procedures. An electronic version is available here:

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025VCEExamsNavigator.pdf

The lead-up to exams is critical. The first two weeks of Term 4 include formal revision classes, followed by SWOT VAC (starting Monday 20 October). Teachers will be available during regular class times until each subject’s exam date, and students are strongly encouraged to attend school during this period. As exam scores contribute significantly to final study marks, it’s essential that students aim to perform at their academic best. Accelerated Year 11 students will continue attending all scheduled Unit 4 classes until their respective exams.

Further information may be found in this newsletter in the section from the Dean of Learning - Year 10 to 12.

Early Dismissal Dates –Valete Evening

Please note the following early dismissal time for students at both campuses on Monday 20 October. Students will be dismissed at 12.50pm to allow for preparations for the Year 12 Valete (Graduation) Evening.

College Bus services have been changed to accommodate the early school finish time on this date and will depart at 1.00pm. The College is not providing student supervision after the 12.50pm dismissal, and the Nash Learning Centre (NLC) and canteen will be closed.

VCAA exams

With VCAA exams approaching, it is important that students and families are aware of the following information:

Exam location

Exams are held in the Greening Auditorium and in adjoining rooms. Like the internal exams that students will remember from Years 8 to 11, they should line up in Westcourt Walk twenty minutes before the listed start time of each exam.

Transport

Throughout the exam period, students should have several plans for how to get to school. This may include travelling by public transport or having a family member provide a lift. It is important to allow extra travel time in case of unexpected delays. Students should aim to arrive at the College at least 30 minutes early to ensure a calm start to their exam.

Permitted Materials

To each exam, students must bring photo identification (for example, their student ID card or driver licence) Students must not bring any unauthorised materials into the exam room, such as mobile phones or smart watches. These devices must be stored in their lockers. Students may bring one bottle of still water into the exam room, so long as it is in a transparent plastic bottle (all labels removed) and is no more than 1500mL. Further information about permitted materials is available in the 2025 VCE Exams Navigator, on the VCAA website.

Managing Stress

It is perfectly normal for students to feel some level of stress during the VCAA exam period. Families can support their child by encouraging regular sleep, balanced meals, and short study breaks. If stress feels overwhelming or begins to affect wellbeing, students are encouraged to speak with their House Leader, Mr Fogarty, or the school counsellors.

The following websites provide some useful tips for managing stress and anxiety during the exam period:

• Monash University – Managing Exam Anxiety: https://www.monash.edu/change-of-preference/managing-exam-anxiety-a-step-by-step-guide
• Headspace - How to study for exams and reduce stress: https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/prepare-for-exams/
• ReachOut – Exam stress: https://au.reachout.com/study-work-and-money/exam-stress

Derived Examination Score (DES)

The following information is from the VCAA regarding the Derived Examination Score process:

“Students who are ill or affected by other personal circumstances at the time of a VCE external assessment and whose result is unlikely to be a fair or accurate indication of their learning or achievement in the study may apply for a DES. If their application is approved, a DES will be calculated by the VCAA. The purpose of a DES is to ensure that a student’s final result for an external assessment reflects as accurately as possible the level of achievement that would be expected based on the learning and achievement the student has demonstrated in the study over the year. It is not designed to be used to compensate for learning or achievement that has not been possible because of long-term illness or other ongoing conditions that have been present over the year.

Students are eligible for a DES if they meet all of the following criteria:

• They have completed the course of study leading to the external assessment and have a result for at least one other graded assessment in the same study.
• They experience the onset or an exacerbation of an illness or the occurrence of an injury, personal trauma or serious intervening event in the period before or during a VCE external assessment, that has either prevented them from attending the external assessment or significantly affected their performance during the external assessment.
• They provide evidence that demonstrates illness, injury, personal trauma, or serious intervening events have affected their performance in the external assessment or has prevented them from attending the external assessment.

A ‘personal trauma’ may include, but is not limited to, the death or serious illness of a family member, an accident involving a family member, or family break up. A ‘serious intervening event’ may include, but is not limited to, an accident on the way to or at an examination, attendance at a funeral of a family member or other person of close relationship, or the required attendance at a court proceeding.”

Any student or family who believes they may be eligible for a DES should contact Mr Fogarty as soon as possible.

Effective revision strategies

Year 12 VCE students and accelerating Year 11 students should be revising for their final VCAA exams every day. Over the previous two editions of the Newsletter, four evidence-based revision techniques were outlined. In this edition, I suggest two final techniques: dual coding, and elaborative interrogation.

Dual Coding

What is Dual Coding?

Dual coding is a study technique that combines verbal and visual information to improve learning. By integrating words and images, you engage multiple cognitive pathways, which enhances your ability to understand and remember the material.

How to Implement Dual Coding

To implement dual coding, pair your notes with diagrams, charts, or mind maps. For example, when studying a history lesson, create a timeline with key events and accompanying descriptions. When learning scientific concepts, draw diagrams that illustrate processes or structures alongside written explanations.

Why It Works

Research shows that dual coding helps with both comprehension and recall. Visuals can make complex information easier to grasp and can serve as memory aids during recall. By processing information through both verbal and visual channels, you create stronger mental connections, making it easier to retrieve the information when needed.

Elaborative Interrogation

What is Elaborative Interrogation?

Elaborative interrogation is a study technique that involves asking "why" questions about the material you are learning. By generating explanations for why certain facts or concepts are true, you enhance your understanding and retention.

How to Implement Elaborative Interrogation

To try elaborative interrogation, take a piece of information you need to learn and ask yourself why it is true. For example, if you are studying biology and learn that plants need sunlight to photosynthesize, ask yourself why sunlight is necessary. Then, try to generate a detailed explanation or relate it to other knowledge you have.

Why It Works

Studies indicate that elaborative interrogation improves understanding and retention by encouraging deeper processing of information. By actively engaging with the material and seeking explanations, you make meaningful connections that help solidify your knowledge. This technique is particularly effective for integrating new information with existing knowledge.

2025 VCE Results and ATAR Service

The following information relates to the release of 2025 VCE results and ATARs:

The 2025 VCE Results and ATAR Service is available from 7.00am 11 December 2025. Only 2025 results are released on this service. Results are also sent by mail, and VCE and GAT results can also be obtained by email. You must register to access results.

To access the VCE Results and ATAR Service online or via the app, you will need to register in advance at resultsandatar.vic.edu.au or by using the Results and ATAR app on your smartphone. Registration opens on Monday 4 August 2025. You will need your VCAA student number and personal details to register. You will be asked to create a secure password when registering, which you will then use to access your results. You only need to register once. The password you create can then be used for both the internet service and mobile app. To ensure easy access to your results you are advised to complete registrations by 5.00pm Wednesday 10 December 2025. If you have created a VTAC account, please note that this is separate from your registration for the VCE Results and ATAR Service and will not give you access to the service. Once you have registered for the VCE Results and ATAR Service, you can access your results for free, 24 hours a day from 7.00am Thursday 11 December 2025 until 5.00pm Monday 15 December 2025 using internet service or mobile app.

Nano Nagle Tutoring Program

All Year 10-12 students are invited to attend Nano Nagle tutoring sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in MQ28 (VCE Study Centre). Sessions run from 3.30pm to 4.25pm. Tutors specialise in a range of common subjects, and can also offer advice regarding study habits, managing workload, and preparing assessment tasks.

Year 10 and 11 Semester 2 Examinations

A reminder about the Year 10 and 11 Semester 2 Examinations. These exams will commence in early November, with dates and details provided below. During the examination period, Year 10 and 11 students are not required to attend school other than for scheduled examinations. All students are encouraged to allocate time from now, not only for homework but also for revising for the semester examinations. Your child will receive revision materials to assist in their preparations closer to their exam date.

Examination Period:

• Year 11: 7 to 17 November
• Year 10: 7 to 14 November

Year 8 and Year 9 Semester 2 Examinations

A reminder about the Year 8 and 9 Semester 2 Examinations. These exams will commence in mid-November, with dates provided below. During the examination period, Year 8 and 9 students attend school as normal and will have regular timetabled classes when not partaking in an exam. All students are encouraged to allocate time from now, not only for homework but also for revising for the semester examinations. Your child will receive revision materials to assist in their preparations closer to their exam date.

Examination Period:

• Year 9 and 8: 17 to 20 November

Acceleration into a Unit 1 and 2 VCE Subject in 2026

It was encouraging to receive many applications for acceleration into a Unit 1 and 2 VCE subject for Year 10 2026 students. The Acceleration Panel has been convened to review all applications. The outcome of these applications will be emailed to families early in Term 4.

The letter will offer one of three different outcomes, which are explained below:

• Recommended: the student has met the criteria and will be enrolled in the accelerated subject for which they applied.
• Pending: the student has met some of the criteria; however, further evidence is required. A decision will be made in Term 4 after the Semester Two examinations.
• Not recommended: the student does not meet the selection criteria.

This term has been filled with valuable learning opportunities for our students. We recently hosted incursions on Safe Partying and Gambling Awareness, which provided students with important knowledge to support responsible decision-making. In addition, students preparing for their upcoming Real Industry Job Interviews have participated in a final preparation session, ensuring they are well-equipped to showcase their skills and experiences.

Our Year 10 and 11 students are close to completing their third round of structured work learning, gaining hands-on experience across a variety of industries. Meanwhile, our Year 12 students are in the final stages of completing their coursework and preparing for the transition beyond school. They have also been completing their WRS Portfolio Interviews with a member of the leadership team. These interviews are highly valued by both students and staff, as they provide meaningful insights into the program and the applied learning journey, ensuring our students feel confident and ready for life beyond Year 12, whatever pathway they choose.

All Team 4 events for Year 12 students have been communicated directly with families, ensuring they are well informed as we celebrate the achievements of our graduating class.

A reminder for families that if your child does not have the forms completed for Structured Work Learning or Work Experience, that they are to then attend the Preston Campus. We appreciate the support here. The next WLP block is Monday November 24 – Friday December 5 which is the last day of term for 2025.

Students looking to start up a School Based Apprenticeship (SBAT) in 2026 should discuss this now or early in Term 4 with Ms Hopkins to ensure there is ample time to set this up.

In Term 4, our Year 11 PDS classes will be heading to Olympic Village Primary School across a range of different times. Please keep a close eye on information that will be sent from subject teachers. Thank you to Vanessa Fox on here incredibly diligent work on getting this up and running again.

We wish everyone a safe and restful break and look forward to seeing everyone in their summer uniform in Term 4.

VTAC APPLICATIONS

The VTAC portal is open for students to create their VTAC account and begin the submission process for consideration of courses before 5.00pm Monday 29 September. An overview is available to help students complete this process here. 

Students will need to:

1. Create their Account
2. Complete their Profile
3. Start their Course Preferences
4. Submit and Pay for their application - $80

Submitting and paying for your VTAC Preference List does not lock it for any updates or changes. Students can continue adding, reorganising and changing their VTAC course preferences until 12.00pm Saturday 13 December, the day after Year 12 results and ATAR are released. There are 24 courses that will close early for applications at 5.00pm the 29 September. After this date, they will not be able to be added to VTAC preference lists.

These are:

• Medicine courses at Monash University
• All Fine Arts courses at University of Melbourne
• Music courses at University of Melbourne

A full list is able to be found here.

SEAS Applications and all supporting evidence must be submitted by 5.00pm Friday 10 October.

Year 10 Work Experience

Reminder to all Year 10 students at Bundoora Campus to submit their completed Work Experience form to Mrs Bult and Ms Barnes as soon as possible. This can be done in person or emailed. Students can speak with their Careers teacher if they are finding it difficult to find a placement. Year 10 Work Experience will be conducted between 14 to 17 November.

RU OK Day

On Friday, the College’s annual Solidarity Walk took place for the Good Samaritan Inn. The Good Samaritan Inn’s Embrace EmPOWERment campaign initiative directly supports utility and power costs at the Inn’s new Family Violence accommodation site, currently under construction. We also recognised RU OK Day,  encouraging our students to check in with their mates today and have a meaningful conversation by following these 4 steps:

• Ask RU OK
• Listen
• Encourage Action
• Check in

Charter Bus Network

It’s very important we work collectively from home and school discussing the importance of safe travel for all our students to ensure a comfortable journey to and from school. There have been reported incidents by bus drivers where students are eating and drinking on the buses leaving the buses littered, as well as moving around the vehicle during route to and from school. Students received an updated Bus Code of Conduct to their Parade College email address, could you please take the time at home to read through with your child to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all.

Year 12s 2025 Final Weeks

Over the next few weeks and to begin Term 4, we have a number of celebrations and student activities planned for our graduating Year 12s to ensure they are both recognised for their service to the College, their House and Tutor Group, as well as spending their final weeks cementing their relationships with staff and students and being able to celebrate with their friends. Our College community wish our 2025 graduating year level all the very best with their final few weeks as our VCE students prepare for their upcoming examinations and our VCE VM students with their chosen trade and pathway.

As Term 3 draws to a close we reflect on the many music events that have taken place over this term. Well done to all our students who have performed at the various music events over the past few weeks.

Parade Presents and Harwyn Rocking the Nation

Parade Presents showcased a variety of musical items from large concert ensemble works to small and intimate woodwind groups. The entire evening proved to be very entertaining and the feedback we have received has been overwhelming. Many thanks to the full house who came to show their support.

Our student band, The Liffeys, performed at Alexander Theatre in the Grand Finale of Harwyn’s Rocking the Nation Battle of the Band’s competition. The band did exceptionally well and can be proud of their performance. Many thanks to all those students and staff who came to show their support.

Instrumental Music Soirée

Our annual Instrumental Music Soiree took place on Wednesday 10 September and showcased a fantastic array of music items from across our department. From brass, woodwind, drums, voice, piano, guitar, bass guitar and more, our students presented their solo, duo, and trio items. Many thanks to all friends and family who came to show their support.

Big Band Performance at VSMF

Congratulation to our Big Band who performed at the Victorian School’s Music Festival at the Hawthorn Arts Centre and received some glowing feedback from the adjudicators. Well done to our bandleader, Mr Andrew Saragossi, and the rest of the students on a fantastic performance.

ACCent on Music

Well done to all those students who performed in ACCent on Music in Hamer Hall. This combined performance of all ACC schools showcased over 600 students performing collaboratively across over 10 ensembles. Our students did us proud both in their performance and in their level behaviour. Well done to Ms Calia who led the Rock Band on their fantastic performance.

Carols Under the Cross

As Term 4 approaches we welcome all friends and family to join us for our annual ‘Carols Under the Cross’ concert in the Rivergum Theatre on Wednesday 26 November.

For any questions, or to find out more about our music program, please feel free to contact us at music@parade.vic.edu.au.

As we move on from the incredibly successful performances of ‘Puffs,’ Music Soirees and Parade Presents, our focus in the Arts shifts from performing to visual.

Parade’s annual Art and Technology Exhibition- Bloom will open on Thursday 9 October and will be open until Wednesday 15 October. We are proud at Parade of the exceptional talent and skill of our Technology and Arts students, the creative process can be lengthy, and students are regularly challenged to be self-reflective and critical in developing and creating a piece that meets a design brief. We know that creativity and construction can be incredibly beneficial to academic success, and we commend those students involved in the Arts and Technology exploring new ideas, materials, and contemporary practices.

Families and students with pieces in the exhibition will be contacted via email and each student will go in the running to win the People’s Choice Award or Principal’s Award. Best of luck to all our Arts and Technology students.

Summer Uniform

A polite reminder that the commencement of Term Four means the return of summer uniform for our students. Please note that the Uniform Shop at Bundoora Campus will be closed during the school holidays. However, Academy Uniforms in Thomastown will be open as usual. To order online, please visit Academy Uniforms – Parade College.

VCE VM Scholarship

Applications are open for Parade College’s VCE VM Scholarship in 2026. This scholarship is offered to new Year 11 2026 students who enrol in our VCE Vocational Major program (VCE VM) at our co-educational Preston Campus, and who demonstrate the potential to be outstanding contributors in their chosen field of interest within one of the following VCE VM programs at Preston:

• Sport Academy
• Applied Learning Pathway

Successful applicants must display a strong desire and willingness to make a valuable contribution to the College community. For further information about the scholarship and application process, please visit Scholarships at Parade College.

Family Tours

Our Family Tours are a fantastic way for prospective families to see our College in action. Term Four tour dates are open for registration via the College website.

Bundoora Campus

• Thursday 23 October
• Wednesday 26 November

Preston Campus

• Friday 31 October
• Friday 14 November

Recently, our Unit 2 and Unit 4 Text and Tradition classes enjoyed a special excursion to the Catholic Theological College and St Patrick’s Cathedral. It was a day filled with learning, reflection, and some unexpected surprises.

At the Catholic Theological College, students had the privilege of hearing from Dr Rosemary Canavan, an expert in the New Testament and a respected biblical scholar. Dr Canavan presented a lecture on St Luke exploring who he was, what he wrote, and why the Gospel of Luke holds such great significance for Christians. Her insights gave students a deeper appreciation of the Gospel’s themes of compassion, inclusion, and the mission of Christ. This was also directly aimed to effectively prepare our Unit 4 students for their upcoming VCE Exam.

Following the lecture, students walked to St Patrick’s Cathedral for a time of reflection and debrief. It was here that the day took an unexpected but memorable turn. Archbishop Peter Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne, approached the group and generously offered his time for an impromptu interview. This special encounter allowed students to ask questions, listen to his reflections, and gain a first-hand perspective from a key leader of the Church.

The excursion was both productive and meaningful, giving students the opportunity to engage with scholarship, reflect in a sacred space, and experience a unique moment with the Archbishop. In just one day, they gained knowledge, inspiration, and a stronger connection to their studies and faith.

Over two days Ellen Lock and l had the pleasure of working with the students who have nominated for the Prefect Preparation Program. Students from both Campuses took part in a retreat designed to strengthen their leadership skills and broaden their understanding of the ‘Spirituality of Leadership.’

On the first day, students travelled into the city and worked in one of the workspaces at St Francis Church before attending the 11.00am Mass.

After lunch we participated in a workshop with The Big Issue. The session gave students valuable insight into the ongoing issue of homelessness in Australia, the factors that contribute to it, and the importance of compassion and social responsibility in leadership. Through interactive discussions, the students were encouraged to consider how they, as future leaders, can help create a more inclusive and supportive society.

The second day of the retreat was held back at the College and focused on exploring what student leadership at Parade truly means. Through a range of activities and reflections, students examined the qualities of effective leadership, with a particular emphasis on the spirituality of leadership. They were invited to reflect on their role as servant-leaders within the school community.

The retreat encouraged students to think deeply about how leadership is not just about position, but about service and the ability to inspire others. Both Ellen and I were proud to witness the enthusiasm, maturity, and thoughtful engagement shown by our students across the two days.

This experience marks an important step in their Prefect journey, and we look forward to seeing how these young leaders continue to grow and contribute to our school community.