As we approach the final month of Term 3, we look forward to the improved weather, longer days and warmer sun that is considered part of Spring. Personally, I find this time of year very pleasing as we move out of the dreary depths of winter towards the light that comes with Spring and Summer.
Student Health
This is also a really important time for all students and in particular our final year VCE students who will be exceptionally busy with the demands of completing their coursework and final school assessments. Last week I attended a conference which discussed the impact of not being properly hydrated throughout the day. The neuropsychologist explained that being de-hydrated severally impacts one’s capacity to think clearly and solve problems. She strongly recommended that we all consume at least one (1) litre of water each morning. I take this opportunity to remind all that water bottles are permitted in class.
Network Learning Walks
Throughout this year the Moonee Valley Network of schools have been partaking in best practice by providing an opportunity for sharing. This week was our turn to have our local primary and secondary schools come and observe our classes in action. We have a particular focus on the VTLM 2.0 (Victorian Teaching and Learning Model) with a focus on supported application and specifically varying practice. Interested parents can access more information on the link below.
https://www.academy.vic.gov.au/resources/helping-every-child-succeed-vtlm-20
This work is heavily supported by research, and the image below depicts the process of how information, memory and recall works.
According to Lovell (2020), there are four (4) components to cognitive load theory, listed below.
- Intrinsic Load: the learning that takes place in the moment.
- Extraneous Load: the learning environment and the way information is delivered.
- Working Memory: where new information goes (working memory is finite and can only hold 4 –7 new pieces of information at a time)
- Long-Term Memory: where information that has been learned goes (long-term memory is infinite).
Dylan Wiliam, a prominent British professor of education, has said that cognitive load theory is ‘the single most important thing for teachers to know’.
To maximise learning, teachers need to optimise the intrinsic load and reduce the extraneous load, so information can reach a student’s working memory on its way to long-term memory.
There are a range of pedagogical approaches that teachers can use to optimise learning and support students to successfully move new knowledge from working memory into long-term memory. This semester, our professional learning focus has been on Supported Application within the VTLM 2.0, with particular emphasis on varying practice.
Our Curriculum Day on Friday 21st August will provide an opportunity for staff to share these ideas and collaborate on the development of resources, units of work and teaching approaches that extend students' thinking in meaningful ways in every lesson.
The data from Rosehill Secondary College provides a strong foundation for this work. Approximately 80% of our students are achieving in the Strong or Exceeding range for NAPLAN Reading and Numeracy, and this positive picture is further supported by our PAT data.
These results are a terrific endorsement of the quality of teaching and learning at Rosehill and provide strong impetus for us to continue to refine and strengthen our practice. Our focus is on ensuring that all students are appropriately challenged, with learning experiences that stretch their thinking, deepen their understanding and promote sustained growth.
Friday’s Curriculum Day will be an important opportunity for us to build our collective expertise and continue our commitment to high-quality pedagogy that supports every student to achieve their potential.
More information on Varying Practice can be found on the link below.
https://arc.educationapps.vic.gov.au/49885.rsf
Athletics Carnival
Payment and Consent Due Friday 21st August
A reminder that payment and permission for the Athletics Carnival are due by Friday 21st August. Payments and consent received after this date will not be accepted.
The Athletics Carnival will be held at Aberfeldie Athletics Track on Wednesday 26th August. Finalising student numbers by Friday is essential so that staff can confirm bus bookings and appropriately plan supervision for the day.
Parent Teacher Conference Day
Our second Parent Teacher Conference Day for 2026 will take place on Thursday 3rd September.
We strongly encourage students to attend these conferences with their parents/carers and take an active role in discussions about their learning and progress. Having students involved helps them develop ownership and responsibility for their education and improves their student advocacy.
As this is a pupil-free day, families are encouraged to coordinate a time that allows students to attend their scheduled conferences.
The booking portal will open on the afternoon of Friday 21st August.
- Face-to-Face Interviews: 11:00am – 3:30pm at the College
- Online Interviews: 4:30pm – 7:00pm
International and Interstate Activities
Later this term we have two exciting travel opportunities for students at the College. Firstly, a group of Year 9 and 10 students will be travelling to Japan to visit our sister school – Kogakkan High School. This 2-week trip will be an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m sure the exchange of cultures will be something that all parties will cherish for many years to come.
In the final week of this term a group of Year 10 students will travel interstate to Tasmania to experience a wonderful part of the Australian landscape and discover some of our country’s history and magnificent sights.
I thank our staff for their commitment to supporting these extra-curricular opportunities that are afforded to the students at Rosehill Secondary College.
Vinnie – MasterChef Winner - 2026
Finally on behalf of the Rosehill College Community, we congratulate Vinnie for winning this season’s MasterChef Australia. Vinnie was a student at Rosehill from Year 7 to 12 graduating in 2017. We are very proud to see what a terrific young man he has become and are so pleased for him and his family. No doubt Ms Therik our resident Food Technology guru will be keen to have Vinnie run a MasterChef demonstration lesson for our students at some point in the future.
