Term 1 is always an exciting time, particularly when the weather allows for opportunities beyond the classroom.

The Year 7 students are presently enjoying spending a few days together at Iluka with the company and supervision of a number of staff members. I am grateful for the willingness of those who take time out of their busy schedule, spending nights away from their own homes, to help make camp such a special experience.

With the Year 8 camp departing in a couple of weeks and camps for both Unit 1 and Unit 3 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students taking place this term, there are a lot of outdoor challenges to be had and fabulous memories to be made!

Swimming Program

The Year 8 cohort has commenced their swimming and water safety sessions at Casey Race pool.

The sessions closely align with the Victorian Curriculum and provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and skills in relation to aquatic activities. Careful planning has also occurred to ensure that these sessions run during regular HPE classes to minimise disruption to the school day. As a result, it is an expectation that all students participate and attend the sessions (even if they are not swimming).

A timely reminder that families must respond to all Consent2Go invitations and ensure that medical information and emergency contact details are up to date.

SIS Student Symposium

On Friday 17 February, three of the Year 12 Captains, accompanied by Mr Shepard, attended an SIS symposium held at Balcombe Grammar. Emerson has shared their reflection below.

Upon arriving at the venue, we were seated with representatives from nine other SIS schools. We were asked a series of questions relating to our experience with SIS, what changes we might want to see within the organisation, what values SIS may resonate with and what values they may want to implement.

After discussing these questions, we were given poster paper and told to represent our ideas in an iceberg format, this allowed us to clearly see the ‘surface level’ ideas versus the ‘deep thinking’ ones.

By talking with a variety of students, we were able to get a glimpse of their views and ideas regarding what SIS means to their school and where it may be heading. This opportunity allowed us to acquire ideas that we may want to implement at CGS whilst being given the chance to express our voices in a space where our opinion was valued. - Emerson R, Wellbeing Captain

Mobile Phones

With the introduction of the Yondr pouches at the start of Term 1, we have already observed increased engagement and presence among our student body, in the school grounds and in the classroom. We hope that many of our students are starting to feel a little better, just by having some space and time away from their phones.

Please be reminded that phones should be locked in pouches by 8:30 am every morning. If a phone is confiscated by a teacher, students should collect their phone from the office at the end of the school day.

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences are held in Term 1 to discuss formative feedback and to share strategies to support students in the classroom and in their home study.

Online meetings will take place via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 9 March for Years 10 to 12, and Wednesday 15 March for Years 7 to 9. A letter has been sent to families with instructions for making bookings.

VCE Assessment & Attendance

It is important to note that all VCE Units involve at least 50 hours of scheduled classroom instruction.

A student needs to demonstrate sufficient class attendance to fulfil the time and work requirements of the unit. The school sets minimum class time and attendance rules; students must attend a minimum of 90% of classes in each unit to establish that they have understood the work and that the work is their own.

Approved absences include:
- Illness verified with a medical certificate
- Attendance at a school approved activity
- Bereavement
- Significant religious reasons. 

    VCE students have been provided an assessment schedule for School Assessed Coursework and Tasks (SAC/SAT).

    Assessment tasks are generally conducted during timetabled classes. Where there are multiple classes undertaking the same assessment task, these are scheduled outside of school hours and students are notified in advance of these times.

    An extension of time is granted to an individual student only in special circumstances to address an adverse event such as serious illness, medical reasons, a family bereavement or a traumatic event. Strict criteria must be met to qualify. Any extension must be approved by the Head of Senior School.

    Alumni Tutoring Program

    We are pleased to launch the Casey Grammar School Alumni Tutoring Program.

    The Alumni Tutoring Program has been designed to support our current students to achieve their academic best. High-achieving Casey Grammar alumni have been identified and offered the opportunity to be included on a tutor database.

    How It Works

    • Students and parents/guardians who are interested in securing a tutor will notify CGS who will provide them the contact details of suitable alumni.
    • Students and parents/guardians will liaise independently with the tutor to coordinate suitable arrangements for the tutoring (i.e. time, location, hourly rate).

    Please note, tutors make their own agreement with Casey Grammar School families. This includes the tutoring fee they will charge and where and when the tutoring will be conducted. Tutoring cannot be conducted at Casey Grammar School. All tutors have a current Working with Children Check.

    We are excited to offer our current students the opportunity to be supported by previous Casey Grammar students who have demonstrated excellence in one or more subjects. Any questions regarding the program should be directed to t.program@caseygrammar.vic.edu.au.

    Kate Morgan

    Head of Senior School