Last Day of Year 12 and Celebrations

Dear Parent/Guardian of 2021 Year 12 Student,

As we are well into Term 4 and we have the latest updates from the Department of Education, it is essential that we convey some important information to parents/guardians of Year 12 students.

The end of the Year 12 academic year is fast approaching and we wish to farewell the students in a way that recognises their efforts appropriately, whilst at the same time adhering to the protocols that are in place. This year will be different and we are unable to use previous years as a reference point to what can and should occur. The following is information pertaining to VCE exams, the last days of class and the Valedictory Presentation Ceremony, as it currently stands, bearing in mind that things may change depending on DHHS Health.

Last Day of Year 12 – Thursday 21st October
Thursday the 21st of October will be the last day of required attendance at Wodonga Senior Secondary College for the Year 12 class of 2021. Arrangements for the day are as follows:

Period 1 to 3.
Students will attend their normal timetabled classes.

12.45 (end of per 3) and lunch.
WSSC has arranged a celebration get together. We will provide lunch for the yr 12 students. Music and activities will also be provided. This will occur outside, in a large area, with appropriate social distancing measures taken into account.

Period 4: Formal whole school assembly.
Students are to attend their GP classroom. House leaders will arrange Year 12 students into rooms so that they are together. Students must be in full, non-altered, school uniform and conduct themselves in a manner befitting such a formal occasion.

Year 12 students will then celebrate the last bell of their schooling life before being farewelled by Mr Hilditch and Ms Walters as they leave the school.

While it is a time for celebration at the conclusion of your child’s studies prior to their examinations, we would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the College’s expectations regarding behaviour and conduct on this day. Students are reminded that all normal school expectations and policies need to be adhered to. These can be viewed on the College website.

Any student who does not adhere to clearly defined College behaviour policies, or fails to follow the directions of any staff member during the day, will be asked to leave the school grounds immediately and may incur further consequences, such as:

1. Being excluded from the Year 12 Valedictory Ceremony
2. Having to sit the exams in a venue other than WSSC.

Valedictory
Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions we are unable to hold our Valedictory ceremony on Friday the 22^nd of October. The date and venue for the Valedictory is yet to be determined and will be subject to what we are able to do. It will most likely be after the conclusion of the VCAA Year 12 exams.

We have a number of contingencies, but our priority is to have our students together, in person, to celebrate the end of their schooling.
Details will be communicated as soon as possible.

Final VCE Exams – Wednesday the 27^th October to Wednesday the 17^th November

All students completing VCE are expected to sit their final VCE exams and there will be no exam exemption process offered in 2021, as supported by VCAA. Students who complete their exams have a higher chance of success in the years immediately following Year 12 than those who do not. This includes having a greater chance of obtaining sustainable full time work and apprenticeships, as well as tertiary education placements.

Students will be welcome at the College to access help from their teachers, to access required school resources and to study in the Study Centre during this time. It is advisable that they remain in contact with their teachers and check their College email on a daily basis so that they do not miss any important information or advice.

Careers Support
Our Careers team will be available right up until the 17^th of December for students to access post-schooling careers and tertiary advice and assistance. If at any stage you feel your child would benefit from a careers and pathways conversation, please direct them to our Careers team.

ATAR and results release – Thursday the 16^th December
Staff will be available onsite at WSSC from 10am to 3pm for students requiring advice or guidance on the day of ATAR release.

If you have any question regarding any of the events above, please do not hesitate to contact Brydie Hind, Matt Moylan or Mark Smit at the College on (02) 6043 7500