Pathway Selections 2021 - it's a wrap!
Anita Kay-Taylor
Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching
Last week was a significant one in the life of the College as students engaged in the final stage of the Subject and Pathway Selection process. The process was marked by a number of new experiences for students and staff. An incredible 679,268 visits to the Pathway Portal suggests that students and parents engaged in this resource prior to interviews. In addition, the College community was engaged in booking online interviews, setting up for an online interview and conducting online interviews, within a very time sensitive framework. Thanks to proactive campus leadership teams and ever reliable administrative and IT staff, we ran two very successful nights of confirming Subject and Pathway Selections for 2021.
In the weeks leading up to the interviews, students, parents and guardians were supported by specialist subject teachers, Faculty Learning Leaders, VCE, VET and VCAL leaders and Careers advice through online interviews, emails and phone calls. This speaks strongly to the adaptability and commitment of staff to this important College event and deserves special mention. In preparation for the interviews, select staff reviewed student data and engaged in professional development, for which they are commended.
As we begin planning for 2021 in earnest, trust that MLMC will keep looking towards the future with optimism and continue to design pathways for our students based on their talents, interests and abilities.
Student Progress Interviews
Parents and guardians are advised that bookings for Student Progress Interviews for Year 11 and 12, Unit 3/4 students are now open and for Year 7 to 11 students booking open on Tuesday 25 August. Bookings close for all year levels on Sunday 30 August.
Risk of Using Headphones
John Rodgers
Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care
A few years ago I wrote an article for the newsletter highlighting the risks of wearing headphones. In that article I raised two important issues pertaining to the constant use of headphones that had come to my attention:
The first looked at an increase in headphone / earbud related injuries and deaths that had increased due to pedestrians wearing headphones being distracted and unaware of the traffic around them. Although this is still a very important issue, I thought it timely to remind people of the other risk in excessive wearing of headphones.
Studies have shown using a listening device for more than 90 minutes per day may have an impact on hearing. It is estimated one in six Australians will experience some level of hearing loss as a result of too much exposure.
In these present circumstances, while teaching online, I have noticed a growing number of students wearing headphones / earbuds during the Google Meet. I write this to alert you to this and ask that you question your child if this is absolutely necessary.
It has been recommended that people should not exceed 90 minutes per day with the volume level set at 80%. The type of noise / music has no bearing on the impact, it is the volume and time used that cause the damage. Another recommendation to assist, is to lower the volume on headphones / earbuds or use noise cancelling headphones . These devices eliminate unwanted sound, reducing the need to crank up the volume.
Many of our smartphones can now track how much time is being spent using headphones / earbuds, informing you of the level of decibels experienced during the time being used. Some phones come with a Health App that track such use and can provide you with extra information about the impacts of overuse.
How much time each day does your child use headphones or earbuds? You may be surprised at how quickly the hours mount up.
Bob Stewart Uniform Shop
Due to Stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions, the Bob Stewart uniform suppliers have discontinued the online order service until further notice. Please contact Deputy Principal — Pastoral Care Mr John Rodgers if you have any concerns regarding this.
