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<p class="MsoNormal">Dear all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the absence of a response from my latest email to the VCAA, I feel disheartened by the lack of support and leadership being displayed. The response from the VCAA, given to a number of colleagues on this forum has been identical in
its wording displaying a corporate response to a widespread concern without actually addressing the pressing concerns or questions being posed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am sure that there are a number of staff that would relish the idea of heading back in for face to face classes in an attempt to move the practical element along which is admirable and typical of the dedication and commitment that we
have as a body of professionals. However, not every school finds itself in the same position for a myriad of reasons. Many Datta Vic members have openly expressed their concern and dismay. Many have presented possible solutions to try and create some form
of assessment to the practical component and its relevant criteria. Staff have also been gracious with their time to direct fellow colleagues to the often hard to find updates and directions from the VCAA which in itself is time consuming and with its own
challenges.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What we are left with is a deafening silence from our only curriculum assessment body that in a time of crisis, has failed to give support and timely guidance to its members, when it was most needed. It’s response has left me dumfounded
in that their approach to assessment in only about ranking and nothing to do with one of the major drivers of education, learning.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, I see no resolution to this current predicament that takes into consideration the concerns of all Victorian schools, students and staff. The response to assessment from the VCAA has made a mockery of its purpose and intent,
leaving questions around the authenticity of assessment, audits and governance. It has also highlighted a lack of understanding of our curriculum.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth, Dean and many others have been champions in attempting to seek reason and equity for all schools, and whether or not you are in agreement, the need for equity across all schools is desperately needed now more than ever.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If all schools could show their support, even if you are in a position to meet the assessment criteria in some shape or form, then perhaps the VCAA will recognise at the bare minimum, consider the need to discuss a solution that is equitable
for all and one that doesn’t undermine the integrity of our subject. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please show your support by posting on the forum if you have a moment to spare.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Keep safe and good luck.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Warm regards<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stuart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Stuart Whitehouse</span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#C50C1E;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Head of Technology</span><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><a href="https://www.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/"><span style="color:blue;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="108" height="70" style="width:1.125in;height:.725in" id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:image002.png@01D676C8.84681A00"></span></a><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">25 Chapel Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 Australia</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">t</span></b><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">+61 3 9944 3404<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:swhitehouse@stmichaels.vic.edu.au"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">swhitehouse@stmichaels.vic.edu.au</span></a><span style="font-size:7.5pt;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">stmichaels.vic.edu.au</span></a><span style="font-size:7.5pt;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://twitter.com/StMichaelsGS" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="22" height="22" style="width:.225in;height:.225in" id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image003.png@01D676C8.84681A00"></span></a><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelsgrammarschool/" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="22" height="22" style="width:.225in;height:.225in" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image004.png@01D676C8.84681A00"></span></a><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"> </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/st-michaels-grammar-school" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="22" height="22" style="width:.225in;height:.225in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image005.png@01D676C8.84681A00"></span></a><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:6.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#02437D;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">This email (including any attachments) is solely for the intended recipient. It may contain confidential or private information, or material
subject to copyright. You must not use, disclose, copy, distribute or communicate any part of this email, any attachments or their contents if you are not the intended recipient. No rights with regard to confidentiality or copyright are waived or lost by any
mistransmission. If you received this email in error, please delete it and urgently notify the sender.
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While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure no software viruses are contained within this email, you remain responsible for activating any virus checking procedures prior to use. No liability is accepted for loss or damage caused by the transmission
of software viruses. Any views expressed in this email are those of the individual sender, except where the sender expressly, and with authority, states them to be the views of St Michael’s Grammar School.
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