Acting Head of Student Welfare 

Grade 9 Altitude Day

On Tuesday a group of Grade 9 students attended Altitude Day, a multi-school conference facilitated by yLead Australia for students in Year 9. Altitude Day encouraged students to explore the 'Keys to Unlocking Leadership Potential'. This was targeted through networking with students from other schools, guest speakers, challenges and self-reflection. Guest speakers included Tommy Windsor from Mobart Mo Bros and Ben Pettingill, a professional speaker who lost his eyesight overnight at the age of 16. 

The theme of the day was that leadership is who you are and what you do. Students took away many key messages and experiences that will not only further their leadership skills but support their reliance during times of adversity. 

I think that overall ylead was a very positive experience. The guest speaker that I found to be most valuable and I enjoyed the most was Ben the blind man. I think this because seeing the way that he goes about life and the positive attitude that he displays while completing simple day-to- day tasks in a different way is very inspiring. The whole day teaches a lot of skills that are very helpful in life and I will try my best to implement moving forward. Fletcher Horne, Grade 9

yLead was a great opportunity to unlock my potential and take a step to be a leader. I really liked the day as it was fun and engaging. The thing I would take from this day is that you need to focus on the things that you can change and you need to be yourself. Ashank Gupta, Grade 9

Assessment Task Due Dates and Extensions

With Assessment Tasks being introduced or underway it can be at this point in the Term where students struggle to prioritise Tasks and meet deadlines. For our boys organisation and time management are the keys to their success here. I encourage boys to use their school diary to record Homework and Assessment Tasks due dates to assist their prioritisation of tasks. Although time is provided in class for Assessment Tasks, all students should have a study schedule outside of school to contribute to their work, finish off Tasks, proofread and edit so they are submitting quality work completed to the best of their ability. 

As communicated at the end of last Term it is a requirement Assessment Tasks are submitted by students to SIMON by the due date. If a student is unable to meet the due date deadline the must:

• Apply for an extension in writing to their subject teacher more than 24 hours in advance.
• This application needs to be presented as a written note with signature of a parent or guardian.
• Failure to apply for an extension at least 24 hours in advance, and with a valid reason, will result in an academic detention which takes place on Wednesday Afternoons.

Possible Reasons for Extension

If your son struggles with developing and/or implementing these skills and routines, Homework Club takes place every Thursday afternoon in the JPC Foyer which will be a supportive first step.