Wantirna College Newsletter

Assistant Principals

Successful Study

I love the start of a new school year, its full of energy and enthusiasm.  It's great to see the optimism our students have about their ability to make the most of their learning that we witness as we work with them to set their goals for the year.  

 

The most common goal students set themselves is to improve their study habits and learn as much as possible.  The consistency of belief our students have in their ability to do this is an inspiration, however they are often unable to explain the steps they will take, or the changes they will make to achieve this goal.  

 

One strategy I talk about with students in my class is how increased revision throughout the year will assist them in consolidating their learning.  This simple revision routine has proven to be effective:

  1. Review what you learned in each class each night for 10 minutes
  2. At the weekend review what you did throughout the week for each subject for 10 minutes
  3. At the end of the month, review what you did throughout the month for each subject for 10 minutes.

My students who have used this methodology in the past have indicated the following:

  • If they persist with it for 6-8 weeks they develop a revision habit.
  • It ensures they remember what happens from class to class.
  • They understand better how concepts and ideas fit together as they are looking at increasingly larger parts of the course.
  • Contributions to class discussion are easier as they are more confident in their knowledge.
  • Questions that are asked are higher order questions as they are familiar with the basic content
  • Cramming for tests, exams and major assessments isn't needed.
  • Memory of content is better as they have revisited the content numerous times.

Revision strategies during the 10 minutes can include:

  • Rereading material
  • Summarising key ideas
  • Developing vocabulary through glossary activities
  • Developing questions related to the material
  • Further reading on the topic or concept
  • Practice questions
  • Developing flow charts, mind maps, concept maps of key ideas
  • Teaching another family member about the topic

Compass Reports

Our ICT team are working to make the 2016 reports available on Compass.  We are anticipating that this work will be complete and the reports will be accessible next week.

 

In future all reports will be published on Compass rather than in hard copy.

 

Catherine Ford

Assistant Principal

School Photos

The school photos for 2017 were mostly taken on Tuesday 7 February and the catch up day for those students absent on the first day was this week. All students will receive a College ID card regardless of whether they order photos. We anticipate that the photos that families have ordered will be delivered and distributed prior to the end of Term 1.

If you have not ordered the photos then they can still be ordered but Arthur Reed Photos require a late fee of $9.95. This can be done via their website at arphotos.com.au

If you have any issues with the photos please contact Arthur Reed Photos directly on 5243 4390 or by email at enquiries@arphotos.com.au.

 

Andrew Lewis

Assistant Principal

Emergency Evacuation Drills

We take the safety of our students very seriously and  have comprehensive Emergency Plans.  There are four different drills to cover the range of circumstances we may encounter.  A summary of these drills is in your child's student planner.  

 

It is important that all students know exactly what to do if the situation ever arises so schools are required to practice these drills each year.

 

This year we will begin by practicing our lock down procedures, followed later in the year with a red alert Evacuation Drill.  We will advise parents via SMS with the exact time of a drill on the morning for which it is planned. Students will be notified in Home Group the same day.  It is very important that during drills students follow the instructions of their teachers and do not contact parents or post on social media.   

 

In the case of a real emergency we would like to remind parents that phoning or messaging your child or the school,  or coming to the school can endanger safety.

These actions clog up communication systems and take essential resources away from ensuring the safety of your children.  In an emergency situation you will not be able to get access to your children until the emergency has passed.  

 

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.

 

Bruce Churchward

Assistant Principal