Dean of Studies

Take Control of Your Time

Cal Newport is a Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University and in addition to academic research, he writes about the intersection of digital technology and culture. He has published numerous books including How to Become a Straight-A Student, How to Be a High School Superstar, So Good They Can’t Ignore You and Deep Work. He also publishes the successful blog Study Hacks. (https://www.calnewport.com/about/)

One of his simple recommendations is to take control of your time, and more so to give every minute a job. This technique is labelled, “time blocking” and is a useful strategy for homework, study and assignments. Using this approach, blocks of time are broken down and assigned specific work. So, for example:

• 4– 5pm: Working on revision for an upcoming test or examination.
• 5– 5:20pm: Time for a movement break and snack
• 5:20– 5:30pm: Check emails or messages
• 6– 6:45pm: Work on an assignment or project that has an approaching due date.

The key factor according to Professor Newport is to maintain intention about your time, rather than perfection in your planning. The positive outcome is to develop fine-grained control over the balance between the urgent and the important, and because you know what you’re supposed to be doing at any given moment, you’re much less likely to take unplanned breaks and waste time on the internet or social media.

However, this approach can be demanding on your attention and focus when starting out, and this type of concentration, can be draining. A useful tip is to practice with smaller ‘chunks’ of time in order to maintain focus and attention, as being excessively rigid may lead to burn out. Furthermore, escaping from the noise of a distracted world and becoming familiar and comfortable with a focus on the present can assist to develop time blocking as a strength. The reward is two-fold - achieving success in maintaining focus and an ability to direct free time towards higher quality and more rewarding activities.

Examination Timetable (Year 12 – Semester Two)  

All examinations will be held in the Cappenburg (C1– C3) and students are expected to wear their Summer Uniform. Any student unable to attend the examination due to medical (illness/injury) must obtain a medical certificate and submit it to the Dean of Studies. 

Contact email: RDowling@norbert.wa.edu.au 

Community Day

We were devastated that restrictions prevented us from hosting our annual and much- cherished St Norbert Day and Harmony Day events. We have decided to hold a Community Day on Friday 16 October so that the Class of 2020 can also attend. Year 12 students are also invited to participate in a Book Week dress up after House Morning Tea. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate parents and friends to the event due to current Phase 4 restrictions.

PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY DAY

• 8:45 – 9:15                  Homeroom: Attendance & Expectations; Program for the day
• 9:30 – 10:00                College Liturgy in the O’Reilly Centre
• 10:10 -11:10               House Assemblies for Year 12 Farewells
• 11:10  – 11:30            House Morning Tea in designated House areas

(11:20am – 11:30am: Staff vs Student Soccer – preparation and set-up & Year 12 may change into Book Week Costumes)

• 11:30 – 12:15              Staff vs Students Soccer (College Oval)
• 12:15 – 12:45              House Relay (organised by the SRC)
• 12:45 – 1:45                Lunch

(Students will be permitted to pre-order and pre-pay for lunch from a selection of outlets – further information is to follow)

• 1:45 – 2:00                  Homeroom: Check attendance
• 2:00 – 3:15                  Golden Boot Presentations, Book Week Parade & Concert in the O’Reilly Centre

Year 12 students are required to be in attendance until the conclusion of the House Assemblies, and we hope that they will elect to remain for the entire day with the College community in celebration. If a Year 12 student elects to leave the College grounds, they will not be permitted to return. 

UNIFORM

• Year 12 students are to wear PE Uniform with House Shirt or their summer uniform. Leavers Jackets are permitted for the day.
• Year 7 -11 students may wear their PE uniform with House Shirts and correct footwear. The usual expectations for personal presentation apply (E.g. hair, make up)