Principal's Message

Student Reports

Student Reports for Semester One have been made available via SEQTA to respective year groups over the past week or so. The Reports are an important record of the student’s achievement and progress throughout this first semester. As always, we trust that the particular levels of achievement stated on the Reports are a true reflection of each student’s effort and application to their studies. 

I would encourage all parents to choose an appropriate time to sit down with their son to discuss all aspects of their Semester Report. Such a discussion can be used to celebrate those areas in which effort and achievement are positive. Similarly, such a discussion may also highlight those areas in which improvements need to be made. The inclusion of a consistently applied matrix for assessing Student Work Attributes and the associated calculation of a student’s Attribute Point Average (APA) certainly helps in any such analysis and discussion. 

The APA provides a general picture of how well a student is engaging in their schoolwork, behaving in class, contributing to the learning process, relating positively to peers and staff, managing their own learning - and striving for personal excellence. The APA is an objective measure being increasingly used by the College in determining student leadership roles, student awards and in selecting students for various Tours, Retreats and Immersions. These Student Work Attributes and general academic progress can be explored further at the Years 4 -12 Parent/Teacher/Student Online Interviews scheduled for Monday, 20 July. Instructions on how to book such Interviews and join on-line have accompanied the respective Student Reports. 

The analysis of Student Reports should be used as the basis for meaningful conversations about application to school, establishing a consistent approach to home studies and identifying areas for improvement in the future. Whilst the College understands that all students cannot necessarily attain the highest possible performance or grades in all areas, and across all subjects; it does have clear expectations of all students to apply themselves to their work. Put simply, the College does expect that all students strive to achieve their personal best in all areas, and across all subjects! Personal excellence should be the aim of every student. More specifically, the College has clear expectations on all students to:

• approach their schoolwork with a positive attitude and genuine effort in all subjects

• be actively involved in their class learning, contributing to class discussions and activities

• complete set tasks, assessments and home studies to the very best of their ability and in a timely manner

• demonstrate courtesy and respect to every person within our College community

• co-operate, be respectful and behave as expected in all of their classes.

I am sure that as parents, you would have similar expectations of your son. Once again, I would encourage parents to use your son’s Semester Report to acknowledge areas of success and achievement while also challenging ways in which further improvements can be made. With the right attitude, a determined approach and consistent application to home learning, considerable improvement can be achieved in the coming semester.

May I take this opportunity to thank the staff, students and their families for their ongoing efforts and support during this first Semester. We look forward to an extended three-week holiday break prior to returning for a busy and important Semester 2. 

We also keep in mind and our prayers, those Students and Staff who will be experiencing different excursion experiences over the next month or so; 

• Currently, some of our year 11 boys are busy on their Kimberley Immersion, working in remote Aboriginal communities at Halls Creek, Lombadina and Wyndham. 

• Similarly, this week some of our senior boys departed for to London to compete in the Royal Henley Rowing Regatta. 

• Next week will see a group of our Year 6-9 students travel to Brisbane to participate in the Pemulway Music Tour.

• As we commence next semester, a number of our Year 12 boys will be looking forward to their Kairos #73 Retreat experience.

We wish all boys, and the staff accompanying them, safe travels and rewarding experiences.

I hope that everyone is able to enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Live Jesus in our hearts

Mr Darren O’Neill 

Principal