Pastoral Care
- Peer Mentoring
- Push-Up Challenge
- A strategy to help with assignments
- Free webinar on digital media literacy
Peer Mentoring
Once a week the Year 11 mentors connect with Year 5 and 6 to strengthen connections between the junior and senior school. This week the group took part in the a paper plane session. They shared a meal, shared conversation and then each student had the opportunity to design a paper plane that would travel the furthest. A big thanks to Mr Ticli and the Year 11 students for enabling this program to run.
The students were informed that there is a Ten Pin Bowling session coming up early next term, which created a buzz in the room.
Push Up Challenge 2025
This is our 5th year as a school getting involved in the Push Up Challenge. It is a great way for participants to learn about mental fitness, encourage exercise and strike up conversations with their mates and parents. It also gives them a great sense of achievement! This year we are asking parents and carers to join with their sons as well.
- How it works at SPX: In 2025, the challenge is to complete 3,214 push-ups in 22 days, from 4-26 June (or 1,607 if you're aiming for the half-target). This represents the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2023.
- Participants can do either all push ups or substitute in squats or sit-ups.
- Each day of the challenge is a different push-up target which corresponds to an important Mental Health Fact. As a community we will read and share the daily facts to improve mental health awareness, start important conversations and help smash the stigma around mental illness.
- It is not about raising money but donations are welcomed
- How to log push ups: download the app to log push ups or online.
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/push-for-better/id1549769872
- How to Join:
https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/SPXCOMMUNITY8584
Mr Paul Ticli - Wellbeing Coordinator
A strategy to assist with assignments
Starting Assignments Straight Away: Why It’s Crucial for Success
Ever leave your assignments until the last minute? Procrastination might seem harmless, but it can lead to unnecessary stress and lower-quality work. Here are four compelling reasons to start working on your assignments immediately:
1. Get Your Brain Thinking About the Topic
At the very least, read through the requirements of the assignment on the day you receive it. Even if you're not actively working on it, your subconscious will begin processing the information. This early engagement can help you come up with ideas and understand the scope of the assignment more thoroughly.
2. Find Library Resources
Although the internet offers a wealth of information, the school library is also a valuable resource. Drop in soon after receiving the assignment. Reference books, academic journals, and magazines are often in high demand and can disappear quickly. Relying solely on Google may limit the depth and quality of your research. Your librarian is a great ally in your research. Librarians can guide you to relevant books, journals, and digital resources that you might not find on your own.
3. Starting Early Means More Time to Explore & Ask for Help
Starting your research early gives you more time to dive deep into your topic. Use a variety of sources such as the library, teacher references, school textbooks, and reliable internet resources. If you start early, you can identify gaps in your understanding and have ample time to ask your teacher for clarification or additional help.
4. Create a Safety Net
Life is unpredictable. Starting your assignment immediately creates a buffer for unforeseen events like illness or emergencies. A well-planned schedule that allows for the unexpected ensures you have enough time to complete your assignment without unnecessary stress.
Additional Tips for Effective Assignment Management
Break Down the Assignment
Divide your assignment into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a timeline with specific goals for each day or week. This will help you stay organised and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Stay Organised
Keep all your research materials, notes, and drafts in one place. Use folders, both physical and digital, to categorise information by topic or section of your assignment. This organisation will save you time and keep your work streamlined.
Set Specific Goals
Set clear, achievable goals for each study session. For example, aim to complete a specific section of your assignment or gather a certain number of sources. This focused approach will keep you motivated and on track.
Take Breaks
While it's important to start early and stay on task, it's equally important to take regular breaks. Short breaks can help you stay refreshed and maintain a high level of productivity.
Review and Revise
Once you’ve completed your assignment, take time to review and revise it. Check for any grammatical errors, ensure all your sources are properly cited, and verify that your arguments are coherent and well-supported.
By starting your assignments as soon as possible and following these tips, you can reduce stress, improve the quality of your work, and achieve better academic results.
Free Webinar from SchoolTV
SchoolTV are holding a free webinar: Digital Media Literacy and Safety. The online webinar will be held from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm on Wednesday 18 June.
Please register for the event using the QR code below or the following link:
Mr Martin Gillogly - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care