Head on

Tackling problems head on

‘If your job is to eat a frog, eat it first thing in the morning, and if your job is to eat two frogs, eat the big one first.’

Mark Twain

Although I believe that frog, prepared the correct way can be quite tasty, I think the message here from the great  American writer, humourist, entrepreneur, and publisher, Mark Twain, is fairly clear: get the hard stuff done.

The interesting thing about procrastination is that it is not just a children issue. As adults we continue to battle against this demon well into our working lives. 

Here are 3 great tips on how to tackle procrastination: 

(https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/stop-procrastinating-top-tips)

1. Set small goals 

Oftentimes, the thought of completing one large task can seem overwhelming. Getting from the beginning to end can seem an impossible task. However, breaking such tasks down into much smaller steps can be useful. 

2. Organise your tasks 

Having a detailed timeline and deadlines for when you will complete each of your small goals can also keep you motivated to reach your main goals.  As well as setting daily goals, you can also have weekly and monthly aims that all tie into them. This gives you the urgency to act and make progress in your work, whether it’s schoolwork or a project at your workplace or home. 

3. Remove distractions

Your work or study environment may not be helping with your procrastination. Distractions can easily derail your progress, whether it’s having your phone next to you on your desk or having the TV on in the background. These distractions can add to your stress levels and increase procrastination. 

Head-start by name...

Head-start by nature.  These two weeks of the new academic year are so important.  It gives our new year 10 cohort, our new to Sandy College students, and in some cases our new to Holloway Road teachers, a chance to settle in.  And the best way to settle in is to get stuck into the content and skills of a new academic year.  I have been incredibly impressed with my new year 11 Chemistry class and I am hearing similar stories from teachers around the campus.  Keep up the good work.

The Numbers

The final VCE Study Scores and VCAA ATAR ranking will be released to students on Monday 11th December 2023.  The ATAR is a percentile ranking for student results and enables Universities to compare those academic outcomes before offering positions at their educational institutions.  Deb Hanlon and the careers team have a page further along in this edition of the newsletter and I recommend you all take a read.

All the best to those students who will receive their numbers on the 11th.  We will be here for you whether the numbers are over or under your expectations.  

Monash Day 1

Year 12 (class of 2024) will be heading to Monash University on January 31st 2024.  The day will make for an inspiring start to this challenging year.   Guest speakers, Alumni, study tipsLunch and activities will all make for a great day.   See Compass of payment and details.

Safe and sound

The use of the word 'sound' in 'safe and sound', dates back to a time when the word sound was more attuned to the idea of being whole or complete than to the emanation of noise.  'Of sound mind' or a 'sound argument' were common place sayings in the 14th century and remain today. 

It is with that in mind that I wish you all a tremendous break of over the summer holiday period. Whether you are connecting with family, and friends, or perhaps using the time to gather your thoughts and energies for the year to come I do hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing holiday period.  Holloway Rd will be here for you when you return; safe and sound.