Parent & Student Matters 

• 2025 Smart Expressions Exhibition
• Senior Maths Drop-In
• From the Senior Resource Centre

2025 Smart Expressions Exhibition

We have the pleasure of announcing that three of our 2024 HSC Visual Arts students have been selected for the 2025 Smart Expression Exhibition at the Chatswood Concourse.

Fergus Fung, Max Lenton and Noah Elms all painted large scale works for their HSC BOW projects. Their works explore the themes of family, music, and the challenges of mental illness. 

The exhibition is a showcase and acknowledgement of local North Shore High school students for the diligent commitment and sustained effort to the Visual Arts throughout their HSC year. 

The exhibition runs at the Art Space in the Concourse from 27 February – 23 March 2025.

Exhibition Dates: 27 February - 23 March 2025

A Council curated exhibition of student artworks selected from the 2024 NSW HSC

Willoughby City Council presents an exhibition of student artworks selected from the 2024 NSW HSC practical examination in visual arts. The exhibition demonstrates the interests and passions of a new generation of young artists. Celebrating the artistic talents and achievements of young people, the exhibition features a selection of artworks from students who attended six local high schools:

• Bradfield Senior College

• Chatswood High School

• Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

• Mercy Catholic College

• St Pius X College

• Willoughby Girls High School

The artwork selected for the exhibition explores a range of subject matters such as immigration, poverty, mental health, identity, and the impact of patriarchal values and the consequences of technological advancement.

Image: Yuzi Han, Grandma and Grandpa's, Jinan, China: demolished 1 September 2024, 2024, water-based oils on canvas.

Ms Frances Doyle - Leader of Learning, Visual Arts

Senior Maths Drop-In (Years 7 - 12)

Senior Maths Drop-In started this week.  It was great to see students coming along to use their time before school to increase their maths knowledge and unlock their mathematical potential.

It is a place to sit and study, a place to seek help and support, a place of reassurance, critical thinking and most importantly a place to develop a love of learning. 

Where: C1

When:  Tuesday & Thursday 

Time: 7:40 am - 8:30 am

Everyone in Year 7 - 12 is very welcome to come along and join the fun.

Mrs Amanda Fileman - Mathematics Teacher

From the Senior Resource Centre

Ready, set, GOAL!

To help students, new and old, become familiar with our enhanced 2025 reading program, Mr Westhoff and I have been welcoming students to the library and explaining the program. Books have been borrowed, and reading has commenced. The essence of the reading program is unchanged, time is needed to develop reading skills. 

Hence, we have dedicated reading time with regular reading lessons. This year we are asking students to make a personal reading goal for each Semester. We have applied the SMART framework to help in goal setting. Students will be familiar with SMART goals from the College’s Wellio Wellbeing program. This strategy is based on personal goal setting drawing on students' own motivation which research shows is a powerful performance enhancer.

Reading mileage is critical to reading skill development, so completing the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) for Years 7-9 continues and is an excellent goal. Likewise, the Edmund Rice Readers’ Cup offers reading extensions for Year 10s. 

Student goal examples could include:

• Complete the PRC by reading 20 books in total
• Read a book in a new genre like a mystery or a romance
• Read a classic novel
• Read three books
• Increasing your vocabulary by 10 words
• Read before bed for half an hour

We’ve asked students to discuss their goal with their parents. We’ve explained that goals should be achievable but also provide a stretch so that you are taken out of your comfort zone. So parental input and support into a suitable goal is valued.

What motivates students to set their reading goals? The link between improved literacy (reading, writing, speaking) and academic success is well known. At last week’s St Pius X HSC High Achievers Ceremony this was evident. Every student was engaged in our reading program! Students also say reading is enjoyable and relaxing. Research identifies wellbeing; with enhanced mood, lower heart rate and reduced stress as benefits. Cognitive psychology has shown reading improves memory, concentration and creativity. As well, our students can read firsthand what it’s like to walk in somebody else’s shoes. Aligning with our College’s values, and our emphasis on inclusion, social justice and a liberating education.

Lastly, to help your son achieve his goal, he will be required to reflect on his progress towards his goals at a midway point and towards the end of the Semester. As well, his English and library teachers will track his reading progress, intent on supporting his reading success.

Please contact me, if you have any questions on this Reading Program. It is all systems GOAL!

Mrs Karen Keighery - Leader of Learning, Library & Information Services