SECONDARY NEWS
From the Assistant Principal

Miss Kim Bailey
kbailey@arm.catholic.edu.au

The Secondary is relatively quiet for most of this week as many students are involved in out-of-school activities. Some Year 10 students are completing their first Work Experience session for 2025. Most of the students are placed locally, and we thank the business community for their support in providing work placements.

The Year 9 and Year 8 students are on excursions in Sydney and the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Lake Macquarie, respectively.

Year 6 to 7 Transition

Today, Year 6 students had a day in the Secondary. They had their lessons in Secondary classrooms and had a mix of regular lessons and some specialist classes. We provided experiences in English, Maths, PDHPE, Science and Geography. We also welcomed new students who will be joining us in 2026. The transition process will continue next term.

SAVE THE DATE: Stage 5 2026 Elective Information Evening

Year 8 and Year 9 students have received an information handbook, which is a guide to the elective courses of study available to Year 9 and Year 10 in 2026. A PDF copy has also been emailed to all students. An Elective Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 14 October (Week 1, Term 4) in the Hall from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Parents and students will have the opportunity to meet with staff to discuss the various elective study options for students in 2026.

We look forward to meeting as many parents as possible next term. If you are unable to attend and require some assistance, please contact Miss Bailey at school.

FINAL Stage 5 Elective Choices 2026 v12-09.pdf

Stage 6 Links

16.05.2025 SENIOR STUDIES HANDBOOK 2026.pdf

STUDY SKILLS TIPS

From ‘To-Do’ to ‘Done’: Task Prioritisation

Mastering the Art of Getting Things Done

Do you ever feel like your to-do list is running your life instead of the other way around? With schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Prioritising tasks is a skill that helps you take control of your time, reduce stress, and boost productivity. By focusing on what matters most, you’ll find yourself achieving more and worrying less.

1. Sort Your Tasks Using the Eisenhower Matrix

Not all tasks are equally important or urgent. The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple tool that helps you decide what to do first:

Urgent and Important: Tasks that must be done immediately, like finishing an assignment due tomorrow.
Important but Not Urgent: Tasks that contribute to long-term goals, like revising for a test in two weeks. Schedule these to avoid last-minute panic.
Urgent but Not Important: Tasks like responding to non-essential messages. Minimise these distractions.
Neither Urgent nor Important: Tasks like endlessly scrolling social media. Eliminate these when possible.

Tip: Write down your tasks in the matrix format to visually organise your priorities.

2. Break Tasks into Scheduled Steps

A large project or goal can feel overwhelming if you view it as one giant task. Break it down into smaller, manageable, actionable steps. For example:

Instead of ‘Write history essay,’ create steps like ‘Research topic,’ ‘Draft thesis,’ and ‘Write introduction.’ Use bullet points or checklists to break down your goals. Check off each step as you complete it to stay motivated.
Planning then when you’ll tackle each task helps you stay on track. Use a calendar or planner to allocate specific times for studying, homework, or revising. Stick to these slots as if they’re appointments.

Completing smaller tasks provides a sense of accomplishment and builds momentum to tackle the bigger picture.

Tip: The Pomodoro Technique also works well for scheduling: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle to stay focused without burning out.

3. Focus on Your Top 3 Daily Priorities

Each day, identify your three most important tasks and commit to completing them first. This ensures you make progress on what matters most, even if your day gets busy or interrupted.

Write these three tasks on a sticky note and place it somewhere visible, like your desk or laptop.
Review your top three priorities at the end of the day to reflect on what you accomplished and adjust your list for tomorrow, keeping momentum and focus.

Tip: Sometimes, the best way to stay on track is to say no to additional distractions. Politely decline commitments that interfere with your priorities, and remember that it’s okay to protect your time.

Your To-Do List, Conquered

Task prioritisation isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things at the right time. By organising your tasks, breaking them into manageable steps, and focusing on your top priorities, you can take control of your workload and achieve your goals with less stress. With practice, prioritisation will become second nature, helping you succeed in school and beyond. Start prioritising today, and watch your productivity soar!

GOOGLE CLASSROOM GUARDIAN SUMMARIES

Google Classroom allows teachers to create classes, distribute paperless assignments, post announcements and class questions, and provide feedback, all through an intuitive, student-friendly interface.

The flyer and link below provide you with more information about Guardian Summaries. Please contact Miss Bailey if you have any further questions or issues.

ASSESSMENT POLICIES

It would be appreciated if parents could read the information in the booklet and discuss the issues raised with their children. The assessment process is similar to that which the students will encounter in Stage 6 as they prepare for their Higher School Certificate.

Stage 4 Assessment Policy 2025.pdf

Stage 5 Assessment Policy 2025.pdf

Living Well, Learning Well

Ready2Learn

Device Policy

Students are not permitted to use their devices unless instructed by a teacher. This includes both the classroom and the playground. The students are aware of this policy and receive constant reminders in Pastoral Care, their teaching classes, and there are also many posters displayed all around the school.

If a student needs to use their device, they must first seek permission from a teacher and use it in an area designated by the teacher. This is usually under their direct supervision or outside the Secondary staffroom.

If students are unable to follow this policy, then their phone is confiscated and placed securely in Miss Bailey's office, where it is collected by the student at the end of the school day.

Teachers record each time a device has been confiscated. After the device has been seized for a second time, it remains at school until it can be collected by a parent/carer.