Parent Corner

Year 7 Pastoral Guardian

Term 1 of Year 7 is almost over, and there is so much success to celebrate among the cohort.  Success can be gauged in countless ways, and it is a very individual measure, based on one’s own goals, abilities and talents, and opportunities.  So, today, I want to highlight the ways success can be measured and to acknowledge student achievements over the last ten weeks.

  1. Establishing clear, challenging, and reasonable goals:
  2. Working in teams: Together, we achieve more and, by combining strengths, a better outcome is often attained.
  3. Making a difference: A truly successful person aspires to leave a lasting and positive legacy for others in their immediate or wider world
  4. Growing personally: In all facets of life - academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically - we are called to grow, to make improvements in ourselves, and to constantly stretch our boundaries.
  5. Enjoying the work we do: Students spend a significant part of their year at school.  Embracing this experience and opportunity with a positive mindset and sharing that with others lays the foundation for success and fulfilment.
  6. Being flexible and resilient: At times, challenges impede our journey, requiring us to call on our determination and adaptability so that the desired goal is achieved.  Also, it is important to understand the iceberg illusion: success comes after a journey of self-discipline, sacrifice, determination, and growth from failure and disappointment.
Adapted from: http://www.theleadershipnotebook.com/10-ways-to-define-and-measure-success/

 

So all Year 7s should feel immensely proud for demonstrating at least one of these measures of success over the last term.  More specifically, some individual students have identified their own successes.

Three Year 7 students competed in the Queensland State Secondary School Championships:

  • Chelsea Mayer won 50m backstroke, but was disqualified on a technicality;
  • Airlie Davis came third in 100m backstroke, fourth in 50m butterfly, eighth in 50m freestyle, and second in 4 x 50m freestyle relay.  Airlie will now compete in the Australian National Swimming competition in Melbourne in June.
  • Inde Basche competed in 50 breaststroke 

 

Harper Wright is travelling to Florida over the holidays to compete in Cheerleading Worlds competition – a goal that was set three years ago.

 

Trinity Woodward has been selected in the Metropolitan North 13-19 years Hockey team.

 

I have always enjoyed soccer, so this year I decided to extend my skills by joining the Year 7 futsal team.  I love being part of a team, and learning new skills and strategies for playing. 

Zoe Smith

 

Early this term I accidentally deleted some of my schoolwork.  Yes, I was upset, but I realised this was an opportunity to use that work as a draft and to improve my final work products.  I bounced back from a setback to achieve a better outcome.

 Natasha Vickers

 

This year I am feeling more successful about my work because I am taking on feedback from my teachers to improve it.  This has been a goal of mine since coming to high school so that I can really enjoy my learning.     

Neve McIntyre-Pennell

I noticed someone sitting alone on my bus, so I moved to sit with her and now we are great friends.  I made a difference to another person’s day.

Ava Smith

We enjoyed success on Year 7 camp because we stepped out of our comfort zones, and showed resilience by overcoming some of our challenges (swimming in the dam, heights, leaving home and comforts, sharing a cabin with lots of noisy girls).

LG 2 girls

 

Of course, your daughters all enjoy success in many ways.  Please feel free to share this great news when it occurs so that we can celebrate as a Year 7 cohort.

 

For next term, I will be Acting Deputy Principal – Student Development.  In my place, Ms Tonia Campbell will be Acting Year 7 Pastoral Guardian.  I know she will enjoy the opportunity to work with you and your daughters.

 

Conversation Starters

What is your understanding of success?

In what ways have you been successful this term?

In what ways would you like to be more successful next term?

Who could you call upon to support you so you can be more successful in your chosen areas?

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=the+iceberg+illusion&safe=strict&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBAU727AU727&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjQxdyngbXhAhVJVisKHS9LAh8Q_AUIDigB&biw=1282&bih=695#imgrc=g3vPe6HPLV_BkM:

 

I wish you all a very happy and safe Easter holiday.

Jeni Barlow