Year 11 Pastoral Guardian

There is a well-researched connection between well-being and academic success.  The more supportive and secure we feel and the more optimistic we are directly connects with our engagement in our personal lives and at school, in both academic and co-curricular life. 

We encourage the girls to really embrace participating in a range of sport, house, outreach, spirit, and cultural opportunities to develop a sense of pride, belonging, and personal success.  These experiences are the memories we take forward to our adult years.  This term we have encouraged the Year 11s, as we do with all of our students, to set achievable goals and aim for the best possible version of themselves.  I really believe in observing and discussing how the year is progressing, noting that our Year 11s have embraced being in Elizabeth Hayes School and are seizing opportunities to lead the way and enjoying being senior role models for the younger students.  They have demonstrated a wonderful energy in their participation at the swimming carnival and house events, and their Big Sister Mentor roles, and I anticipate the cross country carnival will be another wonderful occasion.  There is a definite positivity and 'can do' attitude, especially in relation to their academic effort and success.

I interviewed some Year 11 students about how successful they feel and why:

We feel success because in Year 11 we are supported by staff.

Emily Wilderbeek

There are so many opportunities offered to us in Year 11.

Larissa Ney

In Year 11, teachers understand the needs of the students and we begin a different relationship with teachers.

Molly Lambert

Many girls agreed that they are more proactive in communicating with teachers, are more independent and organised, and are beginning to accept responsibility for their academic success.  I interviewed teachers about their perception of how the cohort was travelling, and Ms Amie Clark commented that Year 11s have shown great commitment to new subjects and the new curriculum and seek support to assist their continued development to be their best selves.

It is rewarding as a Pastoral Guardian to watch the Year 11s grow personally and in their academic sphere, even since the beginning of the year.

This term at our year level meetings, to acknowledge success and commitment, I introduced our senior Inspiring Young Women awards so girls in the cohort can celebrate the achievements of their peers.  Our first Inspiring Young Woman is Emily Wilderbeek, who has been fundraising for her incredible outreach ventures with her family to support the Lotus Children's Centre in Mongolia.  Emily presented a video to the Year 11s about her Mongolia experience and this was very well received by her cohort.  Ella Dawes also received a commendation for her involvement in this outreach project.

I look forward to hearing from the Year 11s about other inspiring young women in our cohort who are demonstrating success.  Success builds confidence and confidence builds success.

I wish you many blessings over Easter and look forward to reconnecting to your daughters as they embark on the challenges and rewards of Term 2.

Karen Farrow