SECONDARY NEWS
From the Assistant Principal

Welcome to Term 2

A warm welcome back to school is extended to all staff and students. It is pleasing to note that most students are wearing the correct school uniform. It would be appreciated if these positive efforts were maintained.

During April and May, students may wear either their full summer or winter uniform depending on weather conditions. By the start of June, all students must be in winter uniform.

Students are reminded to check the lost property bin. There are a large number of jackets and other pieces of clothing unclaimed from last term. Please clearly label all clothing with student’s names – this would enable items to be returned promptly.

This term promises to be very busy with sporting events and other activities being held regularly throughout the term. It is vital that students use their time wisely and keep good records of their work. We strongly recommend that students keep a diary, either hard copy or digital, so that they are aware of assessment dates. This should alleviate stress for all concerned.

Please contact me at school if there are issues or concerns that you wish to discuss. If I am not available personally to take a phone call, the office staff will take a message or make an appointment at a mutually suitable time.

Time Management

As mentioned it is a busy term ahead. Students need to ensure that they are well prepared for all assessments. Regular application to homework and revision will assist students in all subject areas.

Term 1 Progress Reports

Term 1 Progress Reports were distributed at the end of last term. If you wish to discuss this report please contact your child's subject teacher or Miss Bailey.

Wellbeing

“The greatest motivational act one person can do for another is to listen.” Ray Moody

The greatest single influence to living a meaningful and fulfilling life is high-quality personal relationships. Nearly everything that we will achieve in life will be through people, with people and by people, so we need to develop our students’ interpersonal skills to communicate including:

using and reading positive body language messages
recognising inference, bias and emphasis in conversations
developing relationships through face to face conversations
learning to listen with their eyes, their ears and their hearts
valuing and considering other peoples’ opinions because they matter
being present and mindful in each and every moment.

Our students are digital natives, who in most situations, prefer communicating with their devices rather than having face to face personal conversations with others. And because of this lack of in-person interaction, many students are not learning how to read or send appropriate body language messages. They are also missing out on the magnificent feelings which come from serotonin and oxytocin, the brain chemicals released during in-person communication. We all possess mirror neurons, which copy the expressions, moods and feelings of those around us, but not from electronic communication.

As such, we need to create opportunities for them to experience the beauty of in-person connection.

Acknowledgement: Greenfield & Iacoboni

Staff Email Addresses