Parent Teacher Student Interviews

The recent Parent Teacher Student Interviews held in the St Louis Sports Centre were a wonderful opportunity for our teaching staff to meet parents and students. The College appreciates the large number of parents that attended, noting that many made alternative arrangements with work to attend. In total over two thirds of our families booked interviews which reinforces the strong partnership the College has with our parents. The interviews are a meaningful experience for all parties with the focus being on implementing effective strategies to best assist our students to continue to develop to their full potential.

Jessica Bouwman

Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning

Winter uniform

From the start of Term 2, students wear winter uniform. If the weather is particularly hot, students will be informed (through the SEQTA notices) that the blazer is not required. Without this notification, it is assumed that all students will wear blazers to and from school.

It is so fortunate that we have a contemporary uniform that students enjoy wearing. We request that students wear this uniform in manner that portrays them at their best. The photos below illustrate College expectations regarding how the uniform should be worn.

From the beginning of Term 2, trousers will be an option for girls. Girls who wear skirts should note the length of the skirt and the fall of the pleats. If the pleats of the skirt fan out, the skirt is too small. Families are asked to ensure that all girls’ skirts comply with these requirements.

Boys should note hair length, that a belt is part of the uniform and that the shirt is tucked in during winter.

Our ANZAC Assembly will be held on Thursday 3 May. All students will require a College cap or hat on this day.

We request that all sections of the community work together so that our College uniform is worn well and with pride. The College Uniform Shop will be open Monday April 30 from 8am to 5:45 pm to help ensure all students are presented in a suitable fashion.

Kathleen Negus

Vice-Principal - Head of Secondary

ACC Inclusive Swimming Carnival

Our Mary Ward students participating in the ACC Inclusive Sports Program and swimming carnival at Claremont Pools. The program provides students with a disability equal access to sporting and recreational opportunities.

It was the ACC's final swimming carnival for 2018 and 300 students from 13 schools took part in both swimming and novelty events.

Gill Lyon

Head of Mary Ward Secondary

Year 11 and 12 ATAR students

The Term One break is an ideal opportunity for our senior students studying ATAR courses to consolidate their study notes from the content taught this term. Whilst the College acknowledges the need for students to have a break from their study routines, the message of finding a balance during this time away from school is equally important. We would encourage our students enrolled in ATAR courses to ensure they plan time during the break to collate, and in some cases create study notes for each of the SCSA syllabus points that have been learnt this term.

The College has focused on the value of feedback for our students through both formal and informal means. It is important for students to read the feedback that teachers have provided on formal assessments to ensure they understand how they can improve their learning and consolidate their understanding of a topic. When students create study notes, in the form that best suits them it is important that they seek feedback regarding the comprehensive nature of these notes. They can do this through collaborative learning with their peers or seeking feedback from their classroom teachers.

If students are struggling with establishing a study routine or finding an efficient and effective means of studying the College encourages them to speak with their Assistant Deputy Principal. There are a wide variety of study techniques and it is important that each student finds the method that is most effective for them. For many students they have a pre-conceived idea of what study should look like, however this may be ineffective for them. Some students study best by producing hand written or typed notes, whilst others create palm cards or mind maps. For some students they learn best when discussing the content in small groups whilst others prefer an individual approach. The array of possibilities can seem daunting however procrastination will not result in the creation of effective study habits!

Jessica Bouwman

Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning

Creating mouthwatering culinary delights

Desserts don't get more decadent or fun than a traditional croquembouche. Our Year 11 students have learnt about the choux pastry while making these delicious profiteroles, that they have then created into a pyramid held together with a caramel glaze and decorated with spun sugar.

Kathryn Casey

Home Economics Teacher

Eagle Insight

Eighteen Year 12 students and three staff were fortunate enough to experience an “inside” into the workings of a professional AFL Football club, as part of Eagle Insight, a program that provides an insight into the training requirements of an AFL player. The program is designed for Senior PE students and focuses on components in the curriculum such as Exercise Physiology, Motor Learning and Coaching and Sports Psychology.

Feedback from students was very positive, however, they were somewhat jealous of next year’s cohort who will experience the new WCE facilities at Lathlain in 2019.

Many thanks to Mr Justin Mann and Mr Luke Chapman who assisted in supervising the group.

Mr Cameron Haines

Teacher

La Chandeleur Celebration with Year 7 French

Year 7 French classes have had a belated 'La Chandeleur' celebration this week. Pupils found out about the French celebration which happens on the 2 February. In the fifth century, La Chandeleur became a Christian religious event to celebrate the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary.

Pupils learnt that the crêpes are eaten at this time because their shape is symbolic of the sun and of the days becoming longer and brighter in France as spring arrives. Students also tried some of the delicious French crepes and had fun filling with traditionally eaten sweet toppings!

Shane Glass

Head of Learning Area - Languages

Un Défilé de Mode with Year 9 French

Year 9 students presented a fantastic fashion show in French on Tuesday to our Language students. The students organised their costumes, wrote scripts to describe their outfits in French, chose music to accompany their stroll down the catwalk. In addition, they practiced the vocabulary they have being studying this term for clothing, fabrics, styles, prices and opinions. They put on an stunning show for their peers. Bravo la classe!

Shane Glass

Head of Learning Area - Languages

Library