Dean of Studies

“The Tiny, Powerful Idea”

For many local councils, this week is the time when verge rubbish collections occur. As the weather improves, many of the tasks that have been put off or neglected are suddenly prioritised, and the opportunity to recycle or clean out items that are broken or no longer required is utilised. In many instances, one person’s ‘trash’ is another person’s, ‘treasure’. This approach can also be used to reflect upon the level of achievement towards student goals in Term 3, as we conduct a ‘spring clean’ of our habits and routines for personal success and the journey to discover our internal motivations to achieve our goals. The desire to make small and simple changes is a ‘tiny and powerful idea’.

In his book, The Talent Code (2009), Daniel Coyle explains that the key motivator for success comes from our internal drive to improve with practice. When the effort to keep working hard to master a task, is coupled with the desire to complete the task, the evidence suggests that this has the greatest value for achievement of long-term goals. For many adults, we know this and consequently, we can achieve great things when we are motivated to finish what we have started, however, our challenge is to develop this for our students and young people. Perseverance and persistence are like our muscles, you must use them to make them stronger.

I have previously mentioned there is a strong correlation from research, that suggests that giving children chores and jobs around the house correlates with grit and persistence later in life. Equally as important, is to challenge our students to create routines around homework and study, and practice daily learning habits to build grit reserves. Internal motivation does not automatically happen, much like putting away a little bit of money each week in a savings account, we build up gritty experiences by achieving small successes. When we persevere with our learning, we become more driven internally to do better.

In the context of education in a Catholic school, the desire and motivation to do better should not be solely focused on our own success, but rather, a genuine desire to help others overcome their challenges as well. This Catholic worldview is backed up by clear evidence from research that highlights that our efforts to help others has clear benefits for our own wellbeing and long-term success. A tiny yet powerful idea.

NAPLAN 2019 - Results

Students who sat the NAPLAN assessments in 2019 may now view their results for all tests. The OLNA (Round 2) results will be made available on Monday 21st October. All students that are required to sit the OLNA in 2020 will receive a letter informing of this requirement following the release of the results. Please feel free to contact the Dean of Studies if you wish to discuss your child’s result from either the NAPLAN or OLNA.

Examination Timetable (YEAR 12 – Semester Two)

All examinations will be held in the Cappenburg Building.

If any student is unable to attend the examination due to medical (illness/injury) then a medical certificate must be obtained and submitted to the Dean of Studies.

Presentation Evening

In Term 4, the College provides the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge student achievement at the annual College Presentation Evening that is to be held at the Perth Concert Hall on Monday 28 October, commencing at 7:00pm. As stated in the Enrolment Agreement, this is a compulsory College event and the expectation is for students to attend (in their full College Winter Uniform) and be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian.

The Year 7 students will be required to attend and perform as part of the Massed Choir, and they are not required to purchase a ticket, as a ticket will be issued to them for the evening. Students are expected to be seated with their family, with the exception of students that are receiving an award or performing on the night, and the College encourages all families to purchase their tickets as soon as possible.

Tickets will be available to purchase from Student Services from Wednesday 16 October through to Thursday 24 October. If you wish to be seated with two or more families, we encourage one family to purchase all required tickets to ensure your preferred seat allocation. An order form is attached below and must be completed and returned to Student Services in a sealed envelope with the correct amount for the tickets required. All tickets will be issued and distributed through Homerooms.

ATAR Examination Preparation Seminars

The ATAR Preparation Seminars will commence on Monday 21 October for Year 12 ATAR students and conclude by Thursday 24 October. Students are required to attend the College for each of their scheduled ATAR course seminars. The seminars will cover the following:

• Exam review/corrections/remediation
• Model answers
• Exam format and the WACE Cover Pages
• Hints, study skills and memory techniques
• 2017 – 18 Examiners Report (subject-specific) and the 2017 – 18 Examination Papers.

Students are expected to wear their College (Summer) Uniform when they attend the seminars.

UWA Principal’s Citizenship Award

This award is open to a Year 12 WACE student who is considered most likely to succeed at university due to his or her resilience, exemplary scholarly attributes and/or contributions to the school and broader community. The UWA Principal’s Citizenship Award, valued at $1500, replaces the UWA Excellence Award. Eligibility requirements of this award have been expended to encompass a diverse range of student attributes worthy of recognition. If you are a current Year 12 student, please see Mr Dowling (Dean of Studies) prior to Wednesday 27th November if you wish for the College to nominate your application.

Mr R Dowling (Dean of Studies)