Dean of Studies

What truly matters?

In previous newsletters, the discussion about the ability to ask the right questions (E.g., “Wait, what?” and, “I wonder if?”) acts as a guide for persona academic preparation and planning. In total, five essential questions are proposed by Professor Jim Ryan, President of the University of Virginia, and concludes with the fifth and final question, “What truly matters?”. This is the most crucial question to ask, according to Professor Ryan and reflects the value of commitment.

 

This question forces the examination of the key issue and can help students to separate the truly important from the trivial. By asking, “What truly matters?” a student may start to recognise the distractions that limit their own learning and achievement. The question can assist when we are too caught up in routines to pay attention (I.e. “But we have always done it this way”), or when we lack confidence in our ability and focus on irrelevant details, rather than confront the difficult and challenging work right in front of us.

 

The question serves to focus effort and attention on completing the important tasks and responsibilities and, therefore, frees up our time that can be devoted to our interests, hobbies and motivations. More importantly, asking “What truly matters?” expands our perspective to include how we can serve and support others, and how can we ensure that students can achieve with a network of parents, guardians and teachers to keep the focus on learning.

 

As the exams, tests and assessments for Semester One conclude, the reports are analysed and dissected and goals are reviewed and refreshed for Semester Two. What truly matters is becoming aware of the pitfalls and distractions that limit achievement of our personal best and a renewed commitment to focus on the core habits and routines that enable success.

Assessment Catch-Up

This year the College elected to implement after-school catch-up sessions for students that are absent from in-class assessments. The constraints of the curriculum often requires assessments to be completed and marked within a short time-frame, and the purpose of the catch-up is to ensure minimal disruption to student learning.

 

The College appreciates that the circumstances for an absence is often beyond a student’s control, and may include ongoing health-related absences. The assessment catch-up sessions are scheduled from Tuesday to Friday (3.30pm – 4.30pm) and aim for students to complete assessments within seven days of the originally scheduled due date. 

 

If no alternative arrangements have been made with a subject teacher or the respective Head of Learning Area, then the assessment item remains incomplete at the end of this period, and will no longer be offered. As always, we encourage a conversation to achieve the best learning outcome for students.

University of Notre Dame – Early Offer

If you are a Year 12 student, here's your chance to secure a university education through the Notre Dame Early Offer Program. This program is open to Year 12 students who have demonstrated academic excellence and/or are making a significant contribution to their school or community.

 

With an early offer, you can sit your Year 12 exams with added confidence. It’s also a great way for schools to acknowledge their outstanding students. Applications for an early offer to study in Semester 1, 2020 are due by Wednesday 31 July 2019. Go to https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/early-offer for more information regarding applications.

ATAR Revision Seminars – Parent Committee subsidy

For many Year 12 students, the opportunity to attend ATAR Course Revision Seminars in the school holidays can enhance their examination preparation and course content knowledge. Due to the support provided by the St Norbert College Parent Committee, any Year 12 student who attends an ATAR revision seminar is eligible to receive a subsidy ($20) for attending. If you attend a seminar during the July school holidays, please pay for your course and then return your receipt to the College at the start of Term Three to receive the subsidy.

 

As an added incentive, TEE Consultants are giving away a FREE subject course in the TEE July Program, valued at $175. To enter, all a Year 12 ATAR student needs to do is use the link below and enter their details at: https://www.tee.com.au/competition/

 

Mr R Dowling (Dean of Studies)