Assistant Principal News
It was very pleasing to be a part of two award ceremonies today and see so many students rewarded for their hard work and dedication. This was a particularly joyful occasion, considering we were unable to hold award ceremonies in Semester One due to social distancing requirements.
I wish to congratulate all the award winners and encourage them to continue this application in 2021. To those that didn’t receive awards, your challenge is to start afresh in 2021 with some fresh learning goals and social goals and commit to meeting those. I challenge you to be the best possible person and student that you can, taking part in the ‘Marian Way’.
This holiday period becomes an exciting time four our Year 10 students to prepare and reflect to ensure they are rejuvenated for Senior School. For many of the year group it is a vital time to reflect on learning progress and reorganise their study space and schedule in preparation for Year 11. For some Year 10 students, this holiday time also becomes a key crossroads moment. Students at this junction must reassess their attitude to life, school, social interaction and learning. I encourage parents of these students to have serious conversations with their children about their own sense of self, their contribution to the Year group and their commitment to the Marian community. I believe that with mature introspection, all of these students have the potential to successfully engage in their Preliminary Year and more importantly make our world a better place for all. Students, the challenge is yours!
The first step on reflection for all students can begin with a review of Semester 2 Reports which are now available on Compass.
For each subject, teachers have reported on:
• Commitment to Learning
• Semester Grade
• Commendations and Recommendations
Please note that the Semester Grade is based on the student’s achievement, knowledge and understanding against each subject’s performance descriptors and the Common Grade Scale. This includes both Summative Assessment Tasks and Formative in Class Learning Activities.
Students will also receive a Homeroom Report which indicates:
• Personal Attributes
• Commendations and Recommendations
• Absences
We encourage all parents to have conversations with their children about what they have done well, what they need to improve, how they can do this and how they can support their child.
While today is the last day of school for students, staff will have three days of Professional Learning next week to review 2020 and plan ahead for 2021.
On Monday staff will engage in a session on Numeracy and will plan for explicit teaching of Numeracy across KLA areas in 2021. Our Inclusive and Diverse Learning Leader - Laura Vardenega will also facilitate a session on the important learning needs of students. Staff will have time to plan for the diverse needs of their class members and engage with a range of resources to assist.
On Tuesday staff will be given time to work in KLA areas to review and evaluate their teaching and learning programs for 2020 and make important changes and innovations for 2021.
Next year, staff will resume on Wednesday 27th January with two days of allocated Professional Learning before Year 7, 11 and 12 students resume on Friday 29th January and Year 8, 9 and 10 on Monday 1st February.
Thank you again to all parents, carers, staff and students for your support during the turbulent year of 2020 and we look forward to a great 2021.
Yours in Learning,
Lora Segrave and Damien Herb
Co Assistant Principals