Principal Report

A message from the Principal

Ms Nerina Pretlove

As we move into the second part of Term 1, we wonder where the time has gone. Year 7 have quickly settled into their new school and are engaged across their subjects. Year 11 have commenced their Preliminary studies and Year 12 are moving towards the finalisation of their major projects and performances.

Year 12 Half-Yearly examinations commence in Week 7. Students should take this opportunity to reflect on their progress and seek the assistance that they may require to achieve their academic goals. Those SMART goals should be: Specific (and strategic):  Linked to marks or ranks within a course. Measurable:  The success toward meeting the goal that can be measured.  Ask yourself the question—How can I measure my progress towards this goal? Attainable: Goals that are realistic and can be achieved in a specific amount of time and are reasonable. Relevant (results oriented):  The goals are aligned with current tasks and major projects, performances and focus in a defined area. Time framed:  Goals have a clearly defined time-frame including a target or deadline date. Please seek support from your teachers, Career Adviser, Year DP, Year Adviser and Assistant if you need assistance to define and achieve your goals. That is also relevant for students across all years.

It was a privilege to attend the International Student Awards Ceremony where our amazing Deputy Principal of the Intensive English Centre, Mee Lin Liau, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the academic and social development of students across a long career and a number of schools. Past students who had flourished under her leadership were there to share in her success. Congratulations.

One of the great challenges for young people, and the not so young, is the management of sleep and use of digital media. Many students have reported trouble turning off their devices and having a full night’s sleep.  To that end, last year we brought in a sleep specialist to work with some of our students to examine their sleep patterns and the impact of digital media on those patterns. We are bringing her back, along with a digital specialist to speak with both our parents and those of students who will be joining us in 2021 from our local primary schools. If you are interested in participating in the Parent Masterclass, please pick up a handout on Open Night, Wednesday 4 March, check our website or contact the school.

Our classroom upgrade has commenced with a refurbishment of our Maths rooms during the Christmas break. During the next break we will commence the renovation of the HSIE rooms.  We have also moved closer to the refurbishment of our school hall with the hope that work will commence before the end of the year.

We are looking forward to welcoming parents and the community to our school on Wednesday evening from 5.30pm.  Our staff will be available for informal chats, tours of classrooms and learning spaces. There will be addresses to Year 7 2021 parents and guardians, 2020 Year 7 and senior students and Year 8 will be showing their Intensives’ projects from last year.