Pastoral Academic Care (PAC) 

Pastoral Academic Care (PAC) Focus - Assertive Language

Well Being Element - Engagement and Mindfulness

Character Strength - Zest

Having optimism and hope for the future is much more than just feeling positive in your own environment. It is about believing that through your own efforts that you can directly influence your own future. It is your behind the scenes things that you do that make the difference and matter. 

Risk taking is part of adolescence and students need to learn how to say no if they don’t want to participate. Working against them having the strength to say no is their overwhelming need to stay socially connected to their group of peers and friends. Many teenagers often much prefer loyalty to the group over what they know is the safe and right thing to do, meaning they may not be prepared to stand up to their group. The consequences of this in risk taking situations are often serious and sometimes life threatening. An effective strategy is to teach students how to use their strengths to speak assertively, to say what concerns them and what they want to happen in a clear, firm and respectful way, so others are in no doubt of what they mean and intend to do. The following is a guide of how to use assertive language which wins peer attention and respect: 

• say what concerns you – “I think someone could get hurt doing this.” 

• say how you feel – “I feel very unsafe being involved in this.”

 • say what you want to happen – “I am not doing this and don’t want any of you to do it either.” 

Two types of language which don’t work in these situations are aggressive/threatening and submissive/timid. 

Acknowledgement: Seligman & Griffin

Year 8

Mrs Kathryn Czinner

A short message this week to keep in touch. Students and teachers are working hard to keep up to date with the lessons. Teachers are reaching out to individuals and families to stay connected. We know that remote learning won’t go on forever even though we feel tried and drained. Parents please continue to check in with their children regarding their progress and well- being. It has been lovely having the opportunity to talk to parents and have a real conversation. Continue to free to contact the any of the PAC team to raise concerns.

So many of the Yr 8 students have been receiving Commendations from school. Keep up the great work.

Truly missing face to face connections.

Mrs Kathryn Czinner (on behalf of the Year 8 PAC team)

Year 11

Mrs Vicki Channon

I just want to start by thanking all of the Year 11 students for their tenacity during this difficult time. This demonstrates grit and resilience; we have all had to dig deep as we continue this lockdown lifestyle. As well as trying to consolidate and complete course work for their Year 11 studies, they are now about to embark on online final assessments which is so new to us all.

The Trial HSC exams held recently were successful, so we are confident that these will run as smoothly. If there are any concerns or worries about preparing and doing these tasks, students know that they are well supported with their subject teachers, PAC team, myself and the wellbeing team are here to help.

I am so proud of those students who have reached out to seek assistance. Please continue to do so. Over the last few weeks, much communication has been had, either by zooms, phone or email. It is important to stay connected.  It is so easy to get bogged down in  front of your computer all day. Lunchtime before you know it!!!! Make sure you are taking breaks and getting some fresh air and exercise.

A zoom meeting was held on Monday evening for all Year 11 students and their parents and carers  to go through the procedures for the final assessment period. All of the information regarding this, including the timetable for assessments, protocols, procedures can be found on the Year 11 2021 Google Classroom and on Compass. Students are well versed at using these platforms. It is imperative that the students check that they know what will happen during this period of assessment and to make sure they have jumped onto the zoom meeting room so that they feel comfortable moving forward. If you have any questions please contact me, the PAC team or the leadership team for help.

Thanks for all of your support during this time. Take care, stay safe and focussed (I know how hard this can be….) You are almost there!!! Best of luck. You’ve got this.

I did like this little image that Mrs Smidt shared with us this morning. Good advice. 

Mrs Vicki Channon (on behalf of the entire Year 11 PAC team)

Year 12

Mr Mark Fulloon

Congratulations to our Year 12 students on completing their HSC Trial exams and being so flexible with their online learning. It has been a tough time for our Year 12 cohort during this period of lockdown but they have demonstrated great resilience. I hope that in the next few weeks students can find some semblance of normality with their school work and now prepare for the final HSC exams ahead. I would like to also extend my gratitude to the families and friends of our Year 12 students with your continuing support of this great group of students.

Mr Mark Fulloon (on behalf of the entire Year 12 PAC team)