LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

The Power of Presence: Celebrating Strong Attendance

As we move through Term 2, we want to extend a huge thank you to all our families for their continued commitment to student attendance. We've seen a fantastic effort from students across all year levels, and the benefits are truly shining through.

Consistent attendance is a cornerstone of academic success and overall wellbeing. Every day at school provides invaluable learning opportunities, allowing students to build on prior knowledge, engage with new concepts, and develop critical skills. Beyond academics, regular attendance fosters strong friendships, builds a sense of belonging, and instils essential life skills such as punctuality, responsibility, and resilience.

We understand that illness and unforeseen circumstances can sometimes lead to absences. We appreciate your prompt communication with the school when this occurs. By working together, we can ensure every student has the best possible chance to succeed. Let's continue this positive trend and celebrate the power of presence in our classrooms!

Standing Together: Honouring IDAHOBIT Day

On Thursday, May 16th, our school proudly recognised IDAHOBIT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia). This important day is a global reminder of the violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide, and a powerful call to action for a more inclusive and accepting society.

Our students and staff participated in a range of activities designed to raise awareness and foster a culture of respect and understanding. From rainbow-themed dress-ups to informative discussions in classrooms, we highlighted the importance of allyship and celebrating diversity within our school community. We believe that by educating ourselves and actively promoting acceptance, we can ensure that every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic self.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making IDAHOBIT Day a meaningful and impactful experience for our school.

Adventure Awaits: Year 8 Camp Success!

This week, our Year 8 students embarked on an incredible adventure at their annual camp! Held at Woodhouse Adventure Camp in a picturesque outdoor education centre on the outskirts of Adelaide.  The camp provided a fantastic opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones, build new skills, and strengthen friendships.

Over 4 days and 3 nights, students engaged in a diverse range of challenging and fun activities, which may have included:

• Team-building initiatives: fostering cooperation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Outdoor adventure challenges: such as Orienteering, Cameron’s Climb, Laser Skirmish, Disc Golf, promoting resilience and a sense of achievement.
• Environmental awareness activities: connecting students with nature and encouraging responsible outdoor practices.
• Night activities: fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.

The camp was a resounding success, with students demonstrating incredible growth in independence, leadership, and teamwork. They will return to school with broadened horizons, newfound confidence, and memories that will last a lifetime. A huge thank you to the staff who dedicated their time and energy to make this an enriching experience for our Year 8s! We look forward to seeing how these newly developed skills will be applied in the classroom and beyond.

Preparation for Year 10 and 11

As Term 2 progresses, we're seeing our Year 10 and 11 students actively engaged in their studies, a crucial period as they look towards their upcoming exams. This is a vital time for consolidating learning, developing effective study habits, and laying strong foundations for future academic success, particularly for those pursuing the VCE pathway.

Nearing the Finish Line: Year 10 Exams

Our Year 10 students will soon be undertaking their end-of-semester exams. These exams serve as a significant checkpoint, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of the curriculum covered so far and providing valuable feedback on their progress. It's also an excellent opportunity to experience formal examination conditions, which will be invaluable as they transition into their VCE years.

We encourage all Year 10 students to:

• Review and Consolidate: revisit class notes, textbooks, and past assignments to ensure a thorough understanding of all topics.
• Practice Regularly: utilise practice questions and past papers provided by teachers to familiarise themselves with exam formats and time limits.
• Seek Support: don't hesitate to approach teachers for clarification on challenging concepts or additional resources. Our teachers are here to support every student.
• Prioritise Wellbeing: ensure a balanced routine with adequate sleep, healthy eating, and regular breaks to maintain focus and manage stress.

Stepping Up: Year 11 Mid-Year Exams

For our Year 11 students, the mid-year exams are a critical component of their VCE journey. These assessments contribute to their overall VCE Unit 1 and 2 scores and provide a realistic gauge of their readiness for the demands of Year 12.

We encourage Year 11 students to approach these exams with dedication and a strategic mindset:

• Active Revision: go beyond simply re-reading notes. Engage in active recall, summarising, mind mapping, and teaching concepts to others.
• Utilise Study Designs: refer to the VCAA study designs for each subject to ensure all key knowledge and skills are covered.
• Practice Under Exam Conditions: timed practice with past exam questions is crucial for developing exam technique and managing time effectively.
• Collaborate and Discuss: forming study groups with peers can be beneficial for discussing complex topics and testing understanding.
• Manage Stress: it's normal to feel some pressure, but remember to incorporate relaxation techniques and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Reach out to school counsellors or wellbeing staff if you need support.

We wish all our Year 10 and 11 students the very best in their upcoming exams. This period of focused effort is a valuable investment in their academic future, and we are confident in their ability to rise to the challenge. We commend them for their hard work and dedication and look forward to celebrating their achievements.

Ms. Kym Woolley

Assistant Principal