Pastoral Care 

• Athletics Carnival - compulsory event
• Peer Mentoring
• Push-up Challenge
• Year 7 Study Skills Evening
• Strategy to assist with assignments
• Chicken Pox in the college

Athletics Carnival - Compulsory event

The Athletics Carnival is an integral part of our college calendar.  If your son is absent on the day, a medical certificate is required.

Please ensure any absences are communicated to the college promptly on the morning of the carnival - Tuesday 11 June.

A reminder that full sports uniform with house colour shirt is required on the day.

Peer Mentoring

Once a week the Year 11 mentors connect with their Year 5 and 6 buddies to strengthen connections between the junior and senior school. This week the group took part in the pizza and paper plane session. They shared a meal, shared conversation and then each student had the opportunity to design a paper plane that would travel the furthest. A big thanks to Mr Maloney and the Year 11 students for enabling this program to run.

The students were informed that there is a Ten Pin Bowling session coming up early next term, which created a buzz in the room.

Push-up Challenge 

Yesterday our push-up challenge commenced during Assembly with students and teachers starting the challenge.  Each student and staff member was asked to do 3 push-ups, which represented the 3,249 push-ups that are required for the challenge.

This is our 4th year as a school getting involved in the Push-Up Challenge. It is a great way for participants to learn about mental fitness, encourage exercise and strike up conversations with their mates and parents. It also gives them a great sense of achievement! This year we are asking parents and carers to join with their sons as well.  

How it works at SPX: In 2024, the challenge is to complete 3,249 push-ups in 24 days, from 5 - 28 June (or 1,625 if you're aiming for the half-target). This represents the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022. 

Participants can do either all push-ups or substitute with squats or sit-ups.  

Each day of the challenge is a different push-up target which corresponds to an important Mental Health Fact. Read and share the daily facts to improve mental health awareness, start important conversations and help smash the stigma around mental illness. 

It is not about raising money but donations are welcomed.

How to log push-ups:  download the app to log push-ups or online.  

How to join for parents and carers:

https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/join/spxparentsandcarers  

So, start prepping those shoulders by getting a few push ups in before 5 June and join the challenge with your son! 

Mr Jack Kovacic - Year 7 Pastoral Leader

Year 7 study skills evening - Thursday 13 June

Thank you to those parents who have rsvp'd to the study skills evening.  If you have yet to do so, please use the link below to advise your attendance.

This is an important evening for our Year 7 students as they commence their high school years and we are looking forward to seeing our Year 7 students, along with a parent, attending.  A letter has been sent out to Year 7 parents, and parents are asked to rsvp via the link in the letter.

Year 8 families who missed out last year, or who would like a refresher on this informative evening, are welcome to attend.  These Year 8 families can also rsvp via the following link:

Strategy to assist with assignments

Starting assignments straight away: Why it’s crucial for success

Ever leave your assignments until the last minute? Procrastination might seem harmless, but it can lead to unnecessary stress and lower-quality work. Here are four compelling reasons to start working on your assignments immediately:

1. Get Your Brain Thinking About the Topic

At the very least, read through the requirements of the assignment on the day you receive it. Even if you're not actively working on it, your subconscious will begin processing the information. This early engagement can help you come up with ideas and understand the scope of the assignment more thoroughly.

2. Find Library Resources

Although the internet offers a wealth of information, the school library is also a valuable resource. Drop in soon after receiving the assignment. Reference books, academic journals, and magazines are often in high demand and can disappear quickly. Relying solely on Google may limit the depth and quality of your research. Your librarian is a great ally in your research. Librarians can guide you to relevant books, journals, and digital resources that you might not find on your own. 

3. Starting Early Means More Time to Explore & Ask for Help

Starting your research early gives you more time to dive deep into your topic. Use a variety of sources such as the library, teacher references, school textbooks, and reliable internet resources. If you start early, you can identify gaps in your understanding and have ample time to ask your teacher for clarification or additional help.

4. Create a Safety Net

Life is unpredictable. Starting your assignment immediately creates a buffer for unforeseen events like illness or emergencies. A well-planned schedule that allows for the unexpected ensures you have enough time to complete your assignment without unnecessary stress.

Additional Tips for Effective Assignment Management

Break Down the Assignment

Divide your assignment into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a timeline with specific goals for each day or week. This will help you stay organised and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Stay Organised

Keep all your research materials, notes, and drafts in one place. Use folders, both physical and digital, to categorize information by topic or section of your assignment. This organisation will save you time and keep your work streamlined.

Set Specific Goals

Set clear, achievable goals for each study session. For example, aim to complete a specific section of your assignment or gather a certain number of sources. This focused approach will keep you motivated and on track.

Take Breaks

While it's important to start early and stay on task, it's equally important to take regular breaks. Short breaks can help you stay refreshed and maintain a high level of productivity.

Review and Revise

Once you’ve completed your assignment, take time to review and revise it. Check for any grammatical errors, ensure all your sources are properly cited, and verify that your arguments are coherent and well-supported.

By starting your assignments as soon as possible and following these tips, you can reduce stress, improve the quality of your work, and achieve better academic results.

Chicken Pox in the college

A number of students are isolating at home, having tested positive for Chicken Pox. The attached factsheet gives information on the virus.  If any symptoms present themselves please see your doctor.

Mr Martin Gillogly - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care