Head of Year 9 & 10 News

Here we are Week 8 already! We are well and truly in the thick of assessment season, with drafts, feedback and final submissions underway. Congratulations to those students who have kept their head above water and are staying on top of their workload. Keep going, the finish line for the Term is in sight!

I was chatting with some of our senior ATAR students this week, and they generously shared a few of their top tips for surviving during assessment blocks. Here are three that stood out:

1. Break it down – Don’t look at the assessment as one big task. Break it into smaller goals and chip away at it, bit by bit. Progress builds momentum.
2. Use your class time wisely – Your teachers are there to help. Ask questions, clarify expectations and make the most of every lesson.
3. Balance matters – Prioritise sleep, good nutrition and short breaks to keep your mind sharp. Overworking can backfire.

Take these tips on board, they’re tried and tested!

Attendance

With the cooler change in weather, it’s no surprise that colds and flus are making their rounds. We understand that sometimes staying home is the best option when your child is unwell. We encourage families to continue making thoughtful decisions about when students are fit to attend school. Working together over the past few weeks, we’ve had some really positive conversations with parents about how to support learning during brief absences. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation.

Year 10

A quick reminder that applications for the University of Queensland’s Young Achievers Program are now open. This is a fantastic opportunity for students with aspirations to attend university, particularly those who would benefit from mentoring, support and early connections with UQ. Several students have already reached out to express their interest – well done to those of you who have taken initiative. If you're still thinking about applying and want to chat through the process, please come and see me.

Year 9

Next week in our PDP classes, students will begin discussing volunteering opportunities for Term 3 as part of our Rite Journey program. Volunteering in the community plays a key role in helping students build empathy, social responsibility and leadership. It’s also a great way to give back and connect with others beyond the school gates.

Save the Date – Our Rite Journey Camp will take place from August 20–22 at beautiful Mount Tamborine. This camp is designed to provide meaningful personal challenges, growth opportunities and memorable experiences for our Year 9s. To ensure this experience is available to all, the school will be subsidising some of the cost.