Deputy Principal

 

Year 8 and 11

Welcome back to all Year 8 and Year 11 students as we begin an exciting new school year! We are thrilled to see familiar faces return and eager to meet our new students who are joining our school community. To the parents and caregivers of Year 8 and Year 11 students, we warmly welcome you and look forward to partnering with you to support your child's learning journey. We would also like to congratulate all students on the excellent start they have made to the year, demonstrating punctuality and presenting themselves in full school uniform with pride.

Year 8

For our Year 8 students, this marks a new chapter in high school, bringing greater responsibility to be "in the right place at the right time" with all the required equipment. With 2026 being the "Year of the Book" , the pen being assumed after 2025, we continue to maintain our model of explicit teaching, focusing on literacy and writing. We are excited to share the new playground area, which offers access to basketball hoops, volleyball, futsal and the familiar handball courts-great spaces to enjoy during breaks and builds friendships. This positive start sets the tone for a successful and rewarding year ahead, and we are thrilled to support you every step of the way. I would like to remind parents and caregivers that supporting your son's learning is a joint effort; ensuring he has the correct books packed each day and that homework is checked weekly - to ensure that incomplete classwork is completed at home. 

Year 11

Year 11 has a slightly different feel about it. This was noticeable in our first year group assembly, which really highlighted the transition the students are experiencing. The sense of maturity among the boys is a great sign - they're beginning to recognise that this stage of their education is different and more focused, especially with the shortened, three-term year. This shift can indeed bring a more serious mindset, as they become more aware that their schooling journey is moving towards important milestones and, ultimately, the end of the familiar school routine they've known for so long. 

If you're looking to build on this positive atmosphere, you might consider activities or discussions that further encourage responsibility, goal-setting, and preparation for the senior years. It could also be helpful to acknowledge the changes openly, providing support for those adjusting to the new place and expectations.

Parents need to have crucial conversations with their boys in a safe and respectful manner, creating an environment where open dialogue can flourish. Boys who have a clear sense of what they are working towards often cope better, stay more focused, and push themselves harder than those who simply attend school out of routine. Taking the time to talk, ask thoughtful questions, and explore their interests can help uncover what truly motivates them. Questions like “What do you enjoy?” or “Is there an area you’d like to explore further through study?” encourage self-reflection and clarity. It’s important to remember that university is not the only path and pursuing something without genuine interest can be costly, in many ways. As parents, you live your own lives, your sons are beginning to make decisions about theirs—so it’s essential to support rather than direct their choices. They don’t have to become a doctor or engineer; instead, they should follow what they are passionate about gives them a sense of belonging and self-worth. Below are just some of the things that may support them on this final leg:

1. Goal-Setting: What are they trying to achieve and why?

2. Time Management and Study Skills: Be organised and apply yourself through the whole process/journey.

3. Peer Mentoring: Have an older/experienced buddy who has recently done the HSC well.

4. Career and Pathway Exploration: Chat to Mr Leggo and Ms Eagle about opportunities and career paths

5. Wellbeing and Resilience: Look after yourself, physically and mentally.

6. Encourage Leadership Opportunities: Embrace new opportunities in leadership.

7. Reflection and Celebration: Reward yourself every week for some aspect or level of achievement.

Building and Infrastructure:

Unfortunately, we are still awaiting the completion of three new demountables

New bench installation in Year 9 & 10 area is going ahead

New banners on Year 8 area demountables to uplift the visual aspect of the area.

Seddique Martin

Deputy Principal Year 8 and 11