From the Head of Senior School

On 8 and 9 August, I had the privilege of accompanying several of our Year 8 and 9 students as they participated in the Social Innovators Program at La Trobe University in Bendigo. Throughout the two-day program, the students collaborated with peers from other schools to discuss and address various environmental and societal challenges. On the final day, the teams presented their innovative ideas to community partners, including local businesses, government departments and La Trobe University representatives. It was an enriching experience that allowed our students to showcase their creativity and talents in a setting beyond the traditional classroom.

The Senior School Ensembles Concert was a memorable night, drawing an impressive turnout from students and families alike. The event at the Ulumbarra Theatre featured performances from various musical groups, including choir, jazz, strings and guitar ensembles as well as the Girton Big Band and Symphony Orchestra. Each ensemble delivered a stellar performance, showcasing the hard work and dedication that they have put into their practice sessions over the past months.

The concert wasn't just about the music; it was also a celebration of the community spirit that thrives within our school, with a palpable energy in the room and each student performance met with enthusiastic applause. The event also allowed students to experience the excitement of performing in front of a large crowd, which is an invaluable experience for those pursuing further musical studies or simply looking to build their confidence.

Your child should have now received their Effort and Dedication Round 4 scores through Astra. These progress reports focus on your child's work ethic, organisation, attentiveness and response to instruction in a classroom environment, providing a comprehensive picture of a student's overall development beyond their academic performance. By assessing and highlighting these areas, educators can help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering personal growth and better study habits. This feedback also enables parents and teachers to collaborate more effectively, ensuring students are supported in developing the skills necessary for success in school and life. Ultimately, these reports are essential in guiding students towards becoming more responsible, motivated and engaged learners.

As we approach the final four weeks of term, many of our Year 12 students are completing their final school-assessed coursework (SAC) tasks and beginning to prepare for their upcoming exams. To assist in managing the stress they may be feeling at this time, I encourage students to pace their efforts leading up to their final SACs by using a 'to-do' list for organising their study commitments. In creating these lists, students can identify the tasks they need to complete and prioritise them accordingly, adding new items as needed. Since organisation is a highly individualised process, it's important that students select a method that aligns with their personal preferences. Developing these organisational skills will benefit them not only throughout their academic studies but also in their future endeavours.

Ms Dawn Davis

Head of Senior School