Dear families,

What Makes a Student Successful?

I read an article recently on the habits of successful students. While it was written with high schoolers in mind, I couldn’t help but think how many of these qualities are already being formed in the primary years, and how often we see them in action here at school.

Just the other day, a Year 4 student quietly told me they’d already packed their library bag the night before and had planned out what they needed for the next day including their homework. They had been revising their timetables. No reminder, no last-minute panic, just steady, thoughtful preparation.

It reminded me of one of my old AFL coaches who constantly talked about the "one percenters", the little things that don’t always get noticed, but win games. In AFL, it was running an extra metre to make a tackle, or providing a block for another player, etc. “One percenters” in school are different. I try to always talk about this with our staff and our students. While we might think small things don’t matter, such as being a bit loose with uniform, letting a poor attitude slide, a bit of poor work, or ignoring disorganisation, the reality is that success is built in the daily grind.

As Craig Groeschel says: “Successful people do consistently what others do occasionally.”

Here are some of the habits the article mentioned and how they translate to our students:

Time Management: Using time well, getting ready without being rushed, and finishing tasks on time.
Organisation: Keeping track of belongings, using a diary or checklist, and being prepared for the day.
Proactive Learning: Asking questions, showing curiosity, and engaging with learning even when it’s challenging.
Strong Study Habits: Practising skills at home, finishing tasks carefully, and building focus.
Positive Mindset: Seeing mistakes as part of learning and bouncing back after setbacks.
Self-Discipline & Motivation: Staying focused, working hard, and being driven to improve.
Collaboration & Seeking Support: Working well with others, asking for help, and being open to feedback.

A few ways we can support this at home:

Encourage your child to pack their own bag each night, as it builds ownership.
Celebrate effort, not just achievement: “You really stuck at that” goes a long way. Talk about the “small things” and how they add up to something big over time.
Set aside device-free time for reading, puzzles, or quiet thinking, it helps build focus and calm.
Let children experience natural consequences (e.g., forgetting their hat means no play) it builds responsibility. Constantly fixing every minor issue for our children, does not build any sense of independence or responsibility.
Try asking, “What did you learn today?” instead of “What did you do?” it keeps learning at the front of mind.
Praise attitude and approach as much as results, these are the qualities that carry into adulthood.

Success in the primary years isn’t about being the best, it’s about learning to turn up every day and give your best. Learners who do the small things well, consistently.

Soccer Gala Day

Good luck to all of our girls who are a part of the Soccer Gala day on Monday. I know you will do great! Parents, please watch your emails over the weekend, just in case it is cancelled because of the weather.

Cross Country

Our annual Cross Country for Years 2-6 is on Wednesday, which is always an enjoyable day! Same as above, if it is too wet, we may have to reschedule so please check your emails. Just a reminder that house shirts (sizes 4–16, limited stock) are available for $20 each. Please visit the uniform shop on Monday or Tuesday to purchase.

Photos

School photo day is this Thursday. Please ensure payment has been made and that all photo envelopes are returned, even if you are not making a purchase. If you've lost your envelope, see Mrs Drayton at the office for a replacement. Students must wear full winter school uniform and present neatly. Photos will still be taken indoors if it is raining.

OOSH

Please remember that 3:30pm is the latest time a child can be picked up before they will be sent to OOSH. Students arriving before 8:20am must be signed into OOSH. Please make appropriate arrangements.

My door is always open.

Mr Joe Britton

HopePoint Christian School Newsletter

Growing Minds | Shaping Hearts | Developing Purpose

Term 2 Week 3 · 16 May 2025

In this issue