Secondary School News

Chapel with Father Jeff | Secondary

ATAR Examinations Week 6 and 7 - Supporting Your Child: A Guide for Year 11 and 12 Families

Students in Year 11 and Year 12 ATAR courses are about to move into the Semester One examination period, June 4 – 13. It’s natural for students to feel a mix of pressure, motivation, and fatigue about this challenging process. They are navigating high expectations while balancing coursework, revision, career decisions and even selecting university pathways. At School, we are focused on guiding students through this busy period with structure, feedback, and support. At home, there are a few key ways parents can make a meaningful difference too.

1. Encourage a Study Routine

Establishing and sticking to a consistent study timetable helps reduce anxiety and avoid last-minute cramming. A good rule of thumb is to revise in 35–50 minute blocks, followed by short breaks. Students should aim to revisit content regularly over time rather than all at once— this “spaced practice” strengthens memory and understanding.

2. Focus on Active Study Techniques

Encourage your child to use strategies that engage their thinking: writing summaries from memory, creating flashcards, explaining concepts out loud to family members, or answering practice questions / exams. Simply re-reading notes may feel productive, but it’s much less effective for long-term retention.

3. Reduce Distractions

Help set up a quiet, organised space for study. Where possible, limit distractions such as phones, television, or “multitasking” during revision. Apps that block social media for set periods can be useful tools for maintaining focus.

4. Check in—But Don’t Take Over

Regular check-ins can be powerful: ask your child what they’re finding manageable and where they might be stuck. Rather than focusing on marks, shift the conversation to effort, strategies, and progress. Questions like “What’s one thing you revised well today?” or “Is there something I can quiz you on?” are great prompts.

5. Support Wellbeing

Good sleep, healthy meals, exercise, and time to unwind are essential. Students under pressure can sometimes forget the basics, so reminders to look after themselves physically and emotionally can go a long way.

6. Reach Out Early

If your child is feeling overwhelmed or unsure about expectations, encourage them to speak with their teachers—or reach out to us as needed. Staying connected is key to preventing small concerns from growing into larger issues.

Exam periods can feel intense, but they’re also an opportunity for students to grow in independence and resilience. With the right support at home and at school, they can approach this time with confidence and clarity.

It’s also worth noting that Year 10 students will sit their very first examinations in Week 8. These strategies are just as relevant for them as they build the study habits and confidence they’ll need in the years ahead.

Scott Robertson

Dean of Teaching and Learning

Celebrating World Environment Week at JWACS

At JWACS, we proudly celebrated World Environment Week, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action on environmental issues.

One of the highlights was our Sustainability Scavenger Hunt, where House Groups explored the School grounds to discover and learn about our environmental initiatives. From planting seeds for the school nursery to sorting waste using our custom JWACS signage, students engaged in hands-on activities that promoted sustainable thinking and action.

In addition to the scavenger hunt, each House collaborated to create a large animal-themed puzzle, with each House Group decorating a piece:

Charter – Turtle 🐢
Hale – Butterfly 🦋
Ramsden – Ladybug 🐞
Scott – Kangaroo 🦘

These puzzles were proudly assembled and displayed on the Library Resource Centre windows, showcasing teamwork and creativity.

For the first year we also launched an individual art competition, where students created artworks using recycled or natural materials. The winning entries will be announced next week and featured in a special display.

As we approach World Environment Day on June 5, we encourage all families to take a moment to reflect on how we can each contribute to a healthier planet — whether it’s reducing waste, planting something green, or simply spending time in nature.

Chrisna LeVaillant

Secondary Science Teacher