Senior School

Being Reflective – Learning from Experience

Being reflective involves taking time to think about what worked well, what could be improved and what might be approached differently next time. At All Saints’ College, reflection is a key element of Quality Thinking (a competence measured as part of our New Metrics partnership with Melbourne University). It supports students to move beyond simply completing tasks and instead engage more deeply with how they learn, why they learn and what their next steps might be. 

In Term 2, this becomes especially important. As students engage in learning across their subjects, they receive ongoing feedback in class as well as through more formal assessment tasks. At All Saints’, we place a strong emphasis on feedback for learning. This means that the conversations, comments and guidance students receive day to day in lessons are just as important as the feedback they receive on completed assessments. Together, these forms of feedback provide valuable insight into strengths, areas for growth and strategies for improvement. When students take time to reflect on both in-class feedback and assessment feedback, they develop the ability to think critically about their learning and make informed decisions about how to improve. We encourage students to see assessment as part of an ongoing learning journey, where reflection helps them to revisit previous work, notice patterns in feedback and apply this learning to future tasks. 

You may notice your child being encouraged to respond to feedback in class, set goals after assessments or revisit earlier work. These are intentional practices designed to build reflective habits over time. You can support this important skill by inviting gentle reflection through simple conversations: 

These reflective moments help students recognise their growth, make sense of feedback for learning and set meaningful next steps. In doing so, they continue to develop the habits of Quality Thinking that are so central to learning at All Saints’. 

Shannon Armitage

Director of Senior School (Teaching and Learning)

Year 11 and 12 Semester 1 Examinations

The Semester 1 examinations for Year 11 and 12 ATAR students commence on Monday 25 May and conclude on Friday 5 June. A copy of the exam timetable is available on MyASC. 

Further information regarding exam arrangements has been provided to students via a pre-exam briefing. This presentation is available on the exam information page stated above. Please note the exam timetable is final and changes cannot be made to examination times. Students are not permitted to complete exams early for any reason, and, if illness prevents attendance, “make-up” exams are not possible. In the event of an illness (and upon receipt of a medical certificate), the student's final mark and grade will be calculated from their Semester 2 examination mark. 

Please email any communication relating to the Year 11 and 12 examinations to Mr Shackleton - Assistant Director of Senior School (Teaching and Learning).

Years 9 and 10 2027 Subject Selection Information Evening

The Years 9 and Year 10 2027 Pathway Planning and Subject Selection Process begins in Week 8 with a parent and student information evening on Teams hosted by Mr Jim Shackleton on Monday 8 June, 6.00pm–7.00pm. A link to this session will be emailed to parents prior to the event. This session will be recorded and available in the days to follow. 

Early in Term 3, Year 8 students will meet with their Mentor to discuss their Personal Pathway Plan and submit their preferences for their Year 9 program. 

Early in Term 3, Year 9 students will meet with their Mentor to discuss their Personal Pathway Plan and submit their preferences for their Year 10 program. 

Tutors and Heads of House will contact the students regarding a suitable time to meet in due course.

Year 11 Student-Led Conferences

The Year 11 Student-Led Conferences (please note name change from Three-Way Interviews), on Tuesday 16 June (4.00pm - 8.00pm) will be virtual conducted through Microsoft Teams.

These conferences provide an opportunity to discuss learning, progress and strategies for improvement with your child and their teacher. While attendance is not mandatory, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with your child's educators. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education.

Year 10 accelerated students (enrolled in Year 11 courses) and parents are invited to attend the Year 11 conferences, but it is not essential unless there is a concern regarding their progress.

Teachers will call students through Teams, so students need to be ready to receive and join a call in Teams.

The booking system will be available via the Parent Gateway on MyASC from Wednesday 27 May 4.00pm until Sunday 14 June.

Further information on booking interviews and joining the Teams interview can be found on MyASC.

Helping Your Child Stay Safe Online (and Well Offline)

For many young people, the online world is where friendships grow, ideas are shared and identities are explored. But it can also be a space where challenges arise, often ones they don’t feel comfortable talking about with adults. A common concern for teenagers is that speaking up might lead to losing access to their devices altogether.  

That’s why open, trusting conversations are more important than ever.  

Start with a Family Tech Agreement  

Rather than focusing on restriction, consider co-creating a simple Family Technology Agreement. The goal isn’t control; it’s shared understanding and responsibility.  

A strong agreement:  

• Is co-designed with your child, not imposed  
• Sets clear boundaries around online behaviour and safety  
• Includes realistic, agreed consequences if things go wrong  
• Is reviewed regularly as your child grows and their needs change  

Make It Relevant: It’s Not Just About Safety—It’s About Wellbeing  

Today’s conversations need to go beyond “screen time limits.” Research and student feedback are clear: how and when devices are used impacts wellbeing, learning and even physical health.  

Consider including:  

• Phone-free times (e.g. meals, study blocks, before bed)  
• Charging devices outside bedrooms overnight  
• Clear expectations for social media use and group chats  

Why It Matters: Sleep, Focus and Mental Health  

Sleep is one of the biggest areas impacted by device use. Late-night scrolling, notifications and blue light can:  

• Disrupt sleep cycles  
• Reduce concentration and memory  
• Increase feelings of stress and anxiety  

Good sleep hygiene is a game-changer for teenagers:  

• Aim for consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends  
• Turn screens off at least 30–60 minutes before sleep  
• Create a calm, tech-free sleep environment  

Having agreed boundaries around phones and internet use isn’t just about safety; it has real physical and emotional benefits.  

Keep the Conversation Going  

The most effective strategies come from ongoing dialogue, not one-off rules.  

Ask your child:  

• “What helps you switch off at night?”  
• “What feels reasonable to you when it comes to phone use?”  
• “What should we do if something online doesn’t feel right?”  

When young people feel heard, they’re far more likely to:  

• Make positive choices  
• Speak up when something goes wrong  
• Take ownership of their digital lives  

A Final Thought  

Technology isn’t going anywhere, and nor should it. Our aim is to help young people use it wisely, safely and in ways that support their wellbeing, not undermine it.  

A thoughtful, collaborative approach at home can make all the difference.  

Year 7 Immunisations

Year 7 student vaccinations will be conducted at the College on Wednesday 17 June. These immunisations are part of the routine school-based vaccination program.  

Parents and carers are encouraged to refer to the link below for further information, including consent details and what to expect on the day.  

Please ensure all required documentation is completed prior to the scheduled date.  

Vaccinations Information | All Saints’ College  

Jeanette Sealy 

Director of Senior School (Student Wellbeing)