The Cheltonian

From the Principal 

Celebrating Academic Achievement

On Monday, we will hold our Academic Assembly, a special occasion to recognise and celebrate the progress, hard work, and commitment our students have demonstrated throughout Semester 1.

 

The assembly is not just about acknowledging our highest achievers; it is about recognising those who have worked consistently to improve, overcome challenges, and embrace a growth mindset. These students have shown that persistence, curiosity, and resilience are just as important as raw talent in achieving success. 

 

We congratulate all students who will be acknowledged and also commend the many others who continue to strive towards their personal best every day.

 

The Final Weeks of VCE Unit 4 Studies

We now enter a pivotal time for our Year 12 students as they complete the final weeks of their Unit 4 studies. Over the coming weeks, many will be sitting their last School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) before shifting their focus to comprehensive revision and exam preparation.

 

The next 10 weeks are critical. How students use this time will have a direct impact on their end-of-year outcomes. We strongly encourage all students to structure their study time carefully, balancing revision, practice exams, and targeted subject review. This is the period to identify any gaps in understanding and to seek clarification from teachers, well before the examination period begins.

 

We also encourage Year 12 students to remain at school whenever possible, especially on Wednesday afternoons, to take advantage of teacher support, quiet study spaces, and subject-specific help sessions. Being in the school environment allows students to stay connected, motivated, and on track.

 

Supporting Students Through the Exam Period – A Guide for Parents

While this can be an exciting time as students see their school journey reaching its final chapters, it can also be a period of heightened stress and pressure. Parents play a vital role in helping their child navigate this time successfully. Below are a few suggestions that may help:

  1. Maintain a Balanced Routine – Encourage your child to eat well, get 8 - 9 hours of sleep regularly, and include physical activity in their day. Long nights of cramming are rarely as effective as consistent, planned study sessions.
  2. Provide a Calm Study Environment – A quiet, organised space free from distractions helps students remain focused and productive.
  3. Encourage Breaks and Downtime – Regular short breaks improve concentration and prevent burnout.
  4. Stay Positive and Encouraging – Acknowledge their effort as well as their results. Remind them that persistence is a key ingredient to success.
  5. Keep Communication Open – Be available to listen and respond. Sometimes, just talking through a challenge can help students put it into perspective.
  6. Know the Signs of Stress – If your child appears overwhelmed, anxious, or withdrawn, encourage them to speak with a teacher, Year Level Coordinator, or a member of the Wellbeing Team.

The coming weeks will be intense but also rewarding. For our senior students, it’s the culmination of years of learning – an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and determination. For parents, it’s a time to offer reassurance, stability, and practical support.

 

To all our students, remember that success is not about doing everything at once, but about taking purposeful, consistent steps towards your goals. Use your teachers, your peers, and the resources available to you. The effort you put in now will not only prepare you for your exams but will also build habits and resilience that will serve you well in the future.

 

Let’s continue to celebrate our achievements while staying focused on the path ahead. Together, we can ensure these final weeks are productive, supportive, and set the stage for outstanding outcomes.

 

Warm regards

 

Karl Russell

Principal