Learning & Teaching

Welcome to the New Academic Year

I am truly grateful for the warm welcome I have received from the school community. It is a privilege to be part of this vibrant environment and to witness the dedication of our students, staff, and families in supporting our young people to thrive. I am excited about the year ahead and look forward to working with you all to ensure our students have 'Strong futures and gentle hearts.'

Year 7 – Starting the Year Well

Our Year 7 students have begun their journey in secondary school with enthusiasm and resilience. Transitioning into high school can be both exciting and challenging, and we are proud of the way they are adapting to new routines, teachers, and learning environments.

To support their success, parents can:

• Encourage open conversations about their experiences and feelings about school.
• Help establish good study habits, such as organization and time management.
• Promote a balance between academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities.
• Support friendships and social connections by encouraging participation in school activities.
• Reinforce the importance of a growth mindset and perseverance in learning.

Senior Students and Study Strategies

Our senior students have started the year off well, demonstrating focus and commitment to their studies. To support their continued success, some effective study strategies include:

• Establishing a structured study routine and setting clear goals.
• Using active study techniques such as summarizing notes, teaching concepts to others, and practicing past exam questions.
• Taking regular breaks to maintain concentration and avoid burnout.
• Ensuring a quiet, distraction-free study environment.
• Seeking feedback from teachers and peers to refine understanding.
• Maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including exercise, rest, and healthy eating to support cognitive function.

Senior Pathways – Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate

Students undertaking the Vocational Major (VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), along with those participating in VET programs, have made a strong start to the year. These programs focus on applied learning, which is a hands-on approach that connects theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences, preparing students for employment, further study, or training.

Parents can support their children in these pathways by:

• Encouraging them to reflect on their learning and discuss how their studies connect to practical experiences.
• Supporting organisation and time management to balance coursework and work placements.
• Helping them develop workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Engaging in discussions about career pathways and future goals.
• Celebrating achievements and progress to maintain motivation and confidence.

NAPLAN 2024

For families with students in Year 7 and Year 9, the upcoming NAPLAN assessments will take place from Wednesday, March 13th to Friday, March 21st. These assessments provide valuable insights into students’ progress. While NAPLAN is just one measure of learning, preparation and a positive mindset can help students feel more confident.

Parents can support their daughters by:

• Encouraging a positive attitude and reducing unnecessary pressure.
• Promoting daily reading and discussions to enhance comprehension.
• Practicing writing and numeracy skills in everyday contexts.
• Exploring the NAPLAN website for sample questions.
• Ensuring rest, nutrition, and a balanced routine to support wellbeing.

I look forward to working in partnership with you throughout the year to support the learning and development of our students. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our school community.