From the Deputies
Study Habits
With the commencement of term and the final stages of study for our departing Year 12 students, we thought it would be prudent to discuss the importance of study habits. When I discuss the importance of habits with students, I often use the analogy of brushing your teeth. It’s an act that perhaps is not at the top of our most eagerly anticipated acts of a morning and evening but we know the importance of it so we commit to it. We learn the right techniques and perhaps most importantly by developing teeth-brushing into our routines doesn't require us to apply any mental pressure to do it. It is just part of the day and we get on with it. The same is true for study. We should encourage our student community to set the routine and learn the techniques. There may also be an added benefit of this routine and practice as it could be a protective factor around academic distress whereby we can draw on our habits and routines, and trust the process when working at home.
Help-seeking is important too. Help with what study techniques to use. Help with planning a study routine for the term that accounts for upcoming assessments. Help with mental distress. I would encourage you to spend some time with your sons to discuss their routines and goals for their studies. Research also shows that a conversation that supports the academic process of a school can have positive impact on engagement in the classroom too.
Please follow this link to listen to a short presentation by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg:
SPECIAL REPORT: Healthy Study Habits | Mazenod College - Lesmurdie (schooltv.me)
I anticipate that one common obstacle regarding focused study may be the relenting pull social media and technology has on our young people too so I have taken the liberty to share this link from the eSafety Commissioner about managing screen time:
Screen time | How much is too much? | eSafety Commissioner
Respectful Relationships and The Mazenod Journey
Throughout this year our Heads of Years and College staff have been focused on fostering healthy relationships and the explicit skills to maintain them. In Year 7, we have been using the language of our LEAP program and pastoral focus of You ROCK at Mazenod to transition students into our ‘how we do it at Mazenod’ with commendations and reflections on how, as the acronym of ROCK promotes, to be respectful, organised, courageous and kind. In Year 8, our focus has been for students to ‘Step Up’ and take responsibility while growing appropriate autonomy. This includes dedicated social-emotional learning in the pastoral programs, service when the Year 8 Leaders built bikes to donate to those in need, and the positive noticing strategy of Mazza Moments where students nominate people in the community who have made a difference to them. The journey continues throughout the years and I will take the opportunity to reflect on The Rite Journey and senior school in subsequent newsletters.
We have articulated our pastoral outcomes under the terms of The Mazenod Journey, which you can review on our website here:
I hope the term has commenced well for your sons and please, as always, if you would like any support from our pastoral team please reach out to the appropriate Head of Year.
Mr Michael Anderson
Deputy Principal (Students)
Subject Changes 2025
As we approach the midpoint of Term 4, we remind our Year 10 students they are preparing for senior school studies in 2025. Subject selections have been made and we know some students will be reviewing their pathways in the MyPath sessions held once a cycle. We ask students who want to change subjects for next year make an appointment to see Mrs Liana Angove, Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning, before the end of term to ensure selections are in place.
For current Year 11 students, we ask students look at options if they are wanting to change courses before Friday 8 November. Appointments can be made at Student Services to see Mrs Angove.
Liana Angove
Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning)