Principal Report

As we near the end of another productive term, I want to take a moment to highlight the importance of staying on top of schoolwork, especially when students have been absent. Missing school, whether due to illness, family commitments, or other reasons, can lead to gaps in learning. It’s crucial that students catch up on any missed work to ensure they remain on track with their educational goals.

Here are some effective strategies students can use to catch up on missed work:

1. Review Teacher Notes on Compass: Our school utilises Compass as a central hub for all class resources. Students can access lesson notes, assignments, and other materials uploaded by their teachers. This is often the first place to check for any missed content.

2. Email the Teacher for Support: Teachers are here to help. Students should not hesitate to reach out via email if they need clarification on any missed work. A simple email can often provide the guidance needed to understand complex topics or assignments.

3. Look Up Educational Videos: There are numerous educational platforms such as YouTube, Khan Academy, and others that offer high-quality instructional videos. These can be incredibly useful for understanding new concepts or reviewing topics that were covered during an absence.

4. Form Study Groups: Working with classmates can be beneficial. Study groups provide an opportunity to discuss and review the material together, ensuring that everyone understands the content. This collaborative approach can make catching up less daunting.

5. Use Online Resources: Websites like Mathletics, Reading Eggs, and others offer interactive exercises that align with our curriculum. These platforms can be a great way to practise and reinforce learning in a fun and engaging manner.

6. Set a Schedule: Organisation is key. Students should create a schedule to systematically go through the missed work. Breaking it down into manageable chunks can make the process less overwhelming and more achievable.

7. Stay in the Loop: Encourage students to stay in touch with their peers and teachers about upcoming assignments and important dates. This helps ensure they don’t fall behind further and remain informed about what’s expected.

Catching up on missed work is not just about completing assignments; it’s about ensuring that students do not miss out on critical learning opportunities. By using these strategies, students can stay on track and continue to make progress in their education.

Year 9 Camp

I am delighted to share the wonderful experiences our Year 9 students had during their recent three-day camp at Lady Northcote Discovery Camp near Bacchus Marsh. This camp provided an excellent opportunity for students to connect with their peers and teachers while engaging in a variety of enriching activities.

Over the course of the camp, our students participated in a range of activities designed to challenge them, foster teamwork, and create lasting memories. Here are some highlights:

High Ropes Course: The high ropes course was a favourite among the students, offering a thrilling experience that required courage and trust. It was heartening to see students encouraging each other and celebrating their achievements as they navigated the course.

Canoeing: Canoeing on the tranquil waters provided a perfect setting for students to develop their paddling skills while enjoying the great outdoors. This activity emphasised the importance of coordination and teamwork, as students worked together to navigate their canoes.

Archery: Archery sessions allowed students to channel their inner Robin Hood, honing their focus and precision. This activity was a great way for students to build concentration and patience, as well as enjoy some friendly competition.

Team-Building Exercises: Various team-building exercises were conducted to strengthen bonds among students and staff. These activities required problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, highlighting the power of working together towards common goals.

The Lady Northcote Discovery Camp was not just about fun and adventure; it was also a valuable experience for personal growth and building connections. Students will return with a greater sense of camaraderie and confidence, having faced new challenges, and created new friendships.

I would like to extend my thanks to the staff who organised and participated in the camp, ensuring that it was a safe and memorable experience for all. The dedication and enthusiasm of our teachers and support staff were instrumental in making this camp a success.

Thank you to our Year 9 students for their positive attitude and active participation. I am confident that the skills and connections developed during this camp will continue to benefit them throughout their schooling and beyond.

End of Semester Reports

Progress and Semester Reports will be available for families to access via Compass from 2:30pm on Friday 28th June. It has been pleasing to see how the students have applied themselves to their learning this semester and achieve great results. I encourage you to hold discussions with your children around their progress and support them to set goals for Semester 2. I wish to thank Amie Reusch and the leaders of learning team for their relentless work organising the ongoing reporting process.

Winter Concert

I'm delighted to share the success of our Winter Concert on the 11th of June. The event showcased the incredible talents of our music students, featuring performances from our Senior, Intermediate and Junior Bands, along with solo performances and our ‘Sing It’ Choir.

This concert was a true celebration of music and community, reflecting the hard work and passion of our students and staff. A big thank you to everyone involved, including our dedicated music teachers and supportive parents.

We look forward to more events with our feature Spring Concert occurring later in the year.

Performing Arts Night

Continuing our performing Arts theme on Wednesday, 12th June, our Year 9 and 10 Drama students, along with the ‘Sing It’ Choir, delivered an evening of exceptional performances, demonstrating their growing talents and hard work.

Highlights:

Drama Performances: Our Year 9 and 10 Drama students presented a range of plays, showcasing their creativity, dedication, and acting skills. Each performance was a testament to their hard work and passion for the arts.
‘Sing It’ Choir: The choir complemented the drama performances with beautiful renditions of various songs, adding a musical touch to the evening.

This event was a fantastic display of the talent and effort our students have put into their craft. A special thank you to our dedicated teachers for their support and guidance, which made this showcase possible.

Congratulations to all involved for a memorable evening of entertainment and artistic expression.

Last day of term

Our last day of Term 2 will conclude at 2.30pm Friday 28th June. All buses have been alerted.

Belmont High School Newsletter

No.9

Issue 9 · 21 Jun 2024

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