From the Acting Head of Senior School

Over the past fortnight, our Senior School students have been busy preparing for and completing their Semester 2 examinations. This year has seen the introduction of a shorter Exam Week, where students in Years 7-9 have had examinations on Wednesday until Friday, as opposed to the traditional whole week. 

With examinations now behind us, this is an ideal time to encourage your child to reflect on their study habits and preparation strategies. When exam results are released, students are invited to consider what worked well, what could be improved, and how they can build on their experiences moving forward.

It’s important to remind them that results provide valuable insight but do not define their capabilities or future success. Instead, they can use this feedback to set realistic goals and strengthen their learning strategies. This is particularly important for students in Year 10 and 11, who begin and continue their VCE journey in the coming years.

You might like to discuss the following reflective prompts with your child: 

• What strategies helped me learn most effectively? Identifying productive study methods reinforces confidence. 
• What obstacles did I face? Recognising challenges helps refine future approaches. 
• What are my next steps? Creating clear, achievable goals gives direction and motivation for improvement.  

Next week marks the beginning of our Early Commencement Program (ECP), where students will transition into their classes for the upcoming academic year. This program offers a valuable opportunity to experience new subjects, meet new teachers, and gain an early understanding of course expectations. As they settle into new learning environments, students may also find themselves working with different classmates. While this can sometimes feel unfamiliar, it’s a wonderful chance to expand friendships, strengthen collaboration skills, and learn from diverse perspectives. 

We encourage all students to approach these new experiences with openness and enthusiasm. Participating actively in discussions, supporting peers, and taking initiative in group tasks can help them make meaningful connections. Building positive relationships not only enhances their sense of belonging but also supports a productive and enjoyable learning journey. 

Mr Marcus Smalley

Acting Head of Senior School