From the Deputy
Principals
A Message from the Deputy Principals
Year 7
Our Year 7 students are now approximately three-quarters of the way through their first year of secondary school. It is encouraging to see that most students are settling in well, adapting to the new environment, routines, and expectations that come with this significant transition. Moving from primary to secondary school can be challenging, but we are proud of the enthusiasm our Year 7 cohort has shown so far.
As they continue their journey, we encourage students to maintain a strong work ethic and to strive for personal excellence in their studies. At the same time, kindness and respect remain fundamental values within our school community. We remind all Year 7 students to support one another, be inclusive, and treat their peers and teachers with compassion. These qualities not only enrich their school experience but also build a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone.
Parents can support their children by encouraging regular study habits, ensuring they balance schoolwork with rest and recreation, and maintaining open communication with teachers if any concerns arise. Together, we can help our Year 7 students make the most of this exciting stage of their education.
Year 8
This term, Year 8 students have demonstrated improved settled behaviour, showing a positive and focused attitude to their learning. They have been applying themselves diligently and working hard to build and maintain positive relationships with their peers and teachers. Additionally, students have enjoyed the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, including participation in gala days and the science fair, which have further contributed to their sense of community and teamwork. Overall, it has been a productive and encouraging term for Year 8.
It is almost time for the final assessments for Year 8 across many of the subjects and students should be encouraged to write topic summaries, review the feedback from previous assessment tasks and also ensure that they have all of their course notes up to date. Use the assessments as an opportunity to demonstrate what they know and how they can apply their knowledge.
Year 9
Our Year 9 students have been busy this term with many opportunities to develop their skills beyond the classroom. A few highlights have been the Year 9 science students who participated in the CSIRO Generation STEM project on Water, the STEM and HPGE leaders contributing to the hugely successful HPGE Challenge Cup and the University of Western Sydney Fast Forward Program participants who had a day on Campus honing their problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork skills. Each of these experiences help students connect classroom learning with real-world issues, boosting their engagement in learning and create meaningful connections that set them up for the future. We are always proud to hear how our students represent our school with pride by showing enthusiasm, a genuine thirst for learning and respect for others.
It is almost time for the final assessments for Year 9 across many of their subjects and students should be encouraged to write topic summaries, review the feedback from previous assessments and also ensure that they have all of their course notes up to date. Use these final assessments as an opportunity to demonstrate what they know and how they can apply their knowledge.
Year 10
As Year 10 students approach the final stages of their junior high school years, this is an exciting and important time for them to begin planning for their future learning pathways. We have been impressed by the maturity and leadership many of our Year 10 students have shown so far, and we are committed to helping every student feel confident and ready for their next chapter.
Towards the end of next term, starting in Week 7, Year 10 students will commence a structured transition program that runs over four weeks. This program is designed to support students as they adjust to the demands of Year 11 and prepare for the Preliminary Course in 2026.
During this four-week period, students will begin following a new timetable that reflects their Year 11 study pattern. In addition to attending classes, students will engage in a range of activities and workshops aimed at building skills necessary for success in senior studies. Our goal is to equip students with the tools and confidence they need to meet the increased academic rigour and to thrive in their chosen subjects.
We will be providing more detailed information in the coming weeks, including confirmation of each student’s subject selections for 2026. We encourage parents and carers to discuss the transition process with their children and to reach out to the school if they have any questions or would like further guidance.
Year 11
After three busy Terms, Year 11 are now in the final stages of their Preliminary Examinations and we are very pleased with their level of focus and commitment to their assessments. Students have adapted to the demands of the senior school very well and next term they begin their HSC courses. Early in Term 4 we will be hosting an HSC Information Evening for all students and their parents to learn more about the requirements for an HSC, early entry processes for university positions and the expectations of being a Year 12 student. The date will be announced shortly.
In Year 12, students will be able to alter their pattern of study by picking up an extension course or dropping a subject. This too will be explained at the information session and once students submit a Pattern of Study Form, an interview process will occur with Ms Cutajar and Ms Crossingham. Students will continue with their current subjects until the end of this year and drop subjects at the start of 2026, unless they pick up an extension course.
Congratulations to the Year 11 CAPA students on their exceptional performances at the CAPA Evening. Their talent truly shone through, with outstanding performances and stunning artworks that impressed everyone!
Year 12
For Year 12 students, the end of their schooling journey is almost here. This time is full of exciting events to celebrate their hard work and achievements, including their Graduation Ceremony to be held on Thursday 25 September. We look forward to celebrating their achievements with you at this event.
As Year 12 prepare for the upcoming HSC exams, sometimes parents look for advice on how to best support their child. The Department of Education has developed some resources that are useful. Parents - tips to support your kids going through the HSC.
With the HSC exams commencing on Thursday 16 October, students still have some time to prepare over these coming weeks and some staff are offering holiday workshops to help students refine their skills and practice of HSC papers. A few specific tips that help over these last few weeks include:
1. Create a Study Schedule: Help your child plan their study time in advance, ensuring they cover all subjects and allocate more time to areas needing extra attention.
2. Practice Past Papers: Familiarising themselves with past exam questions is a great way to build confidence and understand the format and types of questions they may encounter.
3. Stay Active and Rested: Encourage a balance between study, physical activity, and rest. Regular breaks and sufficient sleep are key to maintaining focus and preventing burnout.
4. Seek Support: If your child is feeling overwhelmed, remind them that their teachers can provide support. They should not hesitate to reach out if they need guidance.
We wish all Year 12 students the best of luck for their final exams and thank you for your ongoing support during this crucial time in your child’s education. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact the school.
Support Unit
The Support Unit has been buzzing with activity this term! Our Year 6 into Year 7 transition program is well underway, and we have enjoyed welcoming our new students as they prepare for high school next year. We are proud to announce that the Support Unit recently represented Elderslie High School at the Interschools Sport Bowling League competition. Our team achieved an impressive 3rd place at the regional level and will be representing us at the State competition. We wish them all the best!
This term, we also farewelled our graduating Year 12 students. Students and staff enjoyed presenting them with a special book filled with Elderslie High School memories and heartfelt well wishes. We wish our Year 12 students every success in their next adventures.
Currently, the Support Unit is participating in a faculty review as part of our annual school process. Parents have been invited to complete a survey via email. We encourage all Support Unit families to take a moment to provide their valuable feedback, which plays an important role in shaping teaching and learning practices within the Support Unit.
Attendance
A reminder that school commences at 8:50am every day. Every minute counts for our students and it is vital that students are on time every day. We are continually working on improving school attendance and ask that parents reinforce the message of “Be in the Right Place at the Right Time”. This includes moving to class when students hear the music at the start of the school day and end of each break.
We understand that from time to time, parents may need to collect their child during the school day due to appointments or family matters. We ask that if this occurs then students come to school with a note signed by the parent that states the reason for departure and the time they will be collected. If the event is unplanned, then please send an email to the school with this information.
Opal Cards
Transit Systems NSW have recently contacted the school and asked that we remind students of the importance of carrying and correctly tapping on their Opal cards when using public transport services. Recent observations continue to show low compliance rates among some student passengers, and this may then impact the service delivery of buses to our school. Could please parents please remind their children of these key messages:
• Students must carry their Opal card at all times when using public transport.
• Opal cards should be tapped on and off for every journey.
• Tap-on data helps assess demand and plan reliable school bus services.
As a school, we will also be supporting these messages by having teachers of afterschool supervision remind students to have their card ready when boarding the bus in the afternoon.
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up Safety
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students, we would like to remind everyone about the importance of safe practices during drop-off and pick-up times.
Please ensure that when dropping off or collecting your children, you do not park across driveways or in areas that may obstruct traffic or impede access for residents and emergency vehicles. This helps maintain a smooth flow of traffic around the school and ensures the safety of all children and community members.
Additionally, we encourage you to have conversations with your children about appropriate and safe behaviour when walking to and from school. Remind them to be mindful of their surroundings, use designated crossings, and treat the community spaces and neighbouring properties with respect.
By working together, we can create a safe and welcoming environment for our students and the wider community. Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.
Social Media Minimum Age Guidance
As parents you would be aware that social media changes will apply from 10 December. Certain social media platforms will not be allowed to let Australian children under 16 years of age create or keep an account. There will also be restrictions placed on gaming and stand alone messaging apps. The eSafety Commission has recently developed a page of Frequently Asked Questions that help parents understand the changes and advice on how to talk to your child about these changes. Social media 'ban' or delay FAQ | eSafety Commissioner
We wish all of our families a safe break and look forward to welcoming you back to Term 4.
Mrs Siope - Deputy Principal Years 7 and 10
Ms Crossingham - Deputy Principal Years 8 and 11
Mrs Amos - Deputy Principal Years 9 and 12
Mrs Robinson - Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support