SECONDARY NEWS
From the Assistant Principal

Miss Kim Bailey
kbailey@arm.catholic.edu.au

REMINDERS

Winter Uniform

Winter uniform is now compulsory. All students are required to be in full winter uniform. Many students are already wearing the winter uniform and are to be congratulated for their efforts in dressing according to the uniform policy. If students are not correctly attired, they are required to present a note to their Pastoral Care teacher and remedy the situation as soon as practicable.

Year 8 and 9 Excursions

Please consent and pay the deposit via Compass for the Term 3 excursions to the Aussie Bush Camp (Year 8) and Sydney (Year 9).

Netball Umpires for Primary Netball NSW Cup

Thanks to the Secondary students who will be assisting Primary teams tomorrow by umpiring their games at the Netball NSW Cup.

Good Luck...

Diocesan Soccer

Good luck to our soccer teams, who will play in the Diocesan Soccer Competition this Thursday at the Inverell Complex.

Debating

Good luck to the Stage 4 and 5 debating teams, who will compete in the Armidale Catholic Schools' Debating Competition over the term.

Congratulations to the Stage 5 Debating Team who had their first debate yesterday in the ACS Debating Competition. It was a great debate, but the team was narrowly defeated by McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth.

The Stage 4 team will debate on Thursday.

Congratulations...

Founders' Day

Congratulations to all students who participated in the trivia competition and capture-the-flag last Wednesday, particularly the school leaders who helped organise and run the events for students from K-10.

Thanks also to Miss Cush for coordinating the student leaders and to Mrs Guest for organising the day.

Netball NSW Cup

Congratulations to our netball teams who had success at the Netball NSW Cup last Thursday.

Far North Coast Dance Festival

Congratulations to Jess Hill, who is performing this week in the Far North Coast Dance Festival.

State Dance Ensemble

Congratulations to Elkie Sargeant, who has been selected for the State Dance Ensemble. Elkie will attend several workshops this year and then perform at the State Dance Festival.

Making the most of opportunities...

ICAS - Assessment Platform (Available to Years 3-10)

What is ICAS? ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics and Science. Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals. We encourage you to consider entering your child into ICAS this year.

How to participate in ICAS If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas/)

2. Go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here:(shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps)

3. Enter our school’s access code – [insert access code] (Our code is XEQ247)

4. Enter your child’s details and select the tests you would like to purchase.

All payments must be done online as this is an external assessment.

English: 12-16 August

Mathematics: 26-30 August

Science: 19-23 August

Closing date: 15 July 2024.

REMEMBER to accept the invitation to Google Classroom Guardian Summaries

Device Policy

Students are not permitted to use their devices unless instructed by a teacher. This includes both the classroom and the playground. The students are aware of this policy and receive constant reminders in Pastoral Care, their teaching classes and there are also many posters displayed all around the school.

If a student needs to use their device, they must first seek permission from a teacher and use it in an area designated by the teacher. This is usually under their direct supervision or outside the Secondary staffroom.

If students are unable to follow this policy, their phones are confiscated and placed securely in Miss Bailey's office, where they are collected by the student at the end of the school day.

Teachers record each time a device is confiscated. After it is confiscated for a second time, it remains at school until it can be collected by a parent or carer.

STUDY SKILLS TIPS -

Harnessing Neuroplasticity: Unlocking Your Brain's Potential

Have you ever wondered how your brain adapts and evolves in response to your experiences and environment? Welcome to the fascinating world of neuroplasticity – the brain's remarkable ability to form and reorganize connections, particularly through learning and experience.

Here's what the latest brain science tells us about neuroplasticity and its implications for your learning journey:

Dynamic Brain Growth: Your brain is not a static organ; it's a dynamic powerhouse that constantly evolves based on your experiences and surroundings. Every interaction, every lesson learned, and every challenge overcome shapes the structure and function of your brain.

Use It or Lose It: Just like a muscle, your brain requires regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. If you neglect certain skills or cognitive abilities, your brain may "prune" those neural connections, leading to a decline in proficiency. In other words, if you don't use it, you might lose it.

The Power of Brain Rewiring: The exciting news is that you have the power to "rewire" your brain to enhance your abilities and intelligence. By engaging in targeted activities and deliberate practice, you can strengthen neural pathways associated with specific skills and knowledge.

But what does this mean for you in practical terms? Here are some actionable strategies to leverage neuroplasticity and maximize your learning potential:

Commit to Short, Regular Practice Sessions: Consistency is key when it comes to brain training. Instead of marathon study sessions, aim for shorter, focused practice sessions spread out over time. This approach not only prevents burnout but also allows for better retention and skill development.
Ensure Correct Practice: Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect. When you're practising, pay attention to the quality of your efforts. Focus on precision and accuracy, and seek feedback to ensure you're on the right track.
Embrace Intense Practice Sessions: Intensity breeds progress. Rather than passively going through the motions, challenge yourself with intense practice sessions that push your limits. Pushing beyond your comfort zone stimulates neural growth and accelerates skill acquisition.
Create a Mimicked Environment: Context matters. Whenever possible, practice in environments that mimic the conditions in which you'll need to perform. Whether it's a quiet library for studying or a simulated exam setting, familiarizing yourself with the context can enhance your performance when it counts.

By incorporating these strategies into your study routine, you can harness the power of neuroplasticity to achieve your academic goals and unlock your full potential.

Remember, your brain is a remarkable organ capable of extraordinary growth and adaptation. With the right mindset and approach, you can cultivate a learning environment that nurtures your cognitive abilities and fuels your success.

Making Contact with Teachers in the Secondary

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's learning or wellbeing, please make contact with Miss Bailey, your child's Pastoral Care teacher or their subject teacher. We are only too happy to assist.