From the Deputy 

Principals

Semester 1 Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews

The last few weeks have been busy as students complete Semester 1 assessments and staff prepare reports in anticipation of our learning conversations with you at Parent-Teacher Night on Monday, July 29. These conversations are a vital opportunity for you to gain a deeper understanding of your child’s progress, establish communication with class teachers and together identify strategies for future success . Appointments are made through the Elderslie High School Parent Portal. If you have not created an account for the portal please refer to the email regarding booking Parent-Teacher Night Interviews. If you require a code to access the parent portal, please contact the school office on 4658 1110 to obtain relevant details to log on.

Student Learning Reflections

This semester we have had all year groups reflect on their Semester 1 progress and complete Student Learning Reflections. These have been an opportunity for students to reflect on their current progress and map pathways to achieve their goals in Semester 2. Student Learning Reflections also inform parents and teachers about a student’s strengths, interests and information to better understand how the student learns. A copy of each child’s Student Learning Reflection is included with their Semester 1 Report.

Year 12 Trial Examinations and Major Works

We wish Year 12 the best of luck for their examinations during Weeks 9 and 10 of this term. This is a highly stressful time but they have worked incredibly hard and we are confident we will see excellent results. Many of the Year 12 cohort also have major works and performance due dates coming up in Term 3. Students are reminded to ensure they are aware of due dates and are on track to complete or perform their work. These dates are determined by NESA, not the school, so all students are reminded to adhere to the date and time each work is due.

Year 11 Academic Progress and Success

Year 11 have recently completed their second assessment period in Weeks 6, 7 and 8 this term. Many students can find the assessment period quite stressful during this time as they balance their workload. The best way to alleviate stress is to ensure that students are getting adequate sleep and allocating time each day to complete schoolwork. They have one final assessment period for Year 11 during Weeks 9 and 10 of Term 3. If any students need assistance with planning their study time and preparing for assessments, they can access support from Miss Lysaught, our Librarian or Ms Malcolm, our Senior Mentor Teacher. Midway through the term we celebrated the conclusion of Semester 1 for Year 11 with their Recognition Assembly and the distribution of the Reports. Thank you to Mr Cockburn and Ms McEvoy for coordinating the assembly and our very talented performers. Finally, congratulations to the large number of students who were the recipients of awards for attendance, PBL expectations and academic achievement.

Year 10 Subject Selection Evening

On Tuesday 2nd July the school will be hosting a Subject Selection Evening commencing at 6.00pm. All students in Year 10 are expected to attend with a parent. During the evening there will be an information session followed by a subject market where students and parents can interact with teachers and Head Teachers to research and explore their subject choices for 2025. Students who are intending to leave school at the end of Year 10 should also attend in case they have not successfully gained employment by the beginning of 2025 and need to return to school. All students will be sent an email with a link to select their subjects which needs to be completed by Friday 26th July 2024.

Year 8 Electives 2025 Subject Selection

It is the time of year where Year 8 need to start thinking and making decisions about their elective choices for Year 9 2025. Students will be issued with a booklet outlining all of the subjects on offer and will also attend an information session during the school day to hear information from Head Teachers about the courses offered across the different faculties. In 2025, we will be introducing a new elective course structure for Year 9 and Year 10 students. This will provide more diverse learning opportunities and allow students to explore a wider range of subjects.  This will mean that in Year 9, students will study ONE 200-hour course to be studied over two years (Years 9 and 10) plus ONE 100-hour course to be studied for one year in Year 9. They will then make a final selection (during 2025) for Year 10 when they choose a different 100-hour course for 2026. Students will be required to complete their Year 9 2025 final choices via the online platform (using the link emailed to them) by Friday 26th July 2024.

Year 7 - Police Presentation 

On Wednesday 12th June the Youth Liaison Officer Senior Constable Zarina Munguia presented an information session about Cyber Safety to all students in Year 7. The presentation was called 'Think You Know' with a focus on educating students about the risk of harm related to using Mobile Phones and Social Media platforms inappropriately. Areas covered included bullying and harassment, sexting, keeping passwords private and personal safety. Students were also informed of the legal implications of engaging in cyber crimes. This presentation was delivered to assist students in making good choices and to support student wellbeing. 

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. As we enter the winter months and it is colder in the mornings, it is not an excuse for lateness to school. Being on time and attending every day are important life skills and lessons for all our students to support post school success in further education or employment. The Department of Education does require a 95% attendance rate for all students. At the end of the term, we will be celebrating the attendance results of students who have exemplary attendance as well as those who have made significant improvements in their attendance. When students are at school, they are learning, growing, and paving the way to success.

Uniform

At our school, we uphold high expectations regarding school uniform standards. We believe that a well-maintained and consistent uniform policy contributes to a positive and inclusive learning environment. We expect all students to adhere to the school’s dress code and wear the designated uniform with pride. The uniform promotes a sense of unity and equality among students. We appreciate your support in ensuring that your child follows our school’s uniform policy. By doing so, we can create a cohesive and inclusive learning environment that fosters a sense of pride, belonging, and equality among all our students. If you require any financial support, please do not hesitate to contact the school through your child’s relevant deputy principal.

Support Unit Expansion

The proposed expansion of the Support Unit has now been successfully completed. We are thrilled to announce the addition of three newly refurbished classrooms and the establishment of two new classes, Chisholm and Macarthur. With these three new classes, we now have a total of seven classes, allowing us to welcome three new classroom teachers and three new School Learning Support Officers. We would like to formally welcome our new classroom teachers: Mrs. Rennex, Mrs. Shaji, and Mrs. Massimiani. Joining them are our new School Learning Support Officers: Ms. Power, Mr. Bates, and Mrs. Hogan. We are in the process of transitioning students into the unit as they accept their offers of placement, and we trust they will enjoy their experiences here at Elderslie High School.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education.

Ms Martin - Deputy Principal Years 7 and 10

Mrs Amos - Deputy Principal Years 8 and 11

Mrs Siope/Mr Sambuco - Deputy Principals, Years 9 and 12

Mrs Robinson - Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support