Year 9

Head of Year 9 - Josette Mercieca

Maxine – Our Wellbeing Dog

Article by Olivia Allen, Head of Learning Year 9

We are delighted to share that Wellbeing Dog, Maxine, has settled in beautifully at the start of the school year with our new Year 9 students. Max has helped to create a warm and welcoming environment for students as they transition into a new academic year and a new Campus.

Already, many students have enjoyed spending time with Max during recess, time in the Wellbeing Office and classroom visits. Her presence has provided opportunities for students to pause, regulate emotions, and engage in positive social interactions. For some students, a quiet pat with Max has been a wonderful way to ease nerves and build confidence, particularly as they navigate new routines, teachers, and friendships.

Research consistently highlights the benefits of wellbeing dogs in schools, including reduced anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced engagement in learning-for both students and staff. We are seeing these benefits firsthand, with students responding positively to the calm and supportive atmosphere Max helps foster.

We look forward to continuing to see the positive impact Max has on our Year 9 cohort throughout the year. Thank you for your ongoing support as we nurture a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to thrive.

Support at Year 9

Article by Josette Mercieca, Head of Year 9

Now that the settling in period is over, and students have had a couple of assessment tasks, it is usual for some difficulties to become evident. The following information was presented during the Parent Information at the beginning of the year and it is worth sharing again.

As I mentioned during the evening, we rely on the active support and engagement of all our families to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.

Following a recent maths test, I have had several queries about maths support. We run two lunchtime maths workshops during lunchtime on Mondays and Tuesdays. Sessions are open to all students.

What We Can Do	What You Can Do
The most important thing is that students ask for help! Teachers are available before and after school Lunchtime Maths workshops twice a week Students can contact teachers via email Onsite Counsellors and Psychologists	Sign your child’s diary each week Understand that APNs are information – not consequences Do not contact your child during the day on their phone Students will be using textbooks at school so that we can be as low tech as possible. Help us with uniform Stay in touch Use the assessment calendar to keep informed

What We Can Do

What You Can Do

The most important thing is that students ask for help!
Teachers are available before and after school
Lunchtime Maths workshops twice a week
Students can contact teachers via email
Onsite Counsellors and Psychologists

Sign your child’s diary each week
Understand that APNs are information – not consequences
Do not contact your child during the day on their phone
Students will be using textbooks at school so that we can be as low tech as possible.
Help us with uniform
Stay in touch
Use the assessment calendar to keep informed

Each fortnight, the College Careers Team publishes a newsletter providing students and parents with the most up-to-date career information, events and opportunities.

Please access via the following link.