Head of Year 9 & 10 News

Term 1 Wrap Up

1. Attendance

I want to start by congratulating our Year 9 and Year 10 students and families on their attendance this Term. Year 9 finished on 91.5 percent and Year 10 on 94.5 percent.

That is well above state average and something we should all be proud of. Attendance is the biggest factor in student success. If students are not here, they fall behind. It is that simple.

A big thank you to parents and carers for keeping communication strong with the office and with me. Letting us know what is going on allows us to support your child properly. When school and home are on the same page, students are in the best position to succeed.

2. Behaviour

Behaviour across both year levels has been consistently above standard this Term.

I say it every parade and I will keep saying it. Every student has a basic human right to learn in a classroom without disruption. No one gets to take that away from someone else.

The majority of students have respected that and it shows. That is the standard and it will stay that way.

3. Level 2

I am looking forward to going through Term 1 results and identifying students who have achieved Level 2.

To get Level 2 students need Very Good or Excellent across all subjects for both effort and behaviour. It is not easy, but it is achievable.

Students who reach Level 2 in Term 2 will head to Toowoomba for the day shopping.

If your child did not get there this Term, that is fine. Now is the time to have a conversation. Speak with teachers, look at where things dropped off, and fix it. Small improvements across the board make a big difference.

4. The Rite Journey Year 9

I want to acknowledge our Year 9 students and families for how they have engaged in The Rite Journey so far.

We lost a bit of momentum last year with the cyclone which was disappointing, but this group has done a great job getting it back on track.

This program is about growing up, taking responsibility and building character. The involvement from parents and caregivers has been strong and that makes a big difference.

We are looking forward to Term 2 where students will take on more challenges and continue to push themselves.

5. Year 10 Mentoring

Term 1 results will help us identify students for the Year 10 mentoring program.

This is about supporting students to maintain Level 2 or work towards it. There will be clear goals, regular check ins and strong accountability.

Some students will use it to stay on track. Others will use it to get back on track. Either way, the expectation is improvement.

6. Effort

Effort is a choice. It is something every student can control.

It has been great to see a number of students consistently applying themselves, staying organised and having a crack in every lesson.

For those who are not there yet, that is where the focus needs to be. Effort, organisation and attitude. That is what moves students forward.

7. Communication

We will continue to push strong communication between school and home.

If there are concerns around attendance, behaviour or effort, reach out early. The earlier we address things, the easier they are to fix.

We are all working towards the same goal and that is getting the best out of every student.

8. Term 2 Expectations

Nothing changes moving into Term 2.

Be here every day. Apply effort in every lesson. Respect the classroom.

Students who do that will succeed. Students who do not will find it tough. It is as simple as that.

9. Wellbeing

We know students have things going on outside of school as well.

Support is always there. Students need to speak up if they are struggling and also look out for each other.

A strong year level is built on respect and support.

10. Final Word

Term 1 has been a really solid start.

Attendance is strong. Behaviour is strong. There is a good base to build from.

Now it is about maintaining that standard and improving where needed.

Thanks again to students and families for your support. Let us keep it rolling into Term 2.