From the Deputy
Principals
A Message from the Deputy Principals
Year 7
Each day, I have the pleasure of walking through our school and connecting with Year 7 students. Their energy, curiosity, and eagerness to learn are inspiring. I enjoy visiting their classrooms and seeing them engaging in their lessons with enthusiasm and dedication. Recently, they have been working hard to submit their first assessment tasks; this is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and also develop skills in critical thinking and time management.
As part of their transition to high school, I have emphasised to Year 7 students the importance of seeking support from their teachers when challenges or conflict arise. This approach, known as ‘not creating triangles,’ empowers students to develop vital conflict resolution skills. It also fosters a culture of respect and responsibility, ensuring that every student feels heard and valued.
I would like to remind parents that permission notes for the upcoming Year 7 camp have been sent to your email. This camp promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring exciting activities and invaluable opportunities for students to forge lasting friendships. We will share more details soon.
Thank you for your support in nurturing Year 7 students as they have transitioned into our school community. I look forward to providing more updates as the term unfolds.
Year 8
Year 8 students have made a fantastic start to the year, demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment to their learning. They recently attended a presentation on the EHS Assessment Policy and Guidelines, ensuring they have a clear understanding of assessment requirements and expectations.
With the first assessment tasks now being distributed, I encourage students to seek support from their teachers and take advantage of the Homework Club, held every Thursday at 2pm in the library.
All classes continue to follow the Elderslie Lesson Framework, providing students with clear, predictable routines and explicit teaching instruction to enhance engagement and success in their learning.
Year 9
All of our Year 9 students attended the Walk the Talk Workshop on Thursday 27th March. This program is designed to equip students with knowledge about healthy, respectful relationships, understanding the meaning of consent and empower them to take action by supporting our local women's shelter Blue Wren House.
This Term we have had even more of our Year 9 students engage in opportunities beyond the classroom, through the participation in the Creating Chances program which is a girls leadership program providing students the opportunity to grow as leaders and feel empowered as role models. Several of our Pasifika students were part of the group invited to perform at the Elderslie Public School Harmony Day assembly and even more of our students have now completed the White Card training.
A number of students are beginning to consider their future careers and are looking to apply for part-time jobs. A great place to start is using a website to research career information and creating a resume. Your career Journey starts here | Skillsroad this website has a lot of current information that can help. If students are wanting to complete some work experience, they need to see our Careers Advisor, Ms Jeffries who can provide them with a package of information including material for parents and employers.
Year 10
I would like to start by acknowledging what an exceptional group of young people our Year 10 students are. It is a privilege to serve as their Deputy Principal and to support them each day in their educational journey.
This term, students have been working to grasp the requirements of their Record of School Achievement (ROSA). This has included signing their NESA Confirmation of Entry and completing their HSC minimum standards for both numeracy and reading.
Recently, students received clear guidelines outlining the expectations and criteria for receiving an invitation to the Year 10 Formal. This ensures that they are well-informed and prepared for this exciting and significant milestone in their school year. We look forward to this celebration later in the year.
A highlight of this term has been ‘Commerce in the Quad.’ This initiative has given students a fantastic hands-on opportunity to apply their financial and business knowledge in a real-world context. Witnessing their creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm has been inspiring.
Year 11
Our Year 11 students have settled well into their courses and are engaging positively with their subjects. After a period of adjustments, they have now finalised their course selections and successfully completed their NESA Confirmation of Entry for the Preliminary year.
Throughout Weeks 8, 9, and 10, students undertook their first assessment period, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in managing the demands of senior study.
This is a timely reminder for students and families to adhere to the Assessment Guidelines outlined in the booklet distributed earlier this term, which is also available on the school website. It is especially important that students follow the correct procedures if they are absent or aware they will be away on an assessment due date.
If you have any questions regarding assessments, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
Year 12
Year 12 have now completed their second assessment period. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend the upcoming Parent Teacher Information Evening on 6th May where there is an opportunity to meet with teachers and discuss their strengths, areas for further improvement and strategies that will help them achieve their best for the HSC. Implementing the feedback provided by their teachers will help clarify their understanding, focus their study and increase motivation to achieve success. It is important to remember that the HSC result for each subject is made up of 50 percent of their school based assessment mark and 50 percent of their examination mark.
All of Year 12 recently participated in the Elevate program coordinated by Ms Malcolm. A highlight of the program was the alumni talk provided by Cr Isabella Wisniewska who shared her insights on preparing for the HSC and how to maintain her focus and motivation. Students also attended a hands-on workshop where they reflected on their assessment results to date, developed HSC goals and an EHS Transition Plan which will be used to help support them as they determine their pathway beyond school. The final session focused on HSC verbs and how to apply them to examination questions, as well as tips for acing the HSC. Some students also completed a session on work readiness and how to maximise their strengths and skills in preparation for joining the workforce.
As we move towards Term 2, now is a key time for students with Major projects to be refining their ideas and making significant progress on their body of work. Students have been reminded that they must make the most of their lesson time or private study periods to focus on completing their work, establishing study routines and completing practice HSC questions.
Clubs and Activities
At Elderslie High School we are fortunate enough to have very talented teachers, staff and students who donate their time to run clubs and activities for students during breaks, and before and after school. These provide a great opportunity for students to meet like minded peers, and develop their interests outside of the classroom. Our wellbeing team are offering students quiet options at lunchtime with their Mindful Mondays and Tranquil Tuesdays held in Room 11 and to change up the pace, they are running Just Dance Fridays each week in the hall. Our library is buzzing every break with activities and just some of the ones running this year are Anime club, Nintendo Switch club & Dungeons and Dragons Club. Three mornings a week we offer breakfast options with our grab and go days and Toastie Fridays. As well, our House Captains are holding house competitions several times a term. Students need to listen to the daily notices about these events and also follow our Facebook page for all the latest information.
Mrs Siope - Deputy Principal, Years 7 and 10
Ms Crossingham - Relieving Deputy Principal, Years 8 and 11
Mrs Amos - Deputy Principal, Years 9 and 12
Mrs Robinson - Deputy Principal, Inclusion and Support