Deputy Principal

Mr Daniel Lapolla

Study Versus Homework

“But I have finished all my homework!!!!!!!!!!!”

As students move through the secondary years, their learning increasingly requires regular study at home, not just the completion of homework tasks. While homework usually involves finishing specific assignments set by teachers, study is about reviewing class material, practising skills, preparing for assessments, and building deeper understanding over time.

Developing consistent study habits at home can make a significant difference to students’ confidence, organisation, and academic success. Below are some practical ways families can help create supportive and structured routines.

1. Set a Regular Study Time

Encourage your child to study at roughly the same time each day. A consistent routine

(for example, 45–90 minutes after school or after dinner) helps build discipline and makes study feel like a normal part of the day.

2. Create a Dedicated Study Space

A quiet, well-lit area with minimal distractions is ideal. This space should have the materials students need — laptop, books, stationery, and a place to organise notes.

3. Break Study into Manageable Blocks

Studying in shorter, focused blocks (e.g., 25–40 minutes) with short breaks can improve concentration and reduce stress.

4. Encourage Active Study

Effective study goes beyond rereading notes. Encourage students to:

Review and summarise class notes
Practise questions or past assessment tasks
Create flashcards, mind maps, or summary sheets
Test themselves on key concepts

5. Support Planning and Organisation

Students benefit from planning what they will study each session. A simple weekly plan might include:

Reviewing notes from recent lessons
Preparing for upcoming tests or assignments
Practising challenging topics

6. Reduce Digital Distractions

Phones and social media can easily interrupt concentration. Consider keeping devices away from the study space unless needed for learning.

7. Encourage Balance

While study is important, students also need time for relaxation, sport, hobbies, and sleep. A balanced routine helps maintain motivation and wellbeing.

By helping students establish positive study routines now, we are supporting the development of lifelong learning skills that will benefit them well beyond school.

Motivation Versus Discipline

"Motivation gets you started. Discipline keeps you going."

Discipline is the habit of doing what needs to be done even when motivation is low. It comes from routines, expectations, and consistent practice. When students develop disciplined study habits, they do not have to rely on feeling motivated to begin their work.

Motivation might encourage a student to begin studying for a test, but discipline is what helps them return to their notes the next day, practise problems, review feedback, and stay consistent over time.

At home, families can support the development of discipline by helping students:

establish regular study times
follow structured routines
set clear expectations around study habits
focus on effort and consistency rather than waiting to “feel like studying”

Over time, these routines help students build independence and resilience. When study becomes a normal part of their daily routine, students are far more likely to stay on track with their learning.

Senior Years Evening

We will be holding our annual Senior Years Night next Tuesday, 24 March 6–8pm. Please see below a quick outline of each year level.

Year 10

You and your son are invited to our Senior School Evening for all things Year 10 and beyond. College Principal, Mr Jon Franzin, Deputy Principal, Mr Daniel Lapolla, and Director of Administration, Mrs Mary-Jane Anders will present a number of issues relevant to all families. These include subjects, courses and planning for the coming years and information for work experience and career counselling.

After this session there will be a Subject Expo, with access to Heads of Department, Senior Pastoral Care Teachers and senior teaching staff to answer any queries you may have about subjects, courses and proposed pathways. Combined with a number of industry and tertiary educational providers to support future pathway planning.

Venue: JPC

Year 11

You and your son are invited to our Senior School Evening for Year 11 and planning towards Year 12. Head of Senior School, Mr David Webster, Director of Learning and Innovation, Mr Rohan Mitchell will present a number of issues relevant to all families.

Venue: The Music Block (under the JPC)

Year 12

You and your son are invited to our Senior School Evening, there will be a subject expo with access to Heads of Department, Senior Pastoral Care Teachers and Senior Teachers to answer any queries you may have about subjects, courses and proposed pathways. Combined with a number of industry and tertiary educational providers to support future pathway planning.

Time: 6:30-7:30pm

Venue: Doyle Wing