From the Head of Senior School

NAIDOC Week

Our school community proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week with a range of activities that highlighted the talents, commitment, and cultural pride of our Indigenous students. 

Congratulations to all our Indigenous students for their participation and representation in events across the region, showcasing the strength and resilience of their culture.

Our students took part in the Orange NAIDOC Week Street March and Opening Ceremony, bringing their spirit and pride to the heart of the celebrations. They demonstrated impressive skills and cultural connection with a dance performance and a workshop for young learners at Nature's Academy Early Learning Centre. The week continued with a Sports Day held at the Orange PCYC, where our students joined with other local schools in a vibrant celebration of culture through sportsmanship and community. The events concluded with the Junior NAIDOC AECG Ball and Awards Presentation, held at Orange Ex-Service Club, where our students enjoyed connecting with students from other local schools. 

A special thanks to Mr Lee Taylor, Head of Indigenous Education, and Mr Corey McLean, Indigenous Learning Support, for their dedication and tireless support of our Indigenous Program. Mr McLean also makes invaluable contributions in his roles as Deputy Chair of the NAIDOC Committee, co-ordinator of NAIROC and organiser of the NAIDOC awards. Their guidance and commitment made NAIDOC Week a meaningful and enriching experience for our students and the whole school community. 

End of Year Exams for Years 7 to10

In the coming weeks, students will be given study tips, revision materials and practice exam papers for their various subjects via the Hub. Now is the time for students to begin revision and preparation. I encourage all students to commit to finishing the year well, both in and out of the classroom, and giving their best effort in the yearly exams. Below are a few tips for successful exam preparation.

• Organise Your Time: Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments, tests, and important dates. Setting aside specific times for studying can help you stay on track.
• Active Learning: Don’t just read; interact with your material. Highlight key points, summarize information in your own words, and discuss topics with classmates.
• Break It Down: Split your study sessions into short, focused periods with breaks in between. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, is a popular method.
• Create a Productive Environment: Find a quiet place with minimal distractions. Keep your workspace tidy and gather all materials before starting.
• Quiz Yourself: Regularly test your understanding. Flashcards, online quizzes, or just covering up your notes and trying to recall information can be effective.
• Stay Active: Physical activity can boost memory and concentration. 
• Ask for Help: If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to ask teachers, peers, or even look for resources online. 

Also, don’t forget we run a Study Hub Monday – Thursday, 3:30pm – 5:00pm in the Bennett Building. All students are welcome.

Examination dates for Term 4 2024

Year 7 and 8 Yearly Exams are being held during timetabled lessons. Details will be distributed via Assessment Notifications on the Hub. 

Mon 11 Nov – Fri 15 Nov              Year 9 Yearly Exams

Fri 15 Nov – Thu 21 Nov               Year 10 Yearly Exams

World Teachers' Day

Last Friday, 25 October, marked World Teachers' Day, where we took a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for the dedicated educators who make our school a special place of learning and growth. 

Our teachers work tirelessly to inspire, educate, and nurture the young minds entrusted to their care. Their commitment to our students is truly commendable, and on this special occasion, we extend our heartfelt thanks to teachers everywhere for their unwavering dedication.

I also wish to acknowledge the support of our Parents and Friends Association, who have once again demonstrated their commitment to the wellbeing of our staff. Your generous gesture of providing coffee and morning tea for our hardworking teachers and staff members is a testament to our strong community. Thank you.

Term 4 Camp Information

Download the full schedule for Term 4 camp in the pdf below,