SECONDARY NEWS
From the Assistant Principal
Miss Kim Bailey
kbailey@arm.catholic.edu.au
YEAR 11 SUBJECT SELECTIONS
Subject selections are now open for Year 11 2026. Students will make their choices this term, and lines will be determined early in Term 3. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
The Senior Studies Handbook is available below and on the Stage 6 Links Site.
Subject Selection Timeline
The flyer below outlines the timeline for subject selection.
Careers Expo
Our Year 9 and 10 students recently had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of career pathways at the Local Careers Expo held at the Town Hall on Friday, 13th June. This excursion provided students with direct access to a wealth of information and hands-on experiences, helping them consider their future academic and vocational directions.
The expo was buzzing with activity, featuring numerous local businesses keen to showcase their operations and outline the exciting career and employment options available right here in our community. Students engaged with representatives from various industries, learning about the day-to-day workings of different businesses and understanding the diverse roles they offer. It was particularly encouraging to see some businesses promoting School-Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships, providing tangible pathways for students to gain qualifications and practical experience while still at school.
A strong presence from the Australian Defence Force captivated many students. Representatives from the Army, Navy, and Air Force provided comprehensive advice on the vast array of career choices within their ranks. With a strong need to expand their numbers, the Defence Force highlighted the numerous and varied roles on offer, from highly technical positions to logistics and support. They also promoted impressive scholarship opportunities for further study and their highly popular "Gap Year" program, which provides a unique blend of experience and personal development.
A highlight for many students was the interactive 'try-a-trade' stalls. Students were able to get a genuine feel for different roles, for example, by trying on the safety equipment required for working on the wind towers at the White Rock Windfarm. The Boss Engineering stand was another popular spot, allowing students to experience operating a robotic welder firsthand. These practical experiences brought theoretical career ideas to life, making the expo very engaging.
Beyond local industries, a wide range of educational providers were on hand to discuss further study options. TAFE NSW, Newcastle University, and the Community College all provided information on courses and pathways. Employment agencies were also present, offering insights into job market trends and application processes.
Specific industries were well-represented, showcasing the breadth of local opportunities:
- Bindaree Beef had a large and comprehensive stand outlining the many varied roles within their extensive company.
- Hunter New England Health offered valuable insights into a rewarding career in nursing, including the specialised field of midwifery.
- Essential Energy displayed the diverse roles within their company, from electricians working on the power grid to crucial clerical staff.
- Representatives from Early Childhood IDFS employers and Pathfinders, along with the Corrections Services and Legacy, also provided students with information on important community-based career paths.
It was evident that there truly was a career choice for anyone to investigate, regardless of their interests or academic strengths. Our students approached the expo with enthusiasm and maturity, asking thoughtful questions and making the most of this fantastic opportunity to explore their future possibilities. We extend our sincere thanks to the Inverell Shire Council for organising this highly beneficial event, and to all the businesses and organisations who contributed to such a valuable day for our students.
Mrs Katherine Townsend
Year 9 HSIE Excursion to Dorrigo
The Year 9 HSIE Excursion will take place this Friday. This year we are going to Dorrigo National Park. We will have an NPWS Ranger accompany us on this excursion,n which will provide valuable educational and cultural knowledge for the students. Sharing this knowledge provides an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the Stage 5 HSIE Syllabus.
Holy Trinity School are subsidising a portion of the travel costs of this trip. The cost of the excursion is $55 per student. If payment is of concern, please contact Mrs Rainger.
The bus will leave Holy Trinity School at 8:30am and return at approximately 5:30pm. Students are required to take a hat, water bottle, comfortable walking shoes with grip, sun safe clothes, a rain/waterproof jacket and a packed recess and lunch. There is a cafe at the location if students wish to purchase additional food.
Mr Jack Jeffery, Mr Sean Baldwin, Mrs Heather Williams and Ms Ebony Adams will accompany the students on the excursion. Please provide consent and pay via Compass by Thursday 19 June.
ELEVATE STUDY SKILLS PARENT WEBINARS
Use the link in the attachment to register.
Congratulations…
Vinnies Bake Sale Success
A big congratulations to our Vinnies team for organising a fantastic bake sale today! Thank you to everyone who baked delicious goods, and to all the students and staff who supported this great cause by purchasing treats. Your generosity helps Vinnies continue their great work.
Paige Potter - WINNER Naidoc Week Flag Competition
Congratulations to Paige who will have her design displayed on a flag in the Inverell CBD during NAIDOC Week.
Under 14s Rugby League
Congratulations to our U14s Rugby League team, who won the Cochrane Cup in Week 6. They now progress to the next round of the competition.
NSWCCC Cross Country
Congratulations to all students who represented the school and diocese at the NSWCCC Cross Country last week in Sydney.
Online Chess Competition
Congratulations to the students who participated in the online Chess Competition last Friday. Thanks to Mr Muggleton for organising and supervising the event.
Bill Turner Cup
Congratulations to the Bill Turner Cup boys' soccer team, who narrowly lost their Round 3 match against Armidale Secondary College in Armidale in Week 6. The team played very well and were excellent ambassadors, and displayed outstanding sportsmanship.
Good Luck...
Athletics Carnival
Just a reminder that the carnival will be held at the Complex this year. Students are welcome to wear their House colours to school. However, any other dress-ups or costumes must be put on at school and changed out of before students leave for the day.
Year 10 Girls' Soccer Team
Good luck to the Year 10 girls' soccer team, who will travel to Coffs Harbour, as the ACS Diocesan champions, next week to play the winner of the Lismore Diocese for a place in the next round.
Small Schools' Rugby League
Good luck to the boys' 14s and 16s Rugby League teams who will play in the Small Schools' Rugby League Competition next week.
Year 8 and 9 Excursions
Please consent and pay the deposit via Compass for the Term 3 excursions to the Aussie Bush Camp (Year 8) and Sydney (Year 9).
Winter Warmers
Vinnies are also promoting their Winter Warmers campaign again this year. Items will be distributed to those in need in our community.
Winter Uniform
Winter uniform is now compulsory. All students are required to be in full winter uniform. If students are not correctly attired, they are required to present a note to their Pastoral Care teacher and to remedy the situation as soon as practicable.
REPORTS
Reports will be finalised in the next few weeks and distributed to parents in the last week of the term. If there are any concerns or queries regarding this matter, please contact the school.
MAKING THE MOST OF FEEDBACK
Throughout the year, you will have been receiving feedback from your teachers about your assessments. But are you making the most of this feedback? Many students are too focused on what mark they received and neglect to make the most of the feedback they are given.
It’s not just about what you did wrong, either! The feedback is a chance to celebrate what you did right, what you understood and the skills and learning you demonstrated.
However, it is also a chance to address areas you found difficult or did not perform as well in.
Below are some questions you can ask yourself when an assessment is returned to make the most of the feedback you are given.
When a test or exam is returned:
- What specific feedback did your teacher give you, and how should you use that feedback?
- Will you be tested on these topics again, or are they important for overall understanding in this subject?
- Which areas do you need to ask for help on as you still don’t understand?
- Which questions from your test paper should you re-do? Re-do them!
- Should you re-write any questions or essays and re-submit?
- Was there any revision work you did not complete before the test?
- What topic areas do you need to review and revise, what should you do to address these?
- Are there topics you still need to finalise study notes on?
- Are there sections of your study notes that you need to re-do?
- Did you plan ahead to give yourself enough time to revise?
- What changes do you need to make in the way you study for that subject next time?
- Are there students who did really well that you can talk with to find out what they did differently?
For other types of assessments:
- What parts of the assessment did you do really well?
- What did you enjoy about the assessment?
- What can you learn from the feedback you were given?
- Is there any part of the feedback you don’t understand that you need to discuss with your teacher?
- Can you ask a student who did really well if you can look at their assessment so you can see what is needed to get top marks?
- What could you have done differently?
- Do you understand what you need to do to improve, or do you need to ask your teacher for more guidance?
STUDY SKILLS TIP
Mind Mapping for Memory
Unleashing the Power of Visual Learning
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by long, wordy notes? Do you struggle to see the connections between topics? Mind mapping is a creative and effective way to organise information, making it easier to remember and understand. By visually mapping out your ideas, you can turn even the most complex topics into a clear and engaging picture.
1. Start with the Central Idea
A mind map begins with a central concept. Write this main topic in the centre of a blank page and draw a circle or bubble around it. This could be something broad, like ‘Climate Change’, or specific, like ‘The Nervous System’.
From the central idea, draw branches radiating outward. Each branch represents a subtopic, such as ‘Greenhouse Gases’ or ‘The Brain’. These branches form the foundation of your map.
Tip: Use bold, colourful text for your central idea to make it stand out and signal its importance.
2. Add Key Details and Connections
Once your main branches are in place, start adding smaller branches to include key details. For example:
- Under ‘Greenhouse Gases’, you might add ‘Carbon Dioxide’, ‘Methane’, and ‘Sources of Emissions’.
- Under ‘The Brain’, you could include ‘Cerebrum’, ‘Cerebellum’, and ‘Functions’.
Include only essential information—keep it brief and clear. Mind maps work best when they’re concise.
Tip: Use arrows or lines to connect related ideas, such as linking ‘Methane’ to ‘Livestock Agriculture.’ These connections make the map more dynamic and meaningful.
3. Make It Visual
Visual elements are what make mind maps so powerful. Incorporate symbols, doodles, or images to make ideas pop. For example:
- Draw a small sun near ‘Solar Energy’ or a brain near ‘Nervous System.’
- Use different colours for each main branch to visually separate topics.
Tip: This approach doesn’t just make your map more appealing—it also aids memory. Studies show that visual and spatial information sticks in your brain more effectively than plain text.
4. Tailor Your Map to Your Needs
Mind maps can be used for:
- Summarising notes: Condense an entire topic into a single, organised map.
- Brainstorming: Generate and organise ideas for essays or projects.
- Studying: Highlight key terms and connections before exams.
Tip: Experiment with digital tools like Canva, MindMeister, or even the drawing features in apps like OneNote for a high-tech version.
See the Big Picture
Mind maps are a versatile tool that transforms how you study and learn. By visually organising information, they help you see the ‘big picture’ while making key details easier to recall. Whether you’re summarising a textbook chapter, brainstorming ideas, or preparing for exams, mind mapping is your secret weapon for success. Grab some paper—or a tablet—and start mapping your way to better memory.
YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
Staying Safe Online
Families are encouraged to have conversations about staying safe online at home. You can find helpful resources on digital responsibility below and on the following site.
10 Term 2 Calendar & Assessment Schedule
This schedule outlines some of the key events for Year 10 this term. Assessment dates may change, but students will be given appropriate notice.
GOOGLE CLASSROOM GUARDIAN SUMMARIES
Google Classroom allows teachers to create classes, distribute paperless assignments, post announcements and class questions, and provide feedback, all through an intuitive, student-friendly interface.
The flyer and link below provide you with more information about Guardian Summaries. Please contact Miss Bailey if you have any further questions or issues.
ASSESSMENT POLICIES
It would be appreciated if parents could read the information in the booklet and discuss the issues raised with their children. The assessment process is similar to that which the students will encounter in Stage 6 as they prepare for their Higher School Certificate.
Living Well, Learning Well
Ready2Learn
Device Policy
Students are not permitted to use their devices unless instructed by a teacher. This includes both the classroom and the playground. The students are aware of this policy and receive constant reminders in Pastoral Care, their teaching classes, and there are also many posters displayed all around the school.
If a student needs to use their device, they must first seek permission from a teacher and use it in an area designated by the teacher. This is usually under their direct supervision or outside the Secondary staffroom.
If students are unable to follow this policy, then their phone is confiscated and placed securely in Miss Bailey's office, where it is collected by the student at the end of the school day.
Teachers record each time a device has been confiscated. After the device has been confiscated for a second time, it remains at school until it can be collected by a parent/carer.
2025 Pastoral Care Teachers
Year 7:
7J – Mr Jack Jeffery
7K – Miss Kristina Majetic
7M – Mrs Veronica McCormick
7W – Mrs Carrie Watchirs
Year 8:
8G - Mr Anthony Gaias
8M – Mr Ricky Muggleton
8T- Mrs Jane Taylor
8W – Mr Sam White
Year 9:
9C – Mrs Claudia Dolbel
9E – Mr Jeremy East
9G – Miss Lauren Green
9M – Mrs Christine McLachlan
Year 10:
10C - Miss Claudia Cush
10U – Mr Blake Uebergang.
Students and parents are encouraged to approach the relevant Pastoral Care teacher if they need assistance.
7 - 10 Staff Email Addresses
Miss Kim Bailey
Mr Sean Baldwin
Mrs Kylie Butler
Miss Claudia Cush
Mrs Angela East
Mr Jeremy East
Mr Peter Ehsman
Mr Anthony Gaias
Miss Alana Goldman
Miss Lauren Green
Mrs Mary-Jane Guest
Mrs Malynda Hiscock
Mr Jack Jeffery
Mr David Koch
Mrs Veronica McCormick
Mrs Christine McLachlan
cmclachlan@arm.catholic.edu.au
Mr Ricky Muggleton
rmuggleton@arm.catholic.edu.au
Mr Matthew Pye
Mrs Kristen Smith
Mrs Jane Taylor
Mrs Katherine Townsend
Mr Blake Uebergang
Mrs Carrie Watchirs
Staff can be contacted directly using the email address above or via the Compass portal.