Senior School News
SENIOR SCHOOL UPDATE
As we begin Term 1, I would like to warmly welcome all of our students and families to what promises to be a positive, productive and exciting start to the school year.
The beginning of a new year brings with it a sense of fresh opportunity. It is a time for new goals, new routines and new connections. Whether you are returning to our community or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our school.
Term 1 sets the tone for the year ahead. Establishing consistent routines, positive learning habits and strong relationships is essential. We encourage students to:
- Arrive each day ready to learn
- Take pride in their presentation and organisation
- Communicate openly with teachers
Get involved in the many opportunities available across the College throughout the year
Parents and families play an important role in supporting this transition. Simple routines at home, encouraging consistent sleep schedules, dedicated study spaces and open conversations about school. These all make a significant difference to student wellbeing and academic success.
ATTENDANCE AND MERIT SHOP
Attendance and punctuality continue to remain as a strong focus across the Senior School and the College as a whole. It has been wonderful to see so many students arriving to class on time each morning at the beginning of this term. This positive habit not only supports learning but also develops a valuable life skill that will serve them well beyond school. Each week, we have proudly celebrated our E.P.I.C award winners. These are students who have been present in every class, every period.
It has also been fantastic to see students consistently demonstrating our college values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility, acknowledged through the Merit system. Students are awarded green Merits when they actively demonstrate these values, while inappropriate behaviours may result in orange Minors (–1 point) or red Majors (–2 points). Merits can then be accumulated and redeemed at the Merit Shop, located in the Year 10 and 11 Senior School Coordination Office. Open every Friday lunchtime, make sure to get in and collect prizes!
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE
Year 10 Work Experience is fast approaching. Students should now be finalising their placements to ensure all paperwork is completed on time. A new portal will be used this year to streamline the process and ensure effective organisation and communication between students, parents, and employers, with accurate information shared by all parties.
FINAL MESSAGES
At the start of the year, we spoke with staff about maintaining high expectations. Students do not flourish when expectations are low, therefore, we have raised the bar. We expect excellence in all classes and in the yard. Our teachers will continue to challenge students to produce work that reflects their best effort at their level. Simply completing a worksheet is not always sufficient to demonstrate deep learning.
Please continue to encourage your child to practise and consolidate their learning at home. Students undertaking VCE studies are required to be dedicating up to 10 hours of homework per week to remain on top of their coursework. It is important that we prepare all students for these expectations as they progress through the school.
Please keep an eye out for the weekly Year Level updates from applicable coordinators, as well as important information and reminders that will be communicated by myself throughout the term. These updates are designed to ensure you remain informed and supported.
I look forward to a positive and productive term ahead and thank our families for their ongoing support of the Senior School.
Monique Lenehan-Moustafa
DIRECTOR OF SENIOR SCHOOL