SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY

Next week Year 9 students will participate in the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTYSchools’ Program. Mitch McPherson, an Old Boy of the College established the organisation in 2013 after his younger brother Ty died by suicide. Now, Mitch shares his story, and Stay ChatTY works in schools, sporting clubs and workplaces across Tasmania to promote positive mental health messages.

The Schools Program workshop is grounded in evidence and is aligned with the Australia secondary school curriculum. The Schools Program aims to:

demonstrate the importance of resilience and sharing emotions;
increase the understanding of where to find help at school and out in the community; and
encourage young people to think about how to look after their own mental wellbeing.

Each Learning Group will be participating in the program on the below days:

Monday October 31: 9A

Tuesday November 1: 9B & 9C

Wednesday November 2: 9D & 9E

Thursday November 3: 9F & 9G

Year 10 Examination Timetable

Exams are fast approaching for our Year 10 Students. Yesterday afternoon’s Year 10 Welfare session focused on setting them up for success for this experience. There are many people who feel nervous about sitting examinations. It is a common response and some nervousness is good when preparing for exams as it is a normal reaction pushing you out of your comfort zone. Some nervousness is good when it’s short term (a few days or weeks, but subsides after exams), if you are motivated/distracted by other things, feel fatigued (but only until exams are completed), feel butterflies or shaky right before an exam. However, it’s too much when the shakiness and nervousness doesn't go away, students are unable to sleep properly, feel nauseous, overwhelmed, panicked or constantly worried. Yesterday I provided students with several resources to help them manage such feelings and successfully guide them through the examination period. They can also find links to these in the End of Year Exam Study Guide which was sent home yesterday.

One thing that will contribute to students feeling overwhelmed is if they are unprepared. I shared with students an after-school-hours planner to schedule their exam study and revision, including tips on how to stay focused and healthy physically and mentally. As students will be traveling home after each exam it’s important they optimise this time to prepare for the following exams. Setting themselves up with a dedicated study space that is quiet and free from distraction is important. A good tip is to put mobile phones and other electronic devices in a separate room, turn them off or, turn off notifications to prevent losing focus and becoming distracted. It’s also important to schedule study breaks, eat well, stay hydrated, do some form of movement or exercise and try to get eight hours of sleep.

There are many people here to support our Year 10s through this experience. If they have any questions, are unsure of anything or are feeling worried about something I encourage them to reach out and ask. Knowing the answer will help them to feel more at ease with the process.

I wish all our Year 10 students best of luck as they prepare for their exams.

Year 10 Events

I would like to remind Year 10s, that if there are any issues with their formal uniform, they need to be rectified now in preparation for Formal Exams and Leavers Week.

Student Leadership

Applications are now open to Year 10 students who are interested in Student Leadership positions next year, this includes College Captain and House Captain roles. Applications are also open to Year 9 students for House leadership positions including Service Leader, Spirit Leader and Sport Leader. Students interested need to complete an application form which can be collected from Student Services and return it to their Pastoral Care Teacher by 9am Monday October 31. I very much look forward to reading the applications.

Community News

News from outside the College Gates

New Town Cricket Club Junior Pathways

Pirates Touch Club

St Thomas Aquinas Teaching Schools

Mount Carmel Open Day

Bridgewater Bridge Project