Middle Years 

2019 Year 7 Orientation Day

I was delighted with last week’s 2019 Year 7 Orientation Day, and it was a pleasure welcoming our new Year 7 students and parents. I was impressed by the way students looked after each other, and they approached each task enthusiastically. I would like to thank the current Year 6 students who acted as buddies for the day; this is an important role as it enables new students to feel welcome and at ease in their new environment.

Hallogen National Young Leaders' Day 2018

Last week the 2019 myPEC House Captains travelled to the Halogen National Young Leaders’ Day in Melbourne. It was a wonderful day, and students have returned to myPEC with many leadership ideas. Here is a summary of two presenters.

Holly Ferling – elite cricketer, said to our students;

• attitude is everything: make the most of everything.
• look at failure as a setback and change the way you think about it.
• If you are facing a setback, change your language and see it as an opportunity. See the positives.
• Make the most of every small opportunity.
• Don’t get stuck in the ‘can’t do it’ rut.

Leisel Jones – Olympic Swimmer, gave this advice to our students;

• You don’t get to be a success without the hard work. Be prepared to work.
• She asked “What does your best look like?” Face your fears everyday.
• You are right at the start of your journey.
• Through hard work you can reduce your doubts.
• Improve your chance of success by taking everything in.
• Some goals you get quickly, other goals take a long time.
• Growing takes patience. Be Patient. Learn to be patient.

End of Year 7 Examinations for Middle Years Students

Our Year 7, 8 and 9 students are preparing for the examinations that commence in 2 weeks.  This is the second opportunity for our Year 7 students to sit formal internal testing and we are encouraging the students to focus not only on results, but also the examination process.  We have encouraged students to thoroughly revise their notes and past tests.  Teachers are starting to deliver revision lessons, which allow core topics and learning to be reviewed and reinforced.

During the sitting of examinations we are encouraging students to develop the following techniques:

• Arrive at the examination room in good time, with the appropriate equipment.
• Follow the instructions on the paper very carefully.
• Read the paper thoroughly during the allocated reading time.
• Read the questions carefully to ensure that your answers are thorough.
• Be aware of the timing of each section of the exam and use all the time available to you.

The examinations are not only an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning but to also gain practise performing within a limited time frame in preparation for the Senior Years and beyond.  We see this as an essential learning opportunity for our Middle Years students. I would encourage all students to approach their exams with a growth mindset.

Julia Winter Cooke