Stage 5

Stage 5 Update

As Semester 1 draws to an end we can look back on what has been a  challenging and interesting time for our Stage 5 students.  With the transition to-and-from online learning via Google Classroom, many of our students have become more adept at utilising technology for learning. Of course, some students have been able to leap ahead whereas others have struggled with this approach to learning. At all times our goal has been to support students and their learning, regardless of the mode or platform used to access their classes.

This Thursday (2 July) we will be sending out Stage 5 reports via the Parent Portal. These reports will reflect the work Year 9 and 10 have completed this year, including work they completed during the Covid learning-from-home period. Grades have been awarded for overall achievement and effort, as well as for some course outcomes. There are no teacher comments in this semester's report, which reflects the changes due to Covid-19. If you would like more information about your child’s progress please contact the subject Head Teacher or class teacher at school.

Merit Assemblies were held on Wednesday to recognise student achievement in individual subjects. We also rewarded students who have achieved Diamond, Ruby or Sapphire certificates through our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) programme. Unfortunately, the Merit Assemblies were not accessible to parents due to the current restrictions on gatherings. 

Year 10 students are in the final stages of selecting their subjects for Year 11.  I would like to thank Ms Hardman for all the work she has done in preparing students by organising a comprehensive programme which is available through Google Classroom. There will be an Information Session for parents about subjects in Year 11 and the HSC during Term 3. Parents will be informed in advance of this event by email.

Finally, I wish all our students a happy and safe holiday. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back for Term 3, when we are hoping that students will be able to fully participate in all curricular and extra-curricular activities including sport, excursions and work experience.

Roger Horton

Stage 5 Deputy Principal

Exhibition by 9-Teal

Parents, staff and community members were recently invited to attend Agents for Change. This evening event was an exhibition of work that 9-Teal had developed in their English and History classes this term. 

Students from 9-Teal had to imagine it was 2025, and then work in groups during the term to complete an anthology of work predicting what societal changes Covid-19 may have caused. Their historical study of the life-changing events of the 1920's and 40's - and the effect this had on Australian society - informed their creations.

9-Teal would like to thank Dr Nathan Wise, Dr Sophia Waters and Dr Richard Scully from UNE for sharing their historical and writing expertise with the class during the project. 

The class should be extremely proud of their achievements!

Fiona Smee

English/HSIE Teacher