Junior School Report

Students have earned a well- deserved break for the end of their first Semester.

They have been busy completing work for assessments in preparation for their reports.

Reports will be available the end of this term on Compass. We ended the Semester with an Assembly to celebrate and recognise achievement for the Semester. Awards were given to a number of students for progress and encouragement.

Walk It Out Program contributed by Owen McIntyre

Since the beginning of the year a selection of year 7 and 8 students from St. Albans Secondary College have participated in the Walk it Out program. ‘Walk it Out’ is a mentoring program that is designed to support Pasifika students in their school learning environment by using the strength of the Pasifika Cultures to build character and help make positive choices within differing environments and towards their career choices and dreams.

Our students have embraced the program, which has introduced them to the idea of a school community. The sessions often involve a summary of how the week has been, followed by some goal setting both short and long term. This includes both academic and extra-curricular goals that any of the students may be aiming for. One great example is the desire of many of our students to undertake further study through University or TAFE. The sessions help to break down these long-term goals into easier, achievable short term goals thus providing stepping stones for our students to follow.

Another aspect of the sessions has been to explore the student’s background to see common links in family trees, the meaning of a student’s name, from what region a family resides or what customs this heritage brings with it. The students have grown to really value the sessions and have shown an increased maturity and connectedness to the school since the commencement of the year.

We thank the mentors for helping with the organisation and the weekly running of the sessions. Without their tremendous support the sessions would not run.

Flipside Anti Bullying Program 

Students in year 7 and 8 attended “The Flipside” on Wednesday, 26 June.

“The Flipside” is an Anti- Bullying program at school. This production looked at the different types of bullying that students are exposed to and some strategies with which to deal with it if it occurs.

This informative Production assists students in making good choices and where to look for support.

ABSENCES

We require attendance of 90% in order to pass subjects.

If your child is absent we require either a note signed by the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence. The note needs to include your child’s name, their class and the date of the absence. If your child has attended a doctor or dentist please ask for a medical certificate as that will not count as an absence.

You may also ring a leave a message explaining your child’s absence. The phone call or note need to be brought to the coordinator on the day the student returns to school.

UNIFORM

Now that winter has approached please ensure your child has a jumper and or wet weather jacket. Only white or black scarves are permitted. Please don’t leave shoes outside overnight and your child’s name should be written on all articles of clothing.  Hoodies, canvas shoes and coloured t-shirts are not permitted. Please ensure all clothing is labelled.

10 IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

1. Go to a local bike track and go bike riding or rollerblading. A great way to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine and exercise.
2. Have a movie afternoon great for a rainy day. Rent a couple of good movies, make some popcorn and snuggle up with blankets and enjoy the movies.
3. Cook some special treats or family favourites
4. Smile! Get the camera out and take some photos, download them on the computer and create a slide show.
5. Do some Gardening or make a herb garden pot, they are fantastic and useful too
6. Write and create a play or short story, see who is great at drama, acting and writing.
7. Play board games Monopoly, Scrabble, Hungry Hippos, and more if there are a few of you have a tournament.
8. Do a Jigsaw, set up a special area and let everyone help - the harder the better.
9. Lots of Local Libraries hold story-telling/writing workshops during school holidays, and then you  can borrow some new books to read
10. Have Fun!

We look forward to seeing our students back in Term 3 after a well -rested holiday.

Happy Holidays from the Junior School Team

Lauren Honeycombe

Junior Sub School leader