Learning & Innovation

2021 - A Snapshot 

2021 was undoubtedly a year of challenge and change but also a year with opportunity for determination and growth.  

Whilst there were some real challenges to overcome in 2021, our learning community embraced it as an opportunity to rethink the way we teach and the way students learn. As educators we are constantly striving to find ways to support and extend all learners, regardless of their strengths and needs. Our challenge in 2021 was to explore what this looked like in a fully-remote learning environment.  For students, this was an opportunity to develop an understanding of the inherent purpose of school, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the way that they personally respond to the different pedagogical approaches that they have experienced over their time at school. 

As the educational landscape begins to change, now, more than ever, it is our role as educators, parents and teachers, to empower our students to take control over their own education and to encourage them to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Whilst there has been major disruption to the way in which we have traditionally viewed education over the past two years, we now have an opportunity to make the most of a different, and potentially life-changing approach to learning in the 21st century.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated Head of Departments and teachers for their tireless efforts to improve the quality of teaching and learning in their KLAs and for their approach to making the learning experiences engaging for our students. The outstanding results that our students have achieved over the course of the year do not happen by accident. They are a culmination of dedication and commitment from our students and their teachers to ensure that each student is growing and progressing. 

I would also like to thank the staff, students and families for their sustained efforts in ensuring they made the most of the learning opportunities provided this year. Whilst 2021 was the year that no one predicted or could have planned for, one thing is certain, 2021 has laid a foundation for the development of resilient, capable and responsible lifelong learners.

Academic Awards 

As Term 4 drew to a close, we had the opportunity to acknowledge students who achieved at an exceptional level academically and those who have demonstrated consistent determination and resolve in their studies. 

I would like to take this opportunity to again congratulate our award recipients for 2021. Your tenacity and dedication to learning despite the challenges of 2021 is extraordinary. The 2021 academic awards and recipients are outlined below. 

Distinguished Achiever Award

The Distinguished Achiever Award is presented to students who have maintained a Grade Point Average (GPA) of five (5) across the year. The GPA is a calculated average of all academic grades achieved in both Semester One and Semester Two.  To achieve a five (5) point GPA, students must achieve an A Achievement Grade for all subjects studied at the College in both Semesters. 

Our 2021 Distinguished Achievers are: 

Academic Excellence Award 

The award for Academic Excellence is presented to students who have maintained a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or above across the year. The GPA is a calculated average of all academic grades achieved in both Semester One and Semester Two.

Our 2021 recipients of the Academic Excellence Award are: 

Conatus Award 

In 2021 students were awarded with an Effort Grade for the first time. The Effort Grade is determined by a student's application and approach to learning throughout the Semester. The Effort Grade considers how consistently a student: 

• Seeks and responds to feedback 
• Is a self-directed learner
• Stays focused and works productively in the learning environment 
• Completes assigned learning activities 
• Submits assessment tasks on time
• Is respectful of self and others 
• Is an effective collaborator 
• Is organised and prepared for learning 
• Contributes to a positive learning environment 
• Uses technology and equipment effectively to create and demonstrate knowledge 

In 2021 we acknowledge student effort through the Conatus Award. Conatus is the Latin for Effort and with this award we recognise students who consistently apply themselves and approach learning with tenacity and a desire to strive for their personal best. 

The Conatus Award is awarded to students who have maintained a Grade Point Average of five (5) across both Semesters. To achieve a 5 point GPA students have achieved an A Grade for Effort across all subjects studied at the College in both Semester One and Two. 

Our 2021 recipients of the Conatus Award are: 

I wish students and their families a safe and holy Christmas. 

Natasha Fox 

Director of Learning and Innovation