Deputy Principal 

Reflection- Exams and Reporting

It is hard to believe that already we are coming to the end of another term. As is often the case, we as teachers are all working to ensure that assessments are set, undertaken and returned in a timely fashion. Similarly, students are working to ensure they are organised and prepared, with anticipation around the results of the task. The question is ‘what is my outcome for the time I have invested?’ Exams in particular are interesting; the pressure is present and we see it here at the school- no doubt it is at home as well. Largely, I think it is the nature of the task. The timeline is far more definite, with location, timeframe, mode and manner in which they are completed set, assessment of this nature is often a more ‘sterile’ process. In some regard, it can reduce the outcome to a number or pure result. As adults, it is our role to ensure that this is not the case; to give all assessment some broader context in terms of what learning has occurred, beneficial or otherwise.

A crucial learning is in regard to self-management during assessment periods. Particularly for our Year 10 and 11 students, exam time is still a time of apprehension. For the younger year levels, managing tasks from day-to-day can be challenging and, in some cases, overwhelming. As parents and teachers, we often experience the same feelings when work is busy or family demands are high. Nevertheless, how we cope with these times is an area for significant learning for all of us. I know if I had my time again in many of these situations, I would handle myself very differently.

As such, with the girls having the past weeks fresh in their minds and with reports being distributed in the near future, it is a great time to have a reflection with your daughter about the end of term. Where did you do well? What was challenging? How did you feel? How can I better support you? As a school, we will ask the same questions in order to both better prepare the girls for, and assist them through, these times in the future. Results are important, and we should all be aiming to do as well as we can when assessed or put under pressure. Nevertheless, equipping our young  people with the tools to cope with these times is sustainable for each and every individual; more importantly, it is a learning that will serve us all well into the future.

Parents’ Association

Our Parents’ Association is an integral part of the community and, on a broader level, an asset to the functioning of any school. Depending on when you read this, I will either be about to, or will have already met with them (June 18). As a person who is relatively new to the school, I see this as a great opportunity to both deepen my connection with, and more importantly take time to listen to, our parent body. It certainly enables me to be more effective in my role; in turn, it allows all of us to create a better school environment.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the members of the Parents’ Association for their welcome and invitation to join them. Additionally, should any parent be considering becoming a part of the association, I’d like to extend an invitation to you to come along. The voice of our parent body should always be strong; we are partnering to raise the future of our country. Additionally, it creates a strong school environment. This is ever present at PCW, however increasing the partnership between home and the school can only lead to better outcomes.

 Brenden Mair 

Deputy Principal