Year 12 News
It is hard to believe we are 7 weeks in to our first term as year 12 students. Most students have settled well into their routines and are applying themselves well to their studies. The first round of assessment tasks are rolling in and this is challenging the preparation and organisation skills of all.
HSC Information Night
Our first HSC information session was held on Thursday Nov 21. We had a fantastic turn out of students and parents. Information was presented in regard to ways to maintain a healthy balance, setting up routines and using their support networks. Mrs Farrugia also presented valuable information around university entry, early entry schemes and alternative pathways. These evenings are valuable for students and parents alike. I would encourage everyone to make the effort to attend our next session, to be held in term1 2020. If there are particular areas you would like information on please let me know.
Student Leaders Gathering
From Sunday Nov 24 to Tuesday Nov 26 the College Leaders and I were fortunate enough to attend the Student Leaders Gathering held by Marist Schools Australia at The Hermitage, Mittagong. All Marist Colleges in NSW had representatives present and it was a wonderful opportunity for our Captains to meet other school leaders and discuss their cares, concerns and hopes. In amongst the fun activities there was time for reflection and thinking about what kind of leader they would like to be. It was an invaluable experience for all involved.
Mentors
Today students were allocated their teacher mentor. Students are now encouraged to connect with this mentor and use them to gain assistance and support over the next few terms. A mentor can help devise study timetables, work on organisation skills, provide support and offer assistance in times of stress and listen to concerns that may be surfacing.
The next few weeks will be busy for all students and I am sure they are looking forward to the upcoming break. It will be good to relax at Lake Talbot on the last day of term, a celebration of completing the first term of their HSC year.
MARIST SLG BRIEF
Last Sunday, we were fortunate to represent Marian as captains at the Marist Student Leadership Gathering. With a 5:45am start, we arrived with the captains of St Francis De Sales to The Hermitage in Mittagong around 12:15pm, with no expectations for what we were about to experience for the next 3 days.
During our time, we made presentations about our school and Marist leadership qualities, played games to bond with other student leaders, attended liturgies and Taizé (Prayer in song), had a Trivia/Marist Got Talent night and a plethora of other activities.
On the last night, all student leaders wore their school uniforms to represent their school and to unite us all together as NSW Marist schools and Marist student leaders. School Principals from almost every other school, including our own, Mr Le Brocque and special guest, Father Tom, came to the Hermitage, to share a very special night together. We got school photos, a big photo with all the schools, participated in a mass and shared dinner together.
From this, we gained valuable insight from other Marist schools, represented our own school and took pride in what we do at Marian and our goal of implementing servant leadership throughout the next year.
Trish Star
Year 12 Pastoral Co-ordinator