From the Deputy Principal, Secondary

Saturday is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The day focuses on the sorrow in the life of Mary, Mother of Jesus. We all have experienced varying degrees of sorrow in our life. Our Lady of Sorrows focuses on the seven key sorrows in the life Mary. Each of these sorrows all involve her son Jesus. I know parents can relate to this reality. When your child suffers, you suffer twice as much. Mary’s great faith and trust in God brought her through the moments of sorrow and pain she experienced as a mother. It is not about taking away our child’s pain, but rather having the faith and stoicism to stand by them and assist them in transforming their pain and suffering so they can become who God has called them to be.

Catholic Schools Music Festival

On Tuesday evening I attended the Catholic Schools Music Festival at the Entertainment Centre. The Tuesday schedule showcased our Senior Vocal Ensemble. Our boys performed as part of the combined vocal ensemble and as a vocal ensemble support act. Their outstanding performances were energetic, professional and entertaining. Congratulations to the Blackfriars Senior Vocal Ensemble and all students who participated lustrously in the Catholic Schools Music Festival. Special thanks to Miss Reppucci, Mrs Hunter and Miss Wohling for their dedication to our music program.

Awards

This year we have created an extensive awards criteria and nomination process for all Blackfriars Priory School awards. Staff members will nominate students through the award website. In early Term 3 the website will be accessible for families, should they wish to nominate for an end of year award. https://awards.bps.sa.edu.au/login.php

Year 12 Schedule

A reminder to families of the schedule for Year 12 students for the rest of 2018. This schedule was sent to all families and students at the end of Term 2 via SEQTA direqt message.

2018 Year 12 Key Dates.pdf

Term 3 (Assumption Term) Reporting for Years 7 -12

Over the course of 2018, we have transitioned to Continuous Online Reporting. As a parent, you are able see your son’s grades and read feedback on a specific task as soon as it is marked. Teachers comment using either the achievement standards of ACARA (R – 10) and SACE performance standards (11 – 12). In addition, teachers will provide professional advice on how your son can improve.

During the term, your son’s Home Group teacher sends two direqt messages to your SEQTA inbox that focus on Home Group and Pastoral Care activities. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers directly through SEQTA for follow up communication or to arrange a more formal meeting to discuss the progress of their son(s).

A PDF summary statement of results will be provided at the end of each semester and is downloadable through SEQTA. The next summary statement of results will be issued in December for all R – 11 students. Year 12s will receive a summary statement of results in Week 3 of Term 4. If you need any further support to access and use your SEQTA parent portal, please contact Mr Paul Mason pmason@bps.sa.edu.au

Student/Parent/Teacher Learning Conversations

Thank you for your attendance at our Student/Parent/Teacher Learning Conversations.

Parents are the first educators and an open relationship with your son’s teachers is imperative to his success. Should you wish to contact a teacher at Blackfriars, please use our SEQTA portal.

Madhavi Nawana Parker

The Year 7 parent session facilitated by Madhavi Nawana Parker last week was exceptional. The parents who attended are to be commended and I know they will translate Madhavi’s information into practical strategies at home. Madhavi focused on parenting, resilience, mental health and wellbeing. You can follow Madhavi Parker on Facebook for her weekly parenting tips or visit her website for further information. http://madhavinawana.com.au/ Mr Brett Knowles has provided a detailed summary of the evening in his Wellbeing article.

Hats

A reminder that students need to have a Blackfriars school hat which is to be worn when outside in the sun. If your son does not have a hat, please organise the purchase of a new hat through the Uniform Shop.

Year 12 Study Skills

As Year 12s come to the end of their academic year, stress begins to mount as the juggling act takes on extra props. Below are suggestions from SACE regarding effective study habits that may assist your son in the last few weeks of Year 12 and as he prepares for exams.

Tips For Effective Study

You may not study in exactly the same way as your friends or siblings, so you should find a routine that suits you.

Set yourself up in the right environment

Find a place or places where you can minimise distractions. If this isn’t possible at home, consider the school library or your local library.
Make sure you have enough space, light and quiet.
Switch off your phone and avoid social media while you study.

Plan your schedule

Include your commitments (lessons, but also sport, part-time work and family outings).
Find time for any other items you want or need to factor into your schedule.
Don’t forget eating and exercise – along with plenty of sleep, a sensible diet and exercise are important for your health and wellbeing.
Remember to make time for catching up with friends, or just watching TV and relaxing.

Understand what works best for you

You may already know how you prefer to study. Plan your study routine and schedule according to how you like to study.

Make a timetable and stick to it

Include milestones such as holidays, assignment due dates and exams in your schedule as soon as you can.
Create your study timetable around these dates so you give yourself time to study.
Most successful students say it helps to divide work into small pieces rather than one large chunk, so it feels achievable.
Spread the tasks out so that your study is varied between simple and challenging tasks.
Set yourself achievable weekly goals and try to stick to them.
If something unexpected happens and you don't achieve what you had planned, revise your timetable and get back on track as soon as possible.

Ask for help

You shouldn’t feel alone – ask family, friends or teachers for help or just a sympathetic ear if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Ask family members and friends to test your knowledge, and arrange group revision sessions if you’re the type of student who likes to bounce ideas off other people.
Teachers can help you identify what you should focus on before tests and other assessment tasks.
If you’re looking for external help, headspace provides young people and families with information about mental health issues.
ReachOut.com has lots of tips about studying, managing stress and life in general, from everyday issues to tough times.

Mr David Ruggiero

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, SECONDARY (ACTING)