From the Director of Studies
In-class Assessments
Years 7 – 10 students successfully completed their In-class Assessments in Week 6 and teachers are now providing students with feedback based on these assessments.
In these assessments, in addition to showing their study skills and effective work during the first term, students were able to demonstrate how successfully they had engaged in lessons during Online Learning. Students adapted well to the social distancing measures during the Assessment period with examinations being spread across different venues in the College. As always, I have been impressed by the flexibility and generous nature of our students and teachers as they adjusted to potentially challenging circumstances.
While students completed assessments in many of their subjects during this time, albeit with a range of adjustments, more practical tasks in several Key Learning Areas were delayed, and students are completing these by the end of the term. These tasks will contribute to students’ yearly reports.
As students now receive feedback from their assessment tasks, Academic Coordinators will be encouraging boys to draw conclusions about their areas of strength in different courses as well as areas in which they can improve over the next semester. Students will then be encouraged to determine and work towards new learning goals based on this feedback.
Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews
During Week 7, parents, teachers and students were involved in telephone interviews. One of the casualties of our circumstances this year was the usual Parent Teacher Interviews that would have taken place on Friday and Sunday of Week 5. Instead, telephone interviews were conducted between 3.30pm – 8.00pm on Tuesday and Thursday evening.
In their last Parent Teacher evenings, Year 12 parents, teachers and students are to be commended on their engagement in the process. The important learning conversations that took place during this time will, no doubt, change the trajectory of students’ performances in the HSC. While we would have preferred face to face interviews, the information communicated and the chances for parents and teachers to acknowledge students’ diligent work over the last 6 years was one of those important ‘last’ events in the life of a Year 12 family.
Contingent on further relaxation of social distancing regulations next term, the College would like to hold Year 7 - 11 Interviews early in Term 3.
Reports
On Thursday 25 June, Years 7 – 10 Reports will be uploaded to Sentral. Based on feedback from Parent Forums and teacher evaluation, these Reports will feature comments on student strengths and areas for development. These comments will be in addition to features including grades and course marks that have always been a part of these Reports.
On the morning of Thursday 25 June, the College will email instructions about downloading the Reports from Sentral – instructions are the same as they were for the Progress Reports earlier in the year – as well as a letter from Year and Academic Coordinators. Parents and carers are encouraged to log into the Sentral Parent Portal before next the Report date and to contact the College via Kate Stott if there are difficulties with access.
As in previous years, the Year 11 Reports will be available in Week 3 next term after they have finished their next set of assessment tasks.
Year 10 Course Selection
Over the last week, Year 10 students have been involved in introductory Stage 6 Course Selection presentations. These presentations have involved students learning about making good choices for Stage 6 Courses, key HSC concepts and information about Careers and Vocational Education and Training.
Students will have access to a Stage 6 Course Selection website for the first time this year and our Information Evening will take place as a teleconference early next term. Course selection for our Year 10 students will be completed by the end of next term.
Homework Club – Monday Afternoons
Over the past few weeks as students have returned back to the College, we have had a pleasing number of students attending Homework Club on Monday afternoons.
During this time, students have had the chance to catch up on work, gain assistance from teachers for upcoming assessment tasks and complete homework in the ambience of the Marian Centre.
We would continue to encourage students to attend these sessions as the College moves into the second Semester.
Study Skills Tips from Prue Psalter
PLAN THE REST OF THE TERM
To make the most of the rest of this term, map out a plan based on when assessments are due. Also consider what is happening next term, are there assessments or examinations you should start preparing for over the holidays? Is there anything you need to ask your teachers about that you are unsure of?
Mr Riccardo Bombardiere
Director of Studies