Brookhill

                                               Mr David Murphy

Year 12 Students

At the end of Term 3, the Year 12 students have finished their coursework and are well into revision for final exams; they are rapidly approaching the end of their time at Aitken College and the beginning of the next chapter in their lives.

I commend all Year 12 students for the way they have approached their academic work during the last term. I also highly commend the group for their excellent and positive leadership of the Aitken College student body.

This can be a stressful time in the lives of Year 12 students and their families. Whilst every student and family reacts differently and must navigate their own way through these difficult periods, I would like to pass on some ideas which have proved useful in the past.

Parents of Year 12 students are encouraged to be understanding during this very stressful time. It is only with the full and active support of the family that a student can perform at their very best. When looking for ways to help your children through this period, you might like to consider the following points:

• This is an emotionally charged time. If you sense your child is getting stressed, they may need a little space and opportunity to let off some steam on their own; crowding them, if they are feeling this way, will only contribute to their stress.
• Your child might want to talk. In this case your job is to listen; resisting the natural urge to offer advice. Often a stressed child will want to unwind by just telling someone about what they are feeling and going through; if your child feels this way, try and be an empathetic listening partner.
• Try to forgive or tactically ignore minor indiscretions. A child under the enormous pressure of final exams will not always behave perfectly.
• When a guiding hand is needed, be positive. You will recognise when your child is not applying themselves to their work properly. If you see this happening, try to encourage them by helping them set study goals and put some rewards in place for good work. Being angry or badgering will only make the situation worse.

Friends of Brookhill

On Tuesday 23 October, the Friends of Brookhill will be putting on the traditional breakfast BBQ for the Year 12 students, to celebrate their final day at Aitken College. I will be asking for volunteers to help with the preparation and cooking of the breakfast and decoration of the Common Room the night before. Any parents able to assist, please contact the Senior School Office, brookhilladmin@aitkencollege.edu.au. There will be a meeting during the first week of Term 4 to organise the breakfast; friends of Brookhill and other volunteers will be advised of the details via email.