From the Deputy

Planning for bright future - how to help your child this term

It's so great to be back at school with our students after what for most was a very restful holiday. I know many of our staff were busy planning lessons and programs and invigorating their classrooms. I hope all our students are refreshed and ready to have success in their learning throughout the term, whilst mums and dads can have a bit of quiet time now that school has returned. 

To start the term, our staff are getting ready to help your children to grow in their learning by providing further feedback to parents on how you can assist in your child's learning through Parent Teacher interviews next week. Having seen the half yearly report at the end of Term 2, you can arrange an interview time with your child's teacher/s in Week 3. As a parent, it is important to know the areas that your child is thriving in as well as where you can further support them to be their best. This can be in areas around learning, but also in physical capabilities and behaviours as these greatly assist students to remain on task in class. Our K-6 staff have interview times after school each day whilst our 7-12 staff will be onsite from 4.30-6.30pm on Tuesday 1 August 2023. If you are not sure how to book an interview, please check the Compass App or contact the School Office 6385 3009.

Week 3 also sees many other opportunities to engage with our school during Education Week. Our students have opportunities to participate in competitions and activities and we look forward to seeing many of you at the Education Week Assembly on Tuesday at 3pm, at the Book Fair in the Library or at Grandparents and Special Others Morning Tea on Thursday. The P&C will also have their meeting on Tuesday night at 7pm, where you are welcome to hear what this busy bunch is doing to support and promote Public Education in Boorowa. 

Year 11 students may like to start thinking about whether they could be a school leader in the coming year, as we begin moving to the Secondary School Captain nomination period in Week 4. Student School leaders play a vital role in modelling high standards, being a voice for students as well as staff and providing feedback to the school executive about student concerns. I will provide more information about the timeframe for this important opportunity directly to Year 11 students in Week 4. Parents, please encourage your Year 11 child to consider applying for these positions. They are welcome to come and chat with me about this at any time. 

Our Year 12 students have started their revision and study regime for the Week 5 Trials to ensure they are able to demonstrate the knowledge of the subjects that they have been learning since Term 4 last year. Whilst this may seem like a stressful part of the year, it is less so if you get organised early, preparing an effective study calendar and reducing your other commitments until the exams finish. It will be worth it in the end. Families can assist by providing a quiet space for study if needed and having an increased tolerance for mood swings and stress signals. Good luck with this. 

On Monday 21 August 2023, Year 8 and 10 students and their parents are invited to hear about the Subject Selection process for students entering Years 9 and 11. Hear from Mr Jones, myself and other staff about the requirements for choosing subjects that will get you a Record of School Achievement (RoSA) in Year 11 and the HSC in Year 12. It is important that parents attend this evening so that they understand and can support their children to meet the requirements set out by the school and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Further information will be sent home in the coming weeks. 

As you can see, we have a busy term ahead, and that's not mentioning Smart Drama Night, excursions, sporting events and trips and all the other things that our staff are busy working on when they are not teaching. All with the vision to help your children be the best that they can be, developing skills for the future and to be community minded citizens at all times. 

It is all our pleasure. 

Chris Hawkins

Acting Deputy Principal