Student Services

Term 1

Term 1 has almost come to an end and for most families the new routines of school life are moving smoothly. In Student Services we have been getting to know our new cohort of students, in particular our Year 7’s. We are currently providing our quality welfare and learning support programs on a daily basis. The following are examples of the support that is happening:

Rock and Water

All Year 7 students have had the opportunity to complete a 2 hour Rock and Water session last week. This course taught our students how to stand stronger in many ways. The students were encouraged to transfer these skills to the playground and the classroom. They learnt to identify their limitations and possibilities, to communicate more effectively, to feel, set and defend their own boundaries and to respect others’ boundaries too. Thank you to our Resilience and Wellbeing team for facilitating this experience for all our Year 7 students.

Peer Support

Year 10 students completed their peer support training last year and this week went to  the Aussie Bush Camp at Kincumber with our Year 7 campers this week. Our Year 10 students will act as mentors to facilitate friendships and build strong relationships with their specific group as well as having lots of fun along the way.

Motivational Media- Take the Shot

All students participated in a multi-media experience called ‘Take the Shot’ this term.  This presentation made use of three large, panoramic screens, along with state of the art synchronised projectors, producing an image 13 metres wide. It aimed to both challenge and inspire our students to develop strategies that will enable them to reach their true potential and promote positive life choices.

Resilience Groups

Melanie Gould and Alex Geleris, our school chaplains, have been running self-esteem/resilience groups called ‘Shine’ and 'Strength' once a week for students who have been identified as needing support and skill building. They are both delightful groups that are growing each week in confidence and at the same time creating new friendships.

Learning Support

Our school SLSOs, Lesley Coote and Dan Rogers have both been working very hard under the guidance of our wonderful LaST, Janelle Wilkinson to ensure our Year 12 students have as much support as possible to achieve their personal academic best. Part of this support includes the opportunity for Year 11 and 12 to attend study sessions in the library. Janelle, Lesley and Dan are all on hand to give 1 on 1 assistance with assessment tasks and/ study skills. This occurs every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon in the library.

And finally, a few reminders.

• Please don’t forget to inform the school of any change of address or contact details, particularly phone numbers.
• If your child has any illness that may impact on their learning please keep us informed. You can contact your child’s year adviser to arrange the relevant support.

Mrs Tracy Smith

Head Teacher Student Services