Principal's Report
In the final week of Term 3, all of our students undertake exams.
I explained the philosophy of why these exams take place at this time of the year in the last newsletter; however, I thought I would reference this week again for the benefit of our students undertaking Unit 3&4 examinations next term.
I have observed the students of all year levels undertaking exams this week and have noticed that their stress levels increase, despite the fact that they have just one assessment task for the semester or a trial exam. I realise that the term "exam" excites a response that results in stress, especially for those students undertaking their final high school exams. However, the more we create this stressful aura of finality or the notion of the ‘be all and end all’ of schooling around the examinations, then we increasingly make it more difficult for our students to succeed. It is imperative that both the school and parents put the exams in to a positive context and not place so much stress on this one event.
Throughout the year we have constantly exhorted the students to work consistently. The argument is simple; if you work consistently throughout the year, when you finally arrive at the examination period, the revision process is simply that; revision! Jorgen Klopp, the Liverpool FC manager, opined: “The challenge is to stay cool enough to handle the pressure in the moment so that you can succeed in the future.” And to handle the pressure means that you have worked consistently throughout the year and even if you have not been as diligent as you would have liked, there is still ample time to work effectively throughout the upcoming term break and beyond to be well prepared for your exams. So, for the Year 12 students, make the most of the upcoming weeks. Most importantly, remember that you have the capacity to do well in your exams and that you shouldn’t stress about something that is yet to happen. In the words of Winston Churchill, “It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link of the chain of destiny can be handled at a time.”
Presentation Night is on Wednesday, 9 October at the Melbourne Town Hall. This event celebrates the whole school community and is an event not to be missed; all students are expected to attend! We have made some significant changes to the program to ensure that the evening is more focussed on students. We have removed the guest speaker from the program and used that time to allow our student leaders to present to the community. While the School Captains will present tonight as they have in the past, the House Captains will have an opportunity to present to the school community about their respective House and school activities. This is to focus on the importance of the Houses in the structure and life of the school. We will also be showing you more of the activities that occur at SCHS throughout the year via video vignettes. And we will continue to present both Academic Awards and School Colours. I have every faith that the evening will be an even bigger success than it has in the past.
Term 3 has kept us all busy, as every term seems to do! The staff and students have contributed to yet another term at SCHS. When I reflect on each term, I know that the school has provided an amazing educational opportunity for all of our students. And while the Year 12 students may be nearing the end of their time with us, I am also delighted that we have already started the enrolment process for the next generation of SCHS students to join our wonderful community.
Colin Axup
Principal
Contact Us
Phone: (03) 8734 2800
Email: suzanne.cory.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au
School Website: www.suzannecoryhs.vic.edu.au