Year Adviser Updates

Year 10

Hello Parents and Caregivers, welcome to the 2023 school year. 

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Ms. Maror on the arrival of her baby girl and wish her all the best as she starts her Maternity Leave. In the absence of Ms. Maror, I will be filling in the position of Year Advisor and you are more than welcome to contact me if there is anything I can help you with. 

The first term has been a busy one for Year 10, with many of the students completing their first assessment task for each of their subjects. A list of when tasks are due for different subjects can be found in the Assessment booklet that was handed out earlier in the term. It is strongly recommended that parents sit down and read through this booklet with their child so that they have a good understanding of when things are due. So far, it has been pleasing to witness the high level of application and effort exhibited by the Year 10 students. 

Students needing clarification or assistance with their assessment tasks should in the first instance speak with their classroom teacher for advice. Students wishing additional support are encouraged to access the After School Study Centre which operates in the school library from 3:00-5:00 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Permission notes can be collected from the Maths staffroom or the Library. 

A reminder to students who are absent on a day of their assessment to obtain a medical certificate and to see their teachers on their first day back at school. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the assessment policy, please reach out as we would like to best assist each student in meeting the requirements to proceed to Stage 6 (Yrs. 11 and 12).

Year 10 have been given the opportunity to participate in a free initiative run by TAFE, called the YES Plus Program starting in Term 2. The intention of the course is to provide the Year 10 students an insight into future careers and to how see TAFE would be like as a future study option. The program allows for the students to visit TAFE to engage in courses that range from construction, health and beauty, engineering & robotics, running a small business, computers, vehicle mechanic, nursing, etc. At the end of the completion the students will receive a certificate of completion, and hopefully this will provide them with an advantage when securing a school-based apprenticeship (SBAT) in Year 11. Students are encouraged to sign up their interest to the program via the link that was sent through their school email. Any further questions should be directed to Mr Kwon (Careers Advisor) or Mr Suljevic (Transition Advisor).

Year 10 students will be participating in their first rounds of Minimum Standards testing in Term 2, week 2.  This is a requirement of the Department of Education, and the school will endeavour to support each student to meet these standards. Should you have any questions regarding Minimum Standards, please direct your enquiries to Mr Costa (HT Secondary Studies) who will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Thank you for your continued support and we are looking forward to Term 2. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you require any further information. 

Ms. Shukla 

Year 11

Parents and Carers of Year 11,

Congratulations to the Year 11s for reaching this important milestone in their education journey, the last stage of their high school life. It was a sight to see all the Year 11s in their new blue-collared shirts on their return at the start of the year! 

Most students have transitioned into senior school well, with the students now having completed at least one assessment task for some of their senior subjects. The Preliminary Course covers the first three terms of this year, and the HSC Course begins in Term Four of this year. Thus, it is important that the students develop productive habits both in the classroom and at home to assist them in gaining their best chance of success for the HSC exams in October 2024.

In Week 4 of this term Mr Costa ran a workshop ‘All of My Own Work’, during this the students were made aware of how to properly reference their research to avoid plagiarism (using the words of others as your own) and collusion (allowing others to do the work). Completing this course was an important step for the students to finalise their senior enrolment and to safeguard their future HSCs.

A key to a student’s success is their attendance and their punctuality to school. Students are required to attend at least 90% of the time. When a student is unable to do so, the student or their family are expected to inform school on the day of the absence or on the first day of return by the student. The school can be informed by either a phone call, text, email or a signed note.  The school is also running an initiative that requires senior students to forgo their privilege of leaving early on Mondays if they have more than 2 unexplained late arrivals to schools in the previous week. To avoid this, students will need start to take more accountability in how they prepare for school in the morning.

Mr Kwon, the school’s Careers Advisor has a new program ‘My Gateway,’ which assists students in seeking out traineeships in both trades and other industries such as business administration. Mr Kwon is more that happy to arrange interviews with students and their families to discuss future work and study options for students. 

Students will have the option to purchase a jersey and/or jacket to celebrate their achievement in reaching this far of their schooling. Once the winning design is chosen students will begin the process of finalising their purchase through the company’s website. Prices for the jersey range from $100 and the jacket from $120. As both the jersey and jacket are considered as school uniform they can be wore daily by the student.

It has been so pleasing to see so many of the Year 11 female students get involved in the Girls Education program this year. These girls have demonstrated the school’s values of respect, safety, equality and leadership. The students were involved in setting up and participating in activities for International Women’s Day, which was held on March 8th 2023. 

The students were Briyana Price, Ariana Morello, Kiara Bourke, Kealie Dargan, Felecity Morello, Charli Buckley, Yasmin El Ahmad, Yasmin Purcell, Christina Tran, Cam Chuong, Alina Sayaloune, Shams Samra, Nameesha Ioane, Sarona Tautalafua

Overall, the students have had a productive start to the year and it is vital that students maintain this work ethic, for the benefit of themselves and their peers. It is important that all Year 11 students lead by example for the rest of the school by being respectful to others and teachers, treating all people equally, remaining safe at all times and performing at their academic best.

Ms Encina and Ms Kasavetis

Year 12

Dear parents, teachers, and students,

As the Year 12 Year Advisers, we are immensely proud of the level of commitment our students have shown this term to their education and personal growth. We are excited to share some of their incredible achievements and contributions to the school community.

One of the highlights of the term was our final Fast Forward Conference at Western Sydney University Parramatta. Our students had the opportunity to experience the university campus and attend sessions based on their areas of interest. This excursion was a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore their academic and career goals, and to get a taste of university life. What a nice way to end our Fast Forward journey that started in Year 9!

Another important event for our Year 12 students was the Sydney Secondary Youth Leadership Conference which we attended with 11 of our prefects. This excursion consisted of internationally recognised speakers and team activities which focused on four key areas of immense importance for today's young people. Our students were able to develop their leadership skills, learn from experienced speakers, and engage in meaningful team-building activities.

Our students have also been working hard to fundraise for their formal, yearbook and graduation. We are grateful for their dedication and hard work, as these events will provide a memorable and enjoyable end to their schooling lives.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their continued support throughout the year. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in helping our students achieve their academic and personal goals. 

We also want to remind our students to take care of themselves both physically and mentally as we end Term 1. We encourage our students to have a restful and productive break.

Yours sincerely, 

Talitha Teresa & Nadir Khan