Oak News

Principal's Report

Congratulations

It is always great news when babies are welcomed into the world.  On behalf of the school community I would like to congratulate Ms Louise O’Neill for the birth of twin boys last month.

Exams

Exams often make us anxious 

While it’s normal to feel a bit nervous before any exam or test some students find exams debilitating. This could lead to an inability to concentrate and focus, or even feeling ill.  Physical symptoms may include a fast heartbeat, headache, or nausea. 

While student leaders have already distributed ‘how to study techniques’ to parents and students this term, it is important to reflect on how to stay calm in the days leading up to, and during, exams.

An interesting article I read addressing these issues recommends:

  • Be prepared
  • Get a good night's sleep
  • Fuel up
  • Get to the exam—early 
  • Have a positive mental attitude 
  • Read carefully
  • Just start
  • Don't pay attention to what other people are doing
  • Watch the clock
  • Breathe

These simple tools can help alleviate some of the stress of exam day.

 Remember, we are not defined by a score but by the effort we put in

                                   to do our best every single day.

 

                                    NAPLAN doesn’t measure sports

                                    NAPLAN doesn’t measure art,

                                    NAPLAN doesn’t measure music,

                                    Or the kindness in our heart.

 

                                    NAPLAN doesn’t see your beauty,

                                    NAPLAN doesn’t know your worth,

                                    NAPLAN doesn’t see the reasons,

                                    You were put upon this earth.

 

                                    NAPLAN doesn’t see your magic,

                                    How you make others smile,

                                    NAPLAN doesn’t time how quickly,

                                    Your can run a mile.

 

                                   NAPLAN doesn’t hear your laughter,

                                   Or see you’ve come this far,

                                   NAPLAN is just a tiny glimpse,

                                   Of who you really are.

 

                                  So sitting at your table,

                                  With a pencil and your test,

                                  Remember NAPLAN isn’t who you are,

                                  Remember you’re the best!!

                                  Author unknown

 

https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/test-anxiety

 

1. Be prepared

This seems obvious, but it bears repeating. If you feel confident you’ve prepared thoroughly, you’ll feel more confident walking into the test.

 

2. Get a good night’s sleep

Cramming is never the answer. Pulling an all-nighter can exacerbate your nerves. Having adequate rest (9–10 hours per night) is likely to be more beneficial than rereading a text until dawn.

 

3. Fuel up

Eat a nutritious breakfast before the test and pack smart snacks for ongoing energy. Look for foods that offer a steady stream of nutrients, rather than a sugar high followed by a crash.

 

4. Get to class—or the testing site—early

Feeling rushed will only amp up the anxiety. Pack everything you need for the exam the night before and set the alarm so you get out the door on time.

 

5. Have a positive mental attitude

Bring a picture of your happy place or come up with a morale-boosting mantra like 'I can do this', or 'I worked hard and deserve this'. Peek at your picture or recite your mantra before the test begins.

 

6. Read carefully

Read the directions thoroughly and read all answers before making a choice or starting the essay. There is nothing worse than putting time into a question and realizing you are not solving for x, or the essay is off target. Slowing down can help you stay focused.

 

7. Just start   

The blank page can maximize your anxiety. After you’ve read the directions, make an outline for an essay answer. Find some questions you can answer easily to build up your confidence and momentum. You can always go back and change things later if needed, but a few quick answers can get the ball rolling.

 

8. Don’t pay attention to what other people are doing

Everyone else is scribbling away? Ack! What do they know that you don’t? It doesn’t matter. Pay attention to your own test and forget about the other students in the room.

 

9. Watch the clock

Realizing that time is almost up and there are lots of test questions left can make it hard to do anything useful in those final minutes.  Mentally allocate how much time you’ll spend on each section. If there’s time to recheck at the end, even better.

 

10. Focus on calm breathing and positive thoughts

Deep breathing can slow a beating heart or a racing mind, so practice these techniques at home. The act of concentrating on breathing and thinking can biometrically alter anxious feelings.

 

Sometimes, just remembering that some anxiety is normal during ex

Sports Development Program

Overseen by legends of the game Kevin Sheedy and Archie Thompson, the Football/Soccer Development Program, which commenced this week, provides opportunities for all students at the College to learn and improve their strategic, tactical and physical skills through a specialist sports program.

The focus of this Development Program is to improve the fundamental skills, game sense and technical knowledge of each sport.

The program includes workshops involving:

  • goal setting
  • personal development
  • leadership
  • time management
  • diet and nutrition
  • individual performance analysis

Training sessions will run at the following times:

  • Soccer—Monday 3:30—4:30pm
  • Football—Tuesday 3:30—4:30pm

At South Oakleigh we are committed to supporting all students in achieving excellence in sport. 

Alison Jones and ‘The Jones Family Food Roster’

For a number of years Alison has worked part-time at South Oakleigh teaching maths and science whilst also writing a memoir. A few weeks ago her book—‘The Jones Family Food Roster’— was published and I am delighted that it is now available in bookstores.

 

Ten years ago Alison was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the bone marrow. For the year following diagnosis every evening the women of her community brought meals to feed her hungry family of seven.

 

Her book, including fourteen of the recipes she came to cherish, is a story about:

  •  the power of community and the impact on health and wellbeing outcomes
  •  parenting during a time of crisis
  •  empowerment through challenge
  •  how to embrace life on your own terms
  •  hope 

all seen through the lens of Alison's cancer diagnosis and treatment.

 

All author royalties are being donated for cancer research at The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Alison hopes to raise $1 million for cancer research so that other recently diagnosed patients, sitting in that chair when the word ‘cancer’ slices through them for the first time, can be given hope just as she was. www.everydayhero.com.au/event/AlisonJonesgifts

 

The book can also be purchased from bookshops or directly from the publisher:

https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/jones-family-food-roster

Ms Helen Koziaris

Principal