Message from the Principal

Year 12 Update

It has been lovely to have Year 12 back at school for their final two weeks. They have experienced two disrupted years, missing many of the traditional events that mark the final years at school. Had things stayed to plan, their original HSC examinations would already be underway. The uncertainty and disruption that has affected us all has had a significant impact on this group. I was pleased that the Year 12s who spent time in our Junior School were able to participate in a Zoom assembly last week and that some of our events will take place this week, in modified form. The current Year 12 were our first Prep.

In spite of this, I am in admiration for the manner in which Year 12 has responded. They have remained resilient, mostly positive and flexible. Their experience will hold them in good stead for the future, knowing that they have shown the resourcefulness to manage what has been thrown their way. When faced by future challenges, they will have the strength to say, “I can do this.”. 

I join with the school community in wishing them a wonderful last week at school and every success in the HSC Examinations that commence on November 8th.

COVID Update

The local numbers of COVID cases in our region have been concerning. We continue to follow the health regulations as they apply to schools. Sadly, it means no assemblies, no parents and restrictions on some of the fun activities that enrich life on campus, both at Junior School and Secondary level. At school this sees us having to make constant risk assessments. Boarding life has had to be a little different with less contact with community involvement. The inconsistencies between what happens at school and in the general community are puzzling at times. However, on all occasions, safety of students at school is paramount and that remains our driving concern. The last thing we want is a COVID case at school that then threatens Grandparents and vulnerable family members.

• Masks are compulsory indoors for all Secondary students and adults (except for those with special exemptions).
• Masks are highly recommended indoors for Junior School students, especially those above Year 3.
• Students must not come to school with cold or flu symptoms. Other suggestions were emailed to parents last week.

I am hopeful that care in our community will keep us safe and that we will be able to engage in community sport and co-curricular activities as soon as possible, based on the Government’s roadmap to opening up NSW. Thanks for your support in this.

What Makes a Great Learner?

At Calrossy we seek to create great learners. However, this goes beyond achieving high test scores. It means developing a love of learning and improving, making progress. I recently ran across an article (1) that listed 10 traits of many successful learners. The good news is that these can be learned. 

1. A good student has a growth mindset

A growth mindset is a belief that a person can learn anything given enough time and effort. Carol Dweck is the most recognised proponent of this idea. She speaks of ‘The power of yet’. When your child says, “I can’t do this”, then you need to add, “Yet. I can’t do this yet”. Dweck’s research shows that explaining this concept to a child will affect the way they view their learning. She points to evidence that says, an understanding of growth mindset changes neural pathways that allow for greater growth in learning.

2. A good student is courageous

Courageous kids will take risks and use them powerfully in their learning and growing. They quickly establish what they love and loathe and then they are more likely to create a life they love. They may take learning risks that lead to lateral, out of the box thinking. Courage is about taking on daunting challenges; feeling the fear and doing it anyway. It isn’t the absence of fear. Fear is human and to be expected, but it can overcome with confidence from modelling, teaching & explaining.

3. A good student is organised

Later in school a student can study as many as nine different subjects with nine different teachers and nine different sets of expectations. It is impossible to thrive under those circumstances unless a child is highly organised. Fortunately, organisation can be learned early and supported by diaries, planners and study schedules.

4. A good student is consistent and persistent

Learning happens slowly and consistently. Take for example the process we went through when we learned to read.  There were steps, from holding a book the right way up, to recognising letters to phonetics, years of practising and finally fluency. Students have to develop building blocks and commit to regular practise. Practice contributes to success as a student. In mathematics, music and languages there needs to be a mastery of some basic skills that only comes with practise.

5. A good student is able to deal with failure

Failure is one of the greatest tools in the learning process. Having the tenacity to stare down failure is an extraordinary skill. What is the size and gravity of the failure? What are its consequences? What can be learnt from the experience?

6. A good student sets goals

Goal setting focuses a student’s attention towards certain behaviours and information and away from distractions. Research tells us that incremental goals are far more effective than large goals. If a student can break down a big task into small bite-sized pieces they are more likely to be successful. 

7. A good student is able to connect learning to life

A successful student is able to see their studies in the context of the wider world. If a child has read, observed and discussed the world, issues and ideas on a regular basis, they will be able to place their learning in context. Without context, it is easy to understand why a child would think, “What’s the point?” A sense of relevance is vital for developing in kids a love of learning. It makes sense of things beyond just doing well in testing.

8. A good student knows how to look after their mental health

One of the greatest obstacles to a child’s academic success can be their mental health. Anxiety is a big blocker. Many studies show that it is very difficult to learn when in a state of stress. By helping students to learn some social regulations skills, it helps to create calm and a sense of flow, leading to greater success.

9. A good student partners with teachers

Effective students recognise their teachers as allies. The importance of this relationship is borne out in the ground-breaking research of Professor John Hattie. It is easy to see this relationship as completely in the hands of the teacher. That isn’t the case. Effective learners also contribute to the creation of this strong relationship. They recognise their teachers as valuable resources whom they need to work with, in partnership.

10. A good student values education

Finally, if a child is to achieve success in education, they need to value education. In life, we very rarely persist in anything if we don’t think it is valuable. Studies show that children are more likely to succeed students in homes where the parents value education.

1. The Characteristics of Successful Learners! Linda Stade Education https://lindastade.com/10-characteristics-of-a-good-student/

Leave Weekend changes for Term 4

Parents should please note that, due to the impact of COVID and loss of teaching time, the planned Leave Weekend for Friday 5th and Monday 8th November sees both days as normal school time. Scheduled class will take place on both dates with no pupil-free day on the Monday.

David Smith

Principal Calrossy Anglican School