Middle Years 

At the start of the year, it is important to establish strong learning routines and encourage self-regulation. Students need a range of skills and most students are working hard to improve planning and organisation.

Just as an air traffic control system at a busy airport safely manages arrivals and departures of many aircraft on multiple runways, the brain needs the skill set to filter distractions, prioritise tasks, certain achieve goals and control impulses. These skills enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. These executive function skills help us deal with daily challenges. Students need to be given the opportunity to develop their skills and self-regulation. Why? These skills are crucial for learning and personal development. 

Our ‘non-negotiables’

At the start of the year, we talk about the ‘non-negotiables’. These are expectations that set our school culture and are reinforced through our Assemblies and Mentor time. These include:

• Wearing your uniform with pride, to and from school. This includes hats. 
• Be committed to your learning in class and diligently and reliably completing your homework. Effectively using your Record Book. 
• Setting up strong homework routines is important.
• Be hard working, the effort pays off. Ask your mentor and teachers to help you. Teachers like being asked questions as this shows initiative. 
• Adopt a positive and ‘can do’ attitude, this will set you apart and open up opportunities. 
• Manners matter; always be polite and courteous. 
• Pack your school bag the night before, including sports bags/musical instruments.
• Make sure your laptop is charged for the day ahead.

Transition

I would like to congratulate our Year 7 students on their start this term. They have been amazing and settled in well at myPEC. Term One is tiring as students adjust and there is plenty to learn along the way.  We know that some students settle quickly into their new school routines while others find it more challenging. This range is quite normal and each child is on their own transition journey. Good communication with families is essential, and we recommend regular communication with your son or daughter’s Mentor and teachers. This week we held a Parent Transition Zoom to talk more about helping Year 7 students settle into myPEC.

Year 7 High Ropes Day – Monday 15 February

Students are to wear their sports uniform, bring food, water, and a hat in a backpack. We are departing myPEC at 9am and returning via Warrnambool (KFC at 4.20pm) and Port Fairy (Three Chains Road/Princes Hwy 4.45pm, and expect to arrive in Hamilton at 5.50-6pm.

Mrs Julia Winter Cooke

Head of Middle Years