Year 9
Congratulations
We are very proud of Ella Taylor who placed 1st in the ‘Shredability Skateboarding’ all girl competition. Ella has only been skating for a little over a year and attends weekly lessons. Skating is a great opportunity for Ella to socialise with friends, get fit all the while doing something she loves. Well done, Ella!
Year 9 Examinations
Year 9 students will be commencing their first formal examinations on 11 to 12 June 2021. We have started preparation in Pastoral periods to assist the students in preparing and establishing a study routine in addition to their regular homework.
The purpose of introducing examinations is to help prepare students for their future schooling and to try to ‘normalise’ the examination process. Students have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the process and then will ideally cope competently with future examinations. Year 9 students will have examinations for English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities.
Examination Timetable
Thursday 11 June
8.45 - 10.30am Mathematics
11.15 - 12.45pm Humanities
Friday 12 June
8.45 - 10.30am English
2.15-3.45pm Science
The important thing about the examinations is the experience. We understand that many students may experience anxiety. However, we have discussed the fact that some anxiety is normal. We will be running a lunchtime session for those students who would like extra reassurance. We have discussed the need for adequate sleep and healthy eating in connection with examination preparation. It is important to remind students that they need to aim for their best, and beyond that, there is not much control. We believe that preparing students for future challenges is vitally important.
It is important that you know that we are covering the social, emotional and academic concerns of students. In our pastoral sessions, we have given students an opportunity to fill out study timetables in the lead up to exams. A ‘Preparing for Examinations Study Skills’ booklet has been issued to every Year 9 student. Please ask your daughters about this booklet, how they are going with their examination preparation and the help that is available at the College. Students also had a session on positive self-talk, technical self-talk in examination preparation and relaxation strategies to help deal with stress and anxiety.
Students are expected to stay at school following the morning examinations; they will be given time to prepare for the afternoon examination.
Raising Girls
Raising girls in today’s modern world can be a difficult path for parents and carers to navigate. These days, girls are transitioning to puberty a lot earlier than they used to and the physical, psychological and emotional changes they experience are challenging.
Some parents and carers may feel uncertain about how best to support their daughter through the ups and downs of adolescence and how to keep the lines of communication open. With the rise of social media and technology, mental health difficulties in girls are increasing, as often they are faced with online images that make it difficult to see themselves as acceptable. Ensuring your daughter’s opinions are heard and her views listened to, will go a long way towards making her feel loved and supported as she tries to establish her own identity.
HERE is a clip from SchoolTV, which provides a clearer picture of what girls are wanting from their adult carers and how best to support them through adolescence. Please the take time to reflect on the information offered in this special report, I have found it extremely valuable.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your daughter, please contact her Homeroom teacher or myself at leah.cristiano@kilbreda.vic.edu.au
Leah Cristiano
Level Leader: Year 9