Junior School
Welcome
A big welcome back to all our staff and students of Scoresby Secondary College for 2019. We hope you all had a safe and relaxing Christmas break and ready for a big year ahead.
Term 1 started with our newest members of the College beginning their secondary school journey on Wednesday 30 January. The day was filled with excitement and nerves from students, families and staff alike. Beginning with a year level assembly, students were introduced to a few of the new staff that they would be working with throughout the year and welcomed by some familiar faces.
The day was filled with activities aimed to ensure a smooth start to their schooling including familiarising themselves with their timetable, understanding how to effectively use the school planner and receiving their own locker.
It was fantastic to see that by the end of the first day, the students had made many new friends and left feeling more confident in their transition to secondary school.
On Thursday 31 January, the Junior School welcomed back our students in Years 8 and 9. Following a whole College assembly, these students were also given the opportunity to organise themselves in preparation for a new school year.
It was pleasing to note that most Junior School students presented themselves in the correct uniform. Given the likely continuation of hot days, we strongly encourage students to bring their College hat and a water bottle to have with them throughout the day.
Merit Chart
This year the Junior School is continuing the Merit Chart initiative for Years 7- 9 students. This initiative involves students being acknowledged and rewarded for making a positive contribution to their learning and the community. Each term will have a different focus. Term 1 will focus on the correct use of the College planner. It is expected that students record their classes for each day and any homework/assignments they receive and there due date. Planners are expected to be signed by parents/guardians at the end of each week. The planners will then be checked on Monday mornings at home groups.
Maximising your learning
The start of the year is a prime opportunity to develop good habits at home and at school to support your child to achieve their best. Things to consider which can be implemented at home include:
Setting up a homework timetable: Homework in the Junior School sets up a good practice for their senior years where demands are much higher. Students should be completing the following:
Year 7: 1 hour per night
Year 8: 1 hour and 15 minutes per night
Year 9: 1 hour and 30 minutes per night
Homework/study can include many different things and therefore your child should not claim that they do not have any homework. Students are encouraged to revise over the content learnt that day, continue to read their independent novel, practice timetables, read the newspaper and much more.
To assist students with the completion of their homework, homework club will resume this year taking place on every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 pm - 4 pm in the library. This is a fantastic support service where students can receive individual help from a supervising teacher.
At home work spaces: Setting up a good work space for your child is imperative for them to stay focused and complete their homework. Consider natural light spaces where you are easily accessible such as a kitchen table or dining room table. This means you are there to be involved with their learning and able to offer assistance when required. It is also important to remove all distractions such as phones, TV, gaming consoles and iPad if not required.
Term 1 will be a very busy time for both staff and students with many excursions and incursions taking place. We must reiterate the importance of returning all permission forms and payments by the due date to the General Office.
Here are the dates for a number of key events taking place this term:
- Year 7 Camp: Monday 25 February- Wednesday 27 February
- Curriculum Day: Thursday 28 February
- Brainstorm Production ‘The Flipside’: Thursday 7 March
- Student Photos: Thursday 14 March
- Upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews: Thursday 4 April
We look forward to meeting you all in the near future and for a successful year ahead.
Donovan Lawrence
Year 7 Coordinator
Jake Barnett
Year 8 Coordinator
Su-Nhi Kim
Year 9 Coordinator
Emily Phibbs
Head of Junior School