Head of Middle Years

Our staff continue to plan interesting and varying activities to immerse students in their learning as the weeks pass.

Next week, students will sit various exams across all MY classes. As presented in the previous newsletter, there are an array of tips designed to assist students in preparing themselves for these exams. Subject teachers have been discussing and coaching students for these exams, so essentially, students should have an idea of what to expect. No doubt many of them may be feeling a little more stressed or nervous than usual however, there are numerous ways to settle their nerves. One thing to do is to reassure your child that they are prepared for these exams and additionally, the more they are exposed to these experiences, the better equipped they will become when faced with the same prospects again. 

During week 8, students will get to experience their 2023 timetable and meet new teachers and classmates. Essentially, the course will be outlined to students, and it is a fantastic way to orientate them into their new year. It is also a fantastic opportunity for students to ask questions and seek clarification. 

A lot of communication, consideration and conversation occurs in the background when putting together coursework and classes. There are numerous factors that determine the dynamics and make-up of classes, and teachers work very hard in the background to consider a wide variety of factors when putting teams of students together, to get the balance right. The best way to support your child with their learning, is to encourage them to have a growth mindset, particularly when they come home upset with the dynamics of their class. If your child comes home upset because they are not in a class with their closest friends, reassure them by acknowledging that this is an opportunity for them to meet others, and that stepping outside of their comfort zone is a positive learning experience. You can also remind them that the classroom is where their academic learning occurs, and the break times are opportunities to meet with friends. 

Week 9

• Middle Years Graduation Ceremony – Monday 5 December (at the College). Subject Awards recipients and graduating Year 9 students will be presented on this day. Parents / caregivers of a MY student who is in Year 9 and graduating or an award recipient will be invited to attend the ceremony during the day. Parents/caregivers will need to arrive at the College Gymnasium by 1.30 pm. Further information about this event will be sent out to parents/caregivers soon.
• Activity / Excursion Days – Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 December for Years 6 – 9.

Student Led Council Representative development

For the last three months the SLC have been working with the Wyndham Schools Representative Council.  The WSRC is made up of students from secondary schools in Wyndham, who will have attended 2 workshops held within school hours. In these workshops, students will develop leadership and project management skills to create and implement a youth-led project within their school or broader school community. 

The project will be based on feedback collected from the Wyndham District Youth Surveys and Forums that were conducted in the last 1 - 2 years. These workshops will be held at the Youth Resource Centre (YRC) in Hoppers Crossing.

On Thursday the students presented their project to the Youth Council. Good News Representatives worked on Youth Mental Health and how to help students with Mental Health Issues. 

Student tips…

Preparing for exams can sometimes bring up a range of feelings, particularly that of a little discomfort and stress. Below are a few tips to help alleviate stress, which is an extract from an article written by varying experts.

Getting ready to study

It’s never too late to set up good study habits. Here are some helpful ideas:

• Find a quiet place to study without distractions.
• Set-up your study space. Make sure it’s not too cluttered and has everything you might need.
• Find out as much as you can about the exam so you can prepare.
• Ask your teacher if you’re unsure of what will be tested.
• Learn to make ‘mind maps’ and use them to collect ideas and thoughts, use bright colours to help remember important links.
• Make a plan of what you want to work on in each study session. Break it down into small tasks and work on one task at a time.
• Take regular short breaks – use this time to have a drink, get something to eat or play with a pet.
• Ask for help - If you’re having trouble with something you’re studying ask a teacher, friend, sibling or parent to help.

For the full article to help manage stress, please click on the following link https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/exam-stress