Assistant Principal's Report 

Welcome to 2022!

I extend a warm welcome to our Year 7 cohort, and the many new students, local and international, who have joined us across the school this year. I trust that your time at Westall will be rewarding and enjoyable.

New Students Photo Day

The school photographers attended the school two weeks ago to take portrait pictures of all our new students and staff. Year 7 students wishing to purchase a photo pack, can still do so, by using the photo envelopes. All other students and absent Year 7 students will need to wait until the 10th of May when the photographers will return to take pictures of the rest of the school.  

Textbooks and BYOD

In order to make suitable progress, it is critical that students are equipped with the right textbooks and stationery. A large number of students are still attending classes without the required items. If this is due to disorganisation on the student’s part, please assist them in developing strong habits by employing simple strategies, such as, checking their timetable and packing their bag the night before. If your child does not have textbooks due to financial reasons, please get in touch with their year level coordinator so that measures can be put in place to ensure that your child has access to material.

Similarly, students must have a BYO device to bring to their classes. Teachers are using technology to enhance teaching and learning, which means that students without a BYOD will miss out on critical opportunities. The school does have netbooks that students can borrow, however, these are not always reliable. As Westall is using learning technologies and Compass more regularly, students are required to submit work online, check for work set by their teachers, as well as reflect on their learning. Please note that all BYO devices are the responsibility of the student. They must be transported in a proper carry case and secured in the locker during break times.

Student Diary 2022

In recognition of the importance of supporting students to be better organised, Westall SC has provided all students with a school diary this year.  By noting homework and due dates of assessments, students can optimise time management during the week. When students know what work they need to do because they have written it down, it provides them with more of an incentive to actually do it, enabling them to be more productive.  Studies show that when you write it down, it has a much greater chance of being remembered.

Students are required to bring their diary to every lesson and take note of the homework that is set by their teachers. The diary is to be used to record students' movement during classtime. The 2022 diary also includes some great resources such as goal setting, study planner, sleep hygiene, nutrition, online safety, mental health and exercise, as well as, an opportunity to do a reflection activity each week and maintain a gratitude journal. 

Research on the health benefits of practising gratitude is undeniable: https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-gratitude/

Westall SC Teams Up with University of Newcastle

I am pleased to confirm that our school will be participating in an exciting new research project into a type of teacher professional development called ‘Quality Teaching Rounds.’ 

The research is being undertaken by the University of Newcastle. 

Four teachers from our school, as well as some of their students, will be invited to participate.

Invitations have been sent out to the relevant students and their families; we look forward to your participation. 

Student participation is entirely voluntary.

For further information, please contact the research manager, Tim Dean, at qtr- vic@newcastle.edu.au or phone (02) 4985 4300.

It's Not OK to be Away!

Daily school attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally. Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12, or an equivalent qualification, have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that children develop habits of regular attendance at an early age.

To minimize disruption to your child’s education, please make all appointments outside school hours and AVOID booking family holidays during the school terms.

Ms Sue Simadri

Assistant Principal