The weeks have seemed to pass quickly this term following the return from remote learning. There has been a significant focus on the finalisation of assessment and ensuring that all work that needed to be completed in the current units has been finished.

1%ers make all the difference!
As we entered the final weeks of the term, there has been a focus on the small expectations that students need to meet at the College. Students who have recently enrolled would remember the discussion in their interview that the College has high expectations and standards, and that we make no apologies for setting the bar high. Often, it is the small things- the 1%ers- that fall away first. In our context, the 1%ers are how we wear our uniform, how we arrive at class on time and be prepared for learning, bringing a charged laptop to school and showing respect to others. These are all actions that students control themselves. As we move to the final week of term and the start of Term 3, students are asked to focus on the smaller things that make the difference to the culture of our College and the Senior Years. There are 180 students and 16 staff members in the Senior Years and if we all aim to make a 1% improvement, it will have a significant impact on our community.

Lockers
Of late, it has been disappointing that a number of students continue to not lock their lockers at the end of the school day. At the end of each day, we often find laptops and expensive textbooks unsecured in student lockers. Combination locks are available at the College Office and are available for purchase. I encourage all parents to have a conversation with their child regarding the level of responsibility needed to be shown to ensure that their locker is locked at the end of the day. Lost or damaged laptops and textbooks are replaced at parent’s expense. Therefore, parent support on this matter is very much appreciated. From Monday, a locker that is found to be unlocked at the end of the day will have a temporary lock placed on it for 24 hours.

Careers Intensive Days
Our Year 10 students are participating in three days of intensive careers education in order to assist with their pathways planning and employability skills. The days have been expertly organised by our Careers Development Practitioner, Mr Libby Baxter, and there has been plenty of positive feedback for this new initiative. More insights from the days will be shared in a future edition of the newsletter. We thank Mrs Baxter for her organisation.

Gardens in the Senior Years
We have had a number of groups undertake gardening projects around our Senior Years buildings. The hard work that students have demonstrated with these projects is very noticeable. Our Tuckshop staff have even jumped on board by planting crops in our Science garden beds! Thank you to the students who have made a positive difference to our Senior Years environment.

Academic Success Meetings
In Week 10 we have a number of Academic Success Meetings running to support some of our students in their important stages of their learning.

Year 10: On Tuesday 23 June, all Year 10 students will have a short Academic Success Meeting with Mr Cuskelly, Mrs Brennan or myself. The purpose of these meetings is to determine the level of support students require with the finalisation of their subject selections in preparation for the start of their QCE studies. Parents are not required at these meetings. Following these meetings, a number of students will be encouraged to meet with either Mrs Baxter of myself in early Term 3.

Year 11: In Week 10, all Year 11 students will have their first Academic Success Meeting as part of their studies towards their QCE. These meetings focus on progress, organisation and possible subject changes.

Matt Hodge

Assistant Principal Senior Years