FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

We have had a busy term and have navigated all the challenges that COVID has thrown at us - a particular thanks to our amazing teachers who have proved, once again, to be flexible and innovative when it comes to designing learning tasks. Our students have shown themselves to be agile learners and are to be commended for their willingness to work with the changes throughout the term. 

This term we have been focussing on developing success criteria with staff so that students will know when they have learned a key concept or skill. More information about these can be found at:

https://www.aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/feedback/aitsl-learning-intentions-and-success-criteria-strategy.pdf?sfvrsn=382dec3c_2 

Mrs Holding and myself have also been meeting with each KLA leader to discuss how the HSC data from 2021 can inform our practice. These have been very insightful and the Leaders are now working with their KLA  teams to further examine the different results per question of the paper as well as student growth. This has led to many enlightened discussions about what the data teaches us as professionals. 

We have also had numerous teaching commence the Catalyst program which looks to embed specific instruction along with a range of strategies to improve learning experiences. Mr C Quinn and Mr Mergard are also undertaking the Lead Catalyst program as a follow on from last year's training. 

Some highlights from the Term

• Year 12 are now half way through their HSC course - only one major round of assessments to go before the Trials
• Year 11 have begun their assessment schedule and will continue to learn from the experience
• Year 10 have completed All My own Work and have started on the NESA Minimum Standards 
• Year 7 and 9 have sat the NAPLAN Trial so are ready for the real deal next term.
• Year 8 have settled well into the new year and the classes I have seen have been delightful. 

We have another week to go but then please enjoy the break and have a joyful Easter. 

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES

With the Easter Holidays on the horizon, it is easy for students to already switch off and get into relaxation mode. This is a risk because the brain, like any muscle, loses strength when it is not used. So over the school holidays students should definitely relax but also reflect on the term that has just passed and think about the term to come. Here are some activities that students can do to keep their brain engaged with their studies so that it is ready to go again in Week 1 next term:

1. Create a study plan with reasonable goals
2. Study in small chunks
3. Catch up on notes
4. Revise what you learned in the previous term
5. Get ahead for next term
6. Study with a friend
7. Focus on long term goals
8. Prioritise studying over events 
9. Relax! (1 or 2 chill days a week)

For more details about maximising your learning during the holidays, go to the excellent online resource from Matrix Education: https://www.matrix.edu.au/9-must-know-tips-to-study-effectively-in-the-holidays-and-stay-motivated/

SHARON HIBBERT                                                         IAN MERGARD 

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning                 Director of Studies