Another GREAT Week- 7

What a massive week.


This week all students who are doing a Year 12 subject sat a practice GAT on Tuesday. This session is a very important step in their preparation for the actual GAT. It is a three hour test and experiencing this prior to sitting it helps the students understand what is required to do well under those conditions. We have set up our old staff room to house large exams, and the room is climate controlled and comfortable. This gives our students a great advantage over those who are still using a gym or large hall, as many schools do, to sit their exams.
Thanks to all English staff who worked hard to provide feedback to our students on their performance in this. We all value this contribution to their learning.
Exams are about doing your OWN personal best. Students should be aiming to work to their strengths and set realistic goals. They can only do THEIR best. It is important students learn to control stress and pressure as best they can, and focussing on doing their best, as opposed to comparing themselves with others is a key element of good preparation. We expect all our students to study hard and work to achieve their best, but we do not expect our students to set unrealistic and over inflated goals. This only serves to bring disappointment and unnecessary stress.

Grate Expectations Opens Next Week

Rehearsals continued for the College Production, Grate Expectations. Full dress rehearsal took place on Friday. I was lucky enough to sneak a quick preview and it looks very entertaining. As you would expect, the students are thoroughly prepared and the first impression is of a highly professional event. There was tremendous enthusiasm from the crew and support team backstage and I am sure this will be an extravaganza. Many students and staff are working on and off the stage to make this a truly memorable experience. School productions provide a diverse range of entry levels for students. The team on stage are the obvious ones we see, but many staff and students get involved "behind the scenes" I would like to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of all involved. On that topic, please be aware that the Friday June 8 performance will be an Auslan Interpreted Theatre Production


Wednesday was very busy. Our Year 10 Growth classes were fortunate enough to have a guest speaker work with them on preparing themselves for job interviews. They received advice on preparing resumes, doing well in interviews and were exposed to the expectations industry has on them when applying for a job.
Our Year 9 students have been able to apply to do a TAFE Taster program in beauty and Motor Mechanics. With great pride and enthusiasm 10 of our students were decked out in their new overalls and Blundstone work boots courtesy of the course and travelled by mini bus ( courtesy of The Avenue) to Box Hill TAFE to begin their motor mechanics course. The bus then came back and collected our group of budding young beauticians and took them to TAFE. Thanks to our staff who have been able to put this together. It is an invaluable and rich learning experience.


Vaccinations for all Year 10 students and Year 7 girls occurred this Thursday. Not a lot of fun, but an important health measure no less.


Chess Club and Homework Club continued on Thursday. Approximately 30 students attend  on a weekly basis and worked until 5 o'clock under the supervision of the staff who facilitate this. It is a great opportunity and we encourage all students to consider this as an option. Each night in the Later Years Study Centre, numerous students stay until dark doing study. It is pleasing to see. 

Completing homework is a key ingredient to success at school. Homework is more than just doing set tasks and completing work not finished in class. It also must include the preparation of study notes that consolidate learning. There should never be a time when a student has no homework. Students should always consolidate what they have learnt that day and read each night. 

Our college debaters have been in action once more this week recording a narrow loss to Emmaus in B Grade and  sound victories against Wesley in both C Grade and D Grade competition - an impressive effort considering both teams were competing against students who were on average a year older! Congratulations to Jack and Paul who were Best Speaker winners in their respective debates!

Staff continued their work on achieving our strategic goals this week, with Working parties on Wednesday after school and professional learning on Thursday after school. The focus was on two areas. Our Graduate teachers looked at developing skills necessary in your formative stages of teaching and all other staff enjoyed a terrific session on further enhancing their Moodle skills.


On Friday before school we held a BBQ breakfast for our Year 12 students. The intention of this was to attempt to reduce stress prior to embarking on their mid year exams. It is worth reiterating at this point in time that students should be aiming to be their personal best. We expect all of our students to work very hard to produce their own personal best. We do not expect they compare themselves unfavourably against unrealistic expectations or other student's achievements. 


We all have our own unique skills and attributes that combine together to define the wonderful individuals that we all become. It is this that is worth celebrating. VCE exams are undoubtedly a time of significant stress for our students. The measurement of ATAR scores is one worthy factor in judging the success of a child's education.
The problem is that the real worth of a student and of schools in nurturing the young, improving their skills, teaching them to think for themselves and to contribute to those around them are just too difficult to measure.  How do you put that into an ATAR score?
Best wishes to our students as they begin their exams. Remember that there is more to a young person's worth than the numeric score on an exam.

This weeks PL clip takes on a lighter side. It is a series of quotes about happiness. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/1hh-EgTOxZM

East Burwood Tennis Club have asked us to promote their lessons. Please contact Pat Wright on 9808 6362/ 0407 523 795 for information on  tennis lessons.


Please also find below some information on a road safety program being offered in our area. There are some links to websites that assist in better understanding the program offered.

    Choice & Consequence

The difference the Choice & Consequence program will make to you and the lives of your family and friends is difficult to describe.

Choice & Consequence is a Road Safety program that all drivers will benefit from.

It’s the Road Safety conversation many parents would like to have with their children today, if only they had access to the resources we have and knew the extraordinary difference that it will make.

Choice & Consequence has been designed to provide powerful information to participants in a safe environment. Participants will leave the program with a clear understanding of some of the choices they will have to make and the consequences that their choices may have, for themselves and those around them.

The program is delivered by Emergency Services personnel with substantial experience in the Road Trauma domain and members of the community who have engaging stories to share.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities which will enhance the information provided.

This event is free, be there and see it for yourself.

Saturday June 2. 9:30am-4:00pm Doors Open at 9:00am

St Scholastica’s Community Centre 348 Burwood Hwy Bennettswood

Registration is essential: www.ZeroRoadToll.com    Enquiries: 9999 5899

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8098371