PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT INTERVIEWS
As we come to the end of this very strange and busy Term, we reach the halfway mark of the academic year for Years 7 - 10. Traditionally this is a time of formal reporting on the progress of the students to their families. I am often asked by parents, “How can I help my child in their learning. It is so different from when I was at school”.
The simplest way is to show interest and discuss progress and learning with them. Take pride in their successes and work with them when less successful. The Parent/Teacher/Student (P/T/S) interviews that take place in conjunction with the report are crucial for students to access learning success.
It is a time to check on progress, identify areas for improvement, enjoy the successes and set a direction for further development in the learning for the rest of the year. If you don’t feel confident in this, that is OK and fairly normal, contact the College or talk to class teachers at the P/T/S interviews.
Research shows that students who have a family that is supportive and interested about their studies, perform better than equally talented students with no home support or interest. They take more care and pride in their work and want to do their best to please their parents. It’s not about doing the work with or for your child, it is about the time and presence that is generated by genuine interest.
Parent interest also creates a unity with the class teacher, in the home, working with the College in ensuring the best possible learning outcomes for your child. I urge all parents to take the opportunity that these important interviews present.
WINTER IS UPON US
The winter solstice will pass next week, hidden under the strange circumstances of coming out from Covid19 restrictions and the excitement of holidays at the end of Term 2 and the resumption of a normal lifestyle.
In Australia the 4 - 5 week period immediately after the solstice is the coldest time of the year as the water, atmosphere and land halts growth with the cooling process and then slowly starts to gain more warmth from the sun. So this cold time is a fitting time to have a few weeks holiday. We gather strength for the coming period of spring growth.
Similar to the weather, the school year will commence to 'heat' up upon our return to Term 3, with Year 11 moving towards their Preliminary Course Exams and the selection of College Leaders for 2018. The Year 12 group encounter the HSC Trial exams and then have a period of focused study leading to several farewell events towards the end of Term. All this leads to them commencing their HSC Exams in Term 4.
Likewise, our religious and spiritual life will resume as the option to attend Mass returns to normal. Attending weekly Mass is normal for me, it allows me time to slow down, listen, reflect and consider. Things that are not often present during a busy week, where reaction and decision is so important. I have grown to truly enjoy and use this time for me.