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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.
It is nice as a school community to hear that our students are being role model citizens out in the community; something that is definitely needed at the moment.
We received a lovely email this week from a member of the public noting how impressed they were with our students on one of the public buses. They let us know that they witnessed numerous students offering their seats to other passengers as they got on the bus and were impressed by the respect and courteousness shown. Small actions can make a big difference and we continue to encourage our students to look for these opportunities.
We are already at the midpoint of the year, with Year 7-10 Reports due for distribution on Thursday 2nd July. Parent teacher interviews are scheduled for Monday 27th July (first day of Term 3) as online interviews using zoom.
Online bookings will open up Monday of Week 10 on compass, and all parents will receive an email with instructions on how to book these.
The interviews will run from 10am-5:30pm and will be run via Zoom, after success with our senior students. Parents may be able to attend in lunch breaks if working and we hope that the zoom meetings make the interviews more accessible for all.
If you have any issues with booking your interviews, please contact the school for assistance.
The return to “normal” school in Term 2 coincides with the expectations and requirements of full winter uniform for all students.
This means:
- The College blazer must be worn to and from school and to Learning Group each morning (Year 12 are permitted to wear their jackets in lieu of the blazer)
- The blazer is the first outer garment to be worn in cold weather. The College woollen jumper can be worn under the blazer on extra cold days. Should students require extra layers, these must be worn under the shirt or blouse and not be visible.
- Boys must wear long trousers, shirts must be tucked in and ties must be worn at all times
- Girls must wear black stockings
- Black leather school shoes (hard sole) must be worn
- Girls must have hair tied up and only a single piercing in the ear lobe is permitted. Acrylic nails or nail polish are not permitted.
- Boys hair must be cut neat and tidy above the collar. No piercings are permitted for boys.
- On sport days (and allocated PDHPE practical days), students may choose to wear the College tracksuit or shorts.
- The College bag must be carried by all students.
For further details, please consult the College website or the student planner. Should you have any concerns or queries, please feel free to contact the relevant Year Coordinator.
