Welcome to Term 3. I hope everyone has had a restful break and is ready for the second half of the year.
As we launch into Semester 2, I want to remind us about the importance of engagement in learning for students. Education is most successful when we strike the balance between wellbeing and academic achievement. When students are extended and challenged, to reach just beyond their current ability, this is the space in which growth occurs, and resilience is developed. When our students are held in high regard, cared for and supported, they are in the best space to face these challenges and the greatest growth occurs.
Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop this year published The Disengaged Teen, in which they remind us of the essential ingredients for supporting our students to be engaged and interested in their learning. It is easily accessible and points to significant research around how best to engage our adolescent learners, and I offer you these 10 strategies you can try to support our work at school:
- Be involved: Stay actively involved in your child's education by attending school events, communicating with teachers and showing interest in their academic progress.
- Create a positive learning environment: Establish a supportive home atmosphere that values education, encourages curiosity and provides resources for learning.
- Encourage autonomy: Allow your child to take ownership of their learning by giving them choices in their study materials and methods, fostering independence and motivation.
- Focus on strengths: Recognise and celebrate your child's strengths and interests, linking them to school subjects to make learning more relevant and engaging.
- Set realistic expectations: Encourage your child to set achievable goals and understand that it's okay to face challenges along the way; resilience is key.
- Promote a growth mindset: Teach your child that effort and perseverance can lead to improvement, helping them to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them.
- Encourage social connections: Support your child in building friendships and participating in group activities, as social interactions can enhance their school experience and engagement.
- Communicate openly: Maintain open lines of communication with your child about their feelings regarding school, helping them articulate challenges and successes.
- Seek help when needed: Recognise when your child may need additional support, whether academic or emotional, and be proactive in seeking resources or assistance.
- Model lifelong learning: Demonstrate your own love for learning by exploring new topics and interests, showing your child that education is a continuous journey.
Together, in partnership, we can support our children to make the most of their schooling. By embracing these strategies, we can foster a positive attitude towards learning and academic achievement.
Child safe approaches
One of the focusses for our recent staff professional development day was further support to staff around the safeguarding of children and young people. All staff across each section of the School worked through a series of scenarios to support our proactive approach which empowers staff to act in response to any concerns around a child's safety.
School Uniform
We continue to work with students to improve the adherence to school uniform. In an effort to deepen our relationship with students, we invited a group of students from across Years 7–12 to participate in an Appreciative Inquiry. This process involved open and honest discussions about their experiences with the uniform, what they love about it, and how it might be improved. Staff from both the Middle and Senior Schools collaborated to design the interview template and ensure consistency in the process. We will use this engagement to support appearance standards across the school. We are all keen for students and staff to have greater pride in our school through better student presentation.
We look forward to seeing you all across the various programs and opportunities to celebrate student learning and achievement in the months ahead. Thank you for your ongoing support.
With best wishes,
Jonathan Walter
Principal
