As we come to the end of Semester 1, I just wanted to highlight two things about Middle School.

• When I speak to students about their reports, the first thing I look at are what we call the ABE’s. This stands for Attitude, Behaviour and Effort. At KSHS, our staff report the following attributes: works to the best of their ability, shows courtesy and respect for others, is well organised and prepared for learning, actively participates in learning and meets deadlines. Our staff then give students a level in each domain, that is do they demonstrate the domain consistently, often, sometimes or seldom. The reason we place high value on these ABE’s are because they show how the student is participating in school. We want every student to reach their potential, whatever that may be, and if they are demonstrating these ABE’s consistently, then they are giving themselves every opportunity to achieve to their full potential. I really urge you to focus on these when you receive your student’s report and have a discussion with them based around these and not just the grades. It is a great way then to build in some goals for Semester 2 and beyond. I would also urge you to contact any staff if you have concerns about the ABE’s.
• As we approach the end of the semester, I would really encourage all our students in Middle School to take a look back at the last 18 months and think about how the world is changing. They will be making decisions about their future schooling in the next few years and if they can start planning and setting goals now, it will make these decisions a lot clearer and also more attainable. If you ever need any help with these sorts of 'career planning' decisions we are really fortunate to have the services of an amazing Careers Practitioner in  Amanda Moreno Diaz Morenodiaz@education.wa.edu.au and our Program Coordinator Student Support (Pathways) in Sharon Andrews Sharon.Andrews@education.wa.edu.au. They are both amazing resources for our school and are more than happy to help start the planning process with you and your child. This doesn’t mean they have to know what career they want, but it does help knowing the opportunities and options that are available to students as they move through and then out of High School.