It has been pleasing to see the Year 9s make a positive start to school this term. In their third year of high school, many students have their routine down pat. However, it’s important not to become complacent. As the eldest students in the Middle School, Year 9s are role models for their younger peers. In our Student Council, the student leaders are beginning to take a more active role in the school and soon we will select the Middle School Leaders. This will be announced at our end-of-term assembly.

I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of regular attendance. Did you know, that just one day off school per fortnight equates to 4 weeks of absences per year? Every day counts. Every day, students build on what they already know and develop new skills. Some tips to encourage school attendance include:

• Talk about school in a positive way with your child so they want to go.
• Talk about the benefits of school and value for them.
• Ask your child how they are going at school and about their friends.
• Support them to identify solutions to any issues or concerns they may have.
• Encourage your child to set personal goals related to school each term and acknowledge their efforts and achievements.
• Find out about what your child would like to do in their future and discuss the pathways available to them.

This year, the Year 9 students have the opportunity to participate in the Triple Challenge. Students can nominate by seeing Desi at recess or lunch. The Triple Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to undertake outdoors activities, develop friendships and reflect on our school values such as resilience, respect and pride. The challenges include activities such as canoeing and cycling. This is an opt-in activity, so make sure you contact Desi if you’d like to be involved. 

As we head towards the Easter break, I’d like to remind parents to book an appointment at our upcoming parent night to discuss your child’s progress in their classes.

Kelly Walker
Year 9 Coordinator