Good afternoon everyone,

As we enter the start of a well earned break after what has been a unique past three months, we can now look forward to re-establishing some degree of normality with our learning and wellbeing programs. The past week, with the release of our new Semester Reports and Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews, has allowed some semblance of the regularity that we would normally expect. After the break, particularly with the recent lifting of some restrictions relating to assemblies and meetings, our Pastoral and Wellbeing teams will be addressing some key issues. The laws and expectations relating to Social Media and Technology, Mental Health and Growth Mindset are examples of topics that will be addressed in Pastoral Classes and Year Assemblies during the first couple of weeks. 

Senior Constable Alan Clapham, Schools Liaison Officer from Campbelltown-Camden Local Area Command, will be speaking to all year groups regarding the issues pertaining to Cyber Safety and the responsible use of Technology. This was originally pencilled in for Term One, but had to be postponed. 

Individual Year groups will be looking at issues relating to anxiety, resilience and communication, particularly in respect to relationships and school work and how they might best manage circumstances that often arise in their day to day lived experiences. 

The concept of Growth Mindset will be applied in a practical manner as students in Years 7-10 will undertake a reflection on their semester report and set some goals for improvement over the coming two terms. This could be in the form of improving specific overall grades in individual subjects, to look more closely at the comments contained in their report, or their work habits (Contribution to learning, Interpersonal skills and Organisation and Assessment). A sample scaffold for this reflection is attached here: What does my Semester One Report tell me? 

I have also included some links to some useful links outlining the Growth Mindset concept for those who might like to utilise them in support of your son or daughters learning:

Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset overview

Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck

Identify: Fixed or Growth Mindset (Scenarios)

Finally, a reminder that upon our return to Term Three, our normal expectations regarding uniform and grooming remain high. If you are unsure of these expectations, particularly regarding issues relating to things like hair and jewellery, they are included in detail in the student diary, as well as in the following overview of Uniform and Grooming expectations. Please ensure that your son/daughter is fulfilling their responsibilities regarding these expectations so that the return to second semester can be one that is focused on learning and free of unnecessary disruption.

Thanks again for your support during the term, it is much appreciated. 

Mr Simon Huntly

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator