From the Leader of Wellbeing - Year 7

Year 7 has now passed the halfway point in their first term of High School. Overall they have continued to transition well to college. However, the transition period is quickly closing and the expectations of Year 7 will begin to increase as they now settle fully into life at St Andrews. 

Year 7 Camp

From March 7th to 8th, nearly all of our 250 Year 7 students embarked on an exciting journey to the Collaroy Centre nestled along the picturesque northern beaches. This outing marked a significant milestone in their Year 7 experience – their inaugural High School Camp.

During these two action-packed days, students delved into a diverse array of activities. From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to abseiling, navigating high ropes courses, engaging in laser tag battles, experiencing the thrill of bubble soccer, mastering archery skills, and scaling rock walls – there was no shortage of excitement!

Beyond the adrenaline rush, the camp provided a valuable opportunity for students to forge new connections with their peers and teachers. Many students shared how they formed lasting friendships during this time and appreciated the chance to mingle with classmates from different homerooms.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated staff whose unwavering support and tireless efforts made this camp a resounding success. Without their commitment, none of this would have been possible.

Learning and Wellbeing Focus - Organisation and Home Learning

In the upcoming weeks, Year 7 will concentrate on the significance of organisation and home learning. These skills are pivotal for their academic progression, and our goal is to equip students with the necessary tools to excel.

Establishing a robust 'Home Learning' routine early on in their high school journey is crucial for Year 7 students. At St. Andrews, Home Learning aligns with the College's Learning Framework and serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement in student learning. It's recommended that Stage 4 students (Years 7 & 8) allocate up to 60 minutes for home learning on weekdays.

Here are examples of potential Home Learning tasks:

- Writing summary notes

- Practising exam-style questions

- Editing and refining written work for submission

- Reading assigned texts or novels for comprehension and enjoyment

- Reviewing completed units of study through revision questions

- Undertaking self-directed research assignments and major projects

- Engaging in physical exercise challenges

- Rehearsing lines for a play or preparing for a public speech/presentation

- Practising musical instruments or rehearsing with fellow band members

- Contributing to their Learning Journal by reflecting on their learning experiences

- Watching educational video clips or news segments posted on Google Classroom

- Revisiting unit content for revision purposes, followed by quizzes in subsequent lessons.

During their Wellbeing period, Year 7 students have been allocated time to collaborate with their Learning Advisor in devising their 'Home Learning Timetables/Plans'. It would greatly benefit students to engage in conversations about these ideas and ensure they actively participate in planning and implementing their home learning routines.

Overall, our new Year 7 students are settling in well and have made a great first impression at the college. I am looking forward to seeing them fully adjust to the new school setting in the near future. 

Mr. Jarryd Leaves 

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 7