From the Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9
We are now well into the second half of the term, and it is wonderful to see everyone continuing to strive for their personal best and to be the best version of themselves. This term has already seen many great achievements, with a number of you receiving your first Principal’s Award, a fantastic milestone and a true testament to your effort and commitment to the College.
Keep working hard to earn more merits and set your sights on achieving your second Principal’s Award. Stay motivated, keep pushing yourself, and continue to be proud of the progress you are making.
Remember, success is not just about awards, but also about the positive choices you make each day, being kind, respectful, and resilient in all that you do. Every effort, no matter how small, adds up to your personal growth and the strong, supportive community we are building together.
As we move toward the end of the term, let’s finish strong. Keep aiming high, celebrate your achievements, and continue to challenge yourself to reach new goals.
Respect and the Learning Environment
Term 3 has placed a renewed emphasis on the value of respect, towards teachers, peers, and the learning environment. As a College, we have reiterated that defiance, disrespect, and disruptions to learning are inconsistent with our shared values and expectations.
In their place, we are fostering a consistent, college-wide culture in which respect is both expected and modelled by all members of our community. It is through these daily demonstrations of respect that we continue to build a safe, orderly, and thriving environment that enables every student to achieve their personal best.
As we look ahead, let us remember that respect is the foundation of success. By upholding it in our classrooms, on the playground, and beyond the College gates, we not only strengthen our own character but also contribute to a community where everyone can flourish. Together, we have the opportunity to finish the term with pride and to set the standard for excellence in all that we do.
Attendance Matters Now More Than Ever
Our Year 9 attendance rate is an area that requires continued improvement if we are to meet our goals and targets. At this stage of the year, it is common for attendance to begin to slip, yet even missing one day each week results in significant lost learning opportunities over time.
We sincerely thank those students and families who continue to prioritise schooling and maintain attendance above 85%. Your commitment makes a real difference to learning outcomes and sets a positive example for others.
We encourage all families to support their child in being at school every day, on time (8:30am) and ready to learn. The habits established now are not only vital for academic success but also lay the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. Together, we can strengthen attendance and ensure every student is equipped to reach their full potential.
Wellbeing Lessons - Leadership
This term, our Year 9 students have been engaging in activities designed to deepen their understanding of leadership. Through group discussions and collaborative tasks, students have explored a range of leadership styles and qualities, examining how these can be applied effectively in different situations.
They have also reflected on real-life examples of leadership, identifying the traits that make leaders successful and the challenges they may face. To consolidate their learning, students created their own personal leadership profiles, outlining their preferred styles and the qualities they wish to develop.
This unit has encouraged students to think critically about what it means to be a leader, both within the College and beyond, as they lead into a time when leadership opportunities are just around the corner, preparing them to become the leaders of our school in 2026.
Fast Forward Program:
On the 14th of August, twelve Year 9 students accompanied by Miss Bade and Ms May, had the opportunity to become a part of the Fast Forward Program. This program allowed the students, as well as a few other schools, the opportunity to visit the Western Sydney University Campus in Kingswood. Here they are given the chance to explore and become familiar with the university environment. The program also encourages students to strive and attain their personal best and see what tertiary study will look like as a realistic and viable post-school option.
The students engaged in a range of activities that allowed them to hone in their critical thinking, leadership and teamwork skills. With the help of a friendly university team member, the students worked well together completing challenges, solving riddles and cracking codes whilst also experiencing the reality of university life.
Overall, the program was a great way for students to understand and even consider post-school options in an enjoyable and engaging way, sparking conversations about future subject selections and courses.
In Summary:
As we move further into the term, it is important to pause and reflect on the progress made so far. Year 9 has demonstrated growth across many areas, from academic achievement and attendance, to respectful behaviour, leadership development, and participation in enriching programs like Fast Forward. These experiences not only strengthen skills for the present but also build the confidence and character needed as students move closer to senior leadership opportunities in the College.
We are proud of the commitment and effort shown by so many, and we thank families for their ongoing support in encouraging students to be their best. The remainder of Term 3 is an opportunity for every student to finish with focus, determination, and pride.
Let us all continue to aim high, respect one another, and remember to be kind. Together, we can ensure that Year 9 continues to thrive, setting the stage for even greater success in the years ahead.
Every day counts. Every effort matters. Every student can achieve.
From your Leaders of Wellbeing,
Mr Carlos and Ms Bade