Wellbeing Year 9
Hello everyone,
We are nearing the end of what has been an exciting and busy Term 1. I am happy to say that I am proud of the way that majority of the year 9 students have upheld themselves during this term, especially with all the rain that has come our way, limiting a lot of us from enjoying our recess and lunch breaks. I am proud of all the students who are striving to achieve their personal bests in all their subjects and continue to challenge themselves to do good things for others. These things do not get unnoticed.
Learning and Wellbeing Focus - Organisation and Home Learning
We are now at a period in the term where students have multiple assessment tasks due. Assessment tasks are important for you to be able to see how much knowledge and understanding you have gained over the course of the term.
A couple of weeks ago, I spoke with year 9 in regards to being organised with their time at home to make sure that they complete their assessment tasks before the due date. Students were told to use their resources such as the learning centre and to speak to their teachers or myself early before the due date. Students need to take ownership, accountability and responsibility of how they go about completing these assessment tasks.
I hope all year 9 have worked hard on these tasks as they would be working hard in the classroom.
We have also been hit with a lot of students having to learn from home due to isolation. First and foremost, your health is important and you should always look after yourself and get the rest you need. However, you also need to be able to complete home learning to the best of your ability whilst in isolation.
You must be proactive in making sure you check your Google Classrooms for any work posted by your teachers and try your best to complete this. If there are any issues, you must email your teacher. Remember, everything you do; classwork, homework, assessments, count!
Elective Changes
Students in year 9 can no longer request to change their electives. If you have recently given me a Subject Change form, unfortunately these cannot be processed. We are now nearing the end of term 1 and with assessments being handed out and due, students must now stay in their selected subjects. If you are finding it hard to complete work in this subject, speak with your teacher and ask what you can do to make sure you learn and understand the content.
Student Accomplishments
Recently we have had the pleasure in congratulating Makoi Malual for placing 3rd in the Public Speaking Competition. This is a huge achievement for her and for St Andrews. We are all very proud of her performance and I’m sure all her family and friends are happy for what she has accomplished.
I would also like to congratulate Julio and Dominic Tatupu again for their achievements at the NSW Junior Athletics Championships. Julio came 1st in hammer throw, 4th in shot put and 8th in discus. Dom came 2nd in hammer throw, 2nd in shot put and 7th in discus.
I would also like to congratulate all year 9 students who went to the PDSSSC Swimming Carnival and those representing St Andrews during Thursday Sport.
Congratulations to all the students who continue to do well academically in their classes and striving to receive merits and hoping to one day receive a Principal's award.
Goals for Weeks 9 & 10
- Complete assessment tasks; prioritise what is due first and plan what days you will work on what subject.
- Receive at least 3 merits across all subjects for the next 2 weeks by working hard in the classroom (not giving up), helping others and the community.
Continue to be the amazing students I know you can be. If you ever need to contact me, you can always come to B1 or email me kcarlos3@parra.catholic.edu.au
Google Classroom
Google classroom is an essential tool for all students here at St Andrews. It is also equally important that parents and caregivers have access to the platform to make sure they are aware of the work that is taking place by the students and anything that is missing or has not been completed.
Over the next few days, the administrative staff here at the college will be working to send an invitation to all parents/caregivers to allow access to the Year 7 Wellbeing Classroom Page. By accepting access to this page you will then be automatically invited to all classroom pages that your son or daughter is enrolled in.
This will allow you to receive a weekly update on the progress of your child and help them keep on top of the high school workload.
If there are any issues with this process please feel free to contact Mr Jarryd Leaves.
Mental Health Workshops
Transitioning to high school can be a really challenging time for students and itcan sometimes be very challenging to deal with the mental health challenges that are presented by your sons and daughters.
Here are some free online workshops run by headspace for parents/caregivers, to help you provide even more support to your child's mental health this year.
CLICK: Mon 14 Mar - 12pm – 1:15pm - Communicating with my young person
CLICK: Mon 21 Mar - 6:30pm – 7:45pm - Helping my young person during COVID
CLICK: Thur 7 Apr - 6:30pm – 7:45pm - Helping my young person during COVID
Other dates are available for various areas in NSW. Sessions are all online. Other dates/
Kharl Carlos
Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9