Congratulations
Congratulations to those students who received academic achievement, endeavour, and improvement awards at the recent academic award assemblies, and particularly those students for whom this was their first such award. Whether they have had to work hard for ‘satisfactory’ results, or if they have achieved ‘excellent’ results more comfortably, all students can and should all be striving to improve. Not only so they (and you as their parents) can be proud of their efforts, perseverance and results, but also because this is what is expected of them to not fall behind in a rapidly changing society and workforce.
I shared with the students yesterday an insight into what we can learn about change and stress by using lobsters as a metaphor. As a lobster gets bigger, its rigid shell becomes too tight, causing discomfort and pressure. So, it retreats under a sheltering rock, sheds its old shell, and grows a new one. This process repeats multiple times. The discomfort signals growth – it's a sign that the old ways no longer fit, and change is necessary. However, if we avoid discomfort, we stunt our growth and face ongoing stress. Additionally, for the lobster to grow, it must be vulnerable. When it sheds its old shell, the new one is soft and offers little protection at first. It takes time for the new shell to toughen. Just like the lobster, discomfort or stress and vulnerability are essential for the development, resilience and continual improvement of our students, which is what we are all striving to achieve. Upcoming Exam blocks, NAPLAN and other tests, and the many upcoming extra-curricular opportunities (including Kokoda) allow our students to implement and demonstrate their improvement through discomfort, or at least stepping out of their comfort zone.
As a College, we are now essentially full, but if we are not also seeking to continually improve the learning experience for our students, we will eventually begin falling backwards. The College Council and Leadership Team are initiating a fresh Strategic Plan to propel the College forward into the 21st century. As part of this initiative, we are currently in the process of updating the College's Campus Master Plan. Secondary students will soon be sent a survey seeking their important input into ensuring the College continues to meet their evolving educational needs and those of students to come.
Congratulations and Thanks
Congratulations to the vast majority of students for their wonderful participation and spirited competition at the Secondary School Inter-House Swimming Carnival. A special congratulations is extended to Jubi House; led by the House Captains, Madison R and Bryce U, on their carnival victory, and to all the competitors for their House spirit, enthusiasm and participation. Thank you to Mr Freddie Wood (Head of Sport), the House Leaders and the Secondary Staff for their assistance in ensuring the carnival was successful.
New students’ morning teas
We invited students new to St Andrews this year to have morning tea with some of the pastoral staff and myself, to gauge how they are settling in. We asked for feedback on areas they may still require support with, as well as their ‘fresh eyes’ on their experience in starting, and on the extra-curricular program. The new Year 8-12 students came this week, and the new Year 7 students are coming this Monday.
Assessment Feedback and Results
A reminder to parents that they can access their child(ren)’s academic results via Parent Lounge. Over the next few weeks, results and written feedback will begin to appear in this space. To follow are some easy steps to access your child’s assessment results.
Accessing your child’s results through Parent Lounge
Step 1 – Log into Parent Lounge through the website www.salc.qld.edu.au portals, Parent Lounge and enter your username and password.
Step 2 - Select Curricular Activities Due (left-hand side under the title Parent Lounge) then click View All Activities button (right-hand side at top in light blue).
Step 3 – Click on an activity (in the Activity Name Column) that says “Assessed” (in the Activity Status Column).
Step 4 – Results will show for that particular subject and assessment activity giving activity details, outline and assessment results. Please note, results will only show for subjects that say assessed in the Activity Status Column.
While there may not be results posted for all subjects given it is still early in the year, it is always a good idea to revisit the assessment calendar with your son/daughter. If you need help, please ask your children to show you and share with you their class OneNote. If you need further help please contact your child’s connect teacher.
Learning opportunities
Over the last couple of weeks, students have engaged in a range of learning opportunities and excursions. These included a Year 11 and 12 Visual Art Excursion to QAGOMA in Brisbane to see the Fairy Tales exhibition, a Year 11 Hospitality excursion to Currumbin RSL’s bar and restaurant facilities, to experience how a bar operates. Year 10 Hospitality students visited Bonappetea Tea House where they had a tour and enjoyed a ‘High Tea’ as part of their practical assessment.
Today, our Year 12 students attended a University Showcase event at the College. Representatives from local Universities and Colleges came to St Andrews to conveniently provide students with future pathways information.