Senior's Say
As we PASS the midpoint of Term 2, it has been great to see the growth in our students thus far. From strong academic performances to accomplishments in extracurricular activities, our students are truly excelling.
However, we understand that this success doesn't come without its challenges. With assessment due dates upon us, it is essential to ensure students are giving themselves every chance to succeed. We encourage all our students to adopt healthy coping mechanisms and self-care practices to ensure they are looking after themselves. Balancing academics with self-care activities like exercise, mindfulness, and maintaining a proper sleep schedule can significantly contribute to your overall well-being and performance. Remember, your mental and emotional well-being are as important as your grades.
As part of this journey of excellence at our College, we strive to empower our students by fostering a sense of “Student Agency”. We empower students to take ownership of their learning and actively participate in decision-making processes. Students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but valuable contributors to their educational journey through their attendance and engagement at our College. Through student-led projects, personalized learning pathways, and general discussions, we aim to cultivate their critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making capacities. Through “Student Agency”, we are preparing our students to become lifelong learners and confident, responsible individuals ready to navigate the complexities of the world beyond.
With the upcoming Year 11 Leadership camp, many of our students across Years 11 and 12 have been reflecting on their own agency in making strong choices for their future and working towards their individual and cohort based goals.
YEAR 12 Formal 2024
This Friday our Year 12 students celebrate their Formal. I look forward to celebrating and engaging with our whole community as the excitement builds over what will be a wonderful celebration of our 2024 Year 12 cohort. The formal is a wonderful opportunity for our community to gather and celebrate the Year 12 cohort, with one eye looking towards the finishing line and the other firmly focused on finishing well. More reflections and photos will be shared in our next newsletter.
As always, we continue to encourage our parents to communicate with us where students are struggling but also those who are having success. We welcome proactive communication from our parents to ensure we can support and celebrate your child’s educational journey. Parents are encouraged to make contact with their student’s teachers who are always willing to be proactive and support our students through positive communication with parents.
Assessment Calendars and Exam Timetables
Year 11 and 12 Exam timetables for Term 2 and Year 9 to 12 Assessment calendars for Semesters 1 and 2 have been published via the Parent Portal and are available via the College website.
It is important to note that assessment adjustments for family holidays and other events are not aligned within the QCAA guidelines across all year levels. Conversations must be had with senior leadership should holidays be taken when any assessment is due.
If you have any questions about assessment, please contact your child's classroom teacher or the relevant Middle Leader Curriculum.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross College is responsible for gathering evidence of student achievement on or before the due date for internal assessment instruments. All students have electronic access to their assessment, and it is their responsibility to adhere to these due dates. Students are responsible for planning and managing their time to meet the due dates. Students and parents can contact teachers and Curriculum Leaders via phone or email. Teachers are not able to grant extensions directly with students and parents/carers.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross College is required to adhere to QCAA policies about due dates accepting assignments only on or before the due date unless an extension through AARA processes has been approved. For example, a student who is absent due to family holidays will not be granted an extension for an assignment as this doesn’t meet the AARA guidelines set by QCAA. Any adjustments requested must be supported by medical or professional documentation.
Rodney Spain
Assistant Principal Senior Years