Senior Sector Joy

As we reach the end of the school year, many students have shared their excitement for the upcoming holiday and a well-deserved break. It's a time to celebrate all that we've achieved and to look forward to some relaxation.

Before we sign off for the year, I have one final request. Take a moment to reflect on the past year. Celebrate your successes and acknowledge the times when things didn't go as planned. This reflection is a wonderful opportunity to identify areas for growth and set some inspiring goals for 2025. Whether it's focusing more on your studies, participating in more school activities, or putting extra effort into subjects you find challenging, writing down these goals can set you on a path to success.

It's also a great time to refresh your wardrobe! Say goodbye to those old, worn-out socks, torn shirts, and grass-stained shorts. Let's start the new school year with a fresh, respectable look by updating our uniforms.

For me, the end of the year is an exciting time to celebrate the achievements of our students and staff. It's a moment to pause, take stock, and look forward to a fresh start and renewed focus for 2025. Enjoy your holiday, and let's come back ready to make the next year even better!

Senior Years Up Day

This week, we welcomed our 2025 Year 9 and 10 students to the Senior Sector of the College. The classes were filled with enthusiasm and excitement as we welcomed the current Year 8 students into the senior years. It was great to see the support among the students and the staff, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The day was designed to help students transition smoothly, providing them with the tools and confidence needed to succeed in their new academic journey. The positive energy and engagement from both students and staff made the day impactful.

Setting strong expectations for 2025 was a key focus of Up Day, and it was evident that the students are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. The classes focussed on  the importance of academic excellence, personal growth, and mutual respect, laying a solid foundation for the upcoming year. The collaborative spirit among the students and staff was inspiring, and it was clear that they are prepared to support each other in achieving their best.

Year 12 Successes

In writing this newsletter article I have also been informed that 100% of all our 2024 Year 12 students who applied for early entry into university now have received offers! With only 5 students waiting for offers (to courses that did not accept early entries) through the standard pathway.

Its is also great to hear 100% of our 2024 Year 12 students, not opting for a university pathway, have been successful in transitioning to their chosen pathway/profession since leaving the college.

 This is outstanding news and a massive congratulations to all our past students.

Our current Year 11 students have also been achieving well with 80% of all Year 11’s achieving an A grade in at least one of their senior subjects. This bodes very well for the 2025 Year 12’s achieving great things.

As we entered the final weeks of 2024 it has been a very busy time for our college community.

The successes that have occurred this year in academic, sporting and cultural realms have been a true credit to all the students at the college.

Moving into 2025

To assist parents in planning below are some of the significant dates for Senior Years students in 2024.

Year 10 Laptop Collection – 24 January 2025, 10am–3.30pm & 28 January 2025, 1pm–6pm

Year 12 Formal – 21 March 2025

Year 10 Work Experience – 16 to 20 June 2025

Year 10 School Education & Training Meetings – 4 to 8 August 2025

Year 12 External Exams – 14 October to 12 November 2025

Senior Years has camps aligned to student outcomes. To assist with your planning, I have attached the rough outline for the camps from Years 9 to 12 with more information available on our website as part of our “Grow Great People matrix”. Costing for these camps is now inclusive in the new fee structured mentioned in this weeks news letter.

Staff Farewell

With the end of each school year comes the inevitable staff farewells and offering of thanks to others whose role may be changing at the school. These changes to staffing roles and farewells can be both quite sad, and exciting as it brings new opportunities and possible adventures for those departing or changing roles.

This week sees us farewelling 3 of our Senior Years teachers, Mr Setch, Mr DeCosta Silva, and Miss Stoltz.

From all our community we wish these staff all the best in their new roles and may St Christoper guide and protect you on your new journey.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is a celebration that spans cultures and generations, holding a special place in our hearts. As our homes light up with festive decorations and an air of warmth and joy, we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Christmas. However, it's important to remember that Christmas is more than just a holiday; it's a reminder of the power of love, compassion, and empathy.

One of the most significant aspects of Christmas is the act of giving. We exchange presents to show love and appreciation for our loved ones. However, Christmas giving should go beyond material gifts; it should come from the heart, not just the wallet. For instance, a simple act of kindness, like helping a neighbour with their gardening or doing volunteer work, can have a profound impact.

I hope that over the holidays everyone is blessed with the opportunity to take a well-earned break to refresh and rejuvenate. Students are also encouraged to engage in the following activities:

• Reading is a great holiday activity because reading fiction aids relaxation but also builds vocabulary, improves reading comprehension and develops written expression, all skills that will assist in future learning. Importantly, reading can also provide students with a vital break from technology.
• Physical activities such as walking, bike riding, going to the beach, going to the gym or playing sport all have great physical benefits but will also aid memory and thinking skills.
• Keeping a journal is a great way to sketch, make lists, keep track of notes, create mind maps, store memorable quotes or pictures or ideas. It doesn’t really matter what is recorded – by regularly putting pen to paper, students think actively and document their thought processes, all habits that help in learning.
• Crosswords, word searches, puzzles and Sudoku books are also great activities as they require you to work through the steps to reason and reach a solution which all help challenge the mind.

I would like to wish all our students and families a safe and enjoyable break. Please ensure you take some time to spend together and reflect on the year that has been. I look forward to welcoming you all back to our community in 2025. 

God of wisdom,
We thank you
for all the gifts you have given us throughout this school year.
We praise you for giving us life,
for saving us in Christ,
and for choosing us to be your people.
As we come to the end of this school year, we voice our gratitude
for the good things you have done in us, and we praise you for all who have shared in the work of this College.
We ask you to bless them in your love and give them refreshment and peace.

We praise you, God,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.

Mr Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal Senior Years