It is hard to believe that we have reached the halfway point in the term. Students are now in the middle of the assessment period and should be focused on achieving their best in each task. This is now an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learnt and the new skills that they have developed.

Year 12s – Reaching the Middle

By the time that you read this newsletter, our Year 12 students have now completed 50% of their assessment for each subject. In most cases, this means that they have only one more internal task to complete for each subject before the external exams in Term 4. Keeping focused and using their learning disposition toolkits is essential in the coming weeks. Year 12 students should now be completing 10-15 hours of homework each week. This homework can be focused on retrieval practice and reviewing notes.

I look forward to hearing the results of the recent round of assessment.

Year 12 External Exam Timetable

QCAA has just released the 2021 External Examination Timetable. It can be found at the following link. In Term 3, students will be provided with their attendance requirements across the examination block.

https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_ext_assess_timetable_2021.pdf

Mobile Phones

I want to take this opportunity to remind parents and students that all communication between parents and students during the school day should go through the office. Students should not be using phones throughout the school day. This can affect their ability to concentrate in class, develop their strategies for resilience and interact socially with their peers in a face-to-face environment. Occasionally, staff may request that student use their phones for learning purposes (to film performances, experiments, etc.), but this would be an exception rather than a common occurrence. Please encourage your child to avoid personal mobile phone use throughout the day.

Uniform Expectations

Over recent weeks there has been a slip in standards in the wearing of uniform for our Senior Years students. I am sure that you will agree that when students wear their uniform correctly, it represents that College positively. Over the coming weeks, we will be placing a strong focus on wearing the uniform and meeting presentation expectations.

I ask that parents and students please address the following:

Socks – The grey socks that boys wear are required to be just below the knee. When the double fold is completed, this assists with keeping the socks pulled up. Several boys will need to replace their socks with a larger size to ensure that they can pull them up fully.  

Sports Jackets – The sports jacket can only be worn over the top of the red pullover when a student is wearing the formal uniform. Please be advised that if students are only wearing a sports jacket with their formal uniform, they will be asked to remove it.

Earrings – girls are permitted only to wear one sleeper or stud in each ear lobe. We currently have several students wearing multiple earrings. Please note that students will be asked to remove or swap additional earnings immediately. Repeat offences will have the earrings confiscated.

I encourage all parents to go through the College’s uniform requirements to ensure that their child meets the required standards. Your support on this matter is greatly appreciated.

https://www.dalby.catholic.edu.au/uniforms

Communication and Pastoral Concerns

Throughout the year, parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s subject teachers as an initial point of contact for any pastoral or academic matters. For further matters, please contact me through the College Office or by email matthew.hodge@twb.catholic.edu.au

Matt Hodge

Assistant Principal Senior Years