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From the Deputy Principal

Published 01/07/2021 · Academic

It has been another very busy term but it has concluded with a celebration of our student’s achievements with the release of our first SEQTA reports to all families of students in Pre-primary to Year 12. I would like to extend my congratulations to all students who have been working consistently throughout the first semester to achieve their personal best. The next few weeks should be a time of reflection and goal setting for our students of all year levels. I would encourage all students to closely review the personal attributes section of their report, as it outlines how they have approached their studies across a variety of areas and importantly any areas for growth. Please do speak with teachers at our upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews regarding progress and how we can continue to work together to achieve these goals.

Our Year 10’s have begun the process of subject selection for Years 11 and 12 for 2022; an exciting but somewhat daunting few weeks ahead for some, as we look towards laying strong foundations for the final senior years and so as to attain secondary graduation and either university, TAFE or workplace entrance. We thank our team of interviewers for the individual attention that each student is receiving in counselling them to follow the most suitable pathway and of course to our families whose support is greatly appreciated.

Our Year 10, 11 and 12 students have also completed their first examinations for the year. Teachers have by this stage reviewed papers with their classes and feedback provided. Students are encouraged to meet with teachers where questions remain about key concepts and to identify areas of focus for Term 3.

Commencing in 2022, we are excited to announce that we have entered into partnership with Murdoch University to offer our Year 12’s placement into Flexitrack High. This programme provides a structured and supportive learning experience for students who are seeking an alternative option to ATAR entry pathway into university. It is designed to prepare students for under graduate studies at Murdoch University and is an outstanding pathway to assist in university preparation for students not seeking to complete ATAR studies. Flexitrack:
• Provides explicit instruction in the foundational academic skills of reading, writing, analysing and researching.
• Developing capacity to engage critically with texts and argue effectively
The course runs over 30 weeks (three school terms in Year 12), and is delivered at St Brigid’s College (5 lessons per week) by our staff, in collaboration with our allocated Academic Tutor from Murdoch University. Students on successful completed are granted a Murdoch indicative ATAR of 70.0 which can be used for entrance into all courses except Law, Veterinary Science and Engineering and 4 endorsed units for WACE attainment. We are looking forward to working with our students to be considered to enter into this programme.

The Library continue to be a hub of activity, especially as the cooler temperatures are upon us. Lunch times have seen our weekly Lego Masters challenges thrive with our primary students; who are prompted by one of the many titles in our collection and an image, to create their own masterpiece. From under the sea, aliens, bridges, towers and giant food, creativity, team work and a lot of patience has been shown. We have loved watching these students think laterally! Secondary students have been busy preparing for upcoming assessments, taking time to read one of our new additions to the collection, reading a book for Story Time to our younger students or earning Mia Mad hours. The bean bag toss has taken on a new life with various age group or staff versus student challenges becoming common place.

I would also like to make mention of our Junior Cheerleaders and Dance Troupes, who have been working hard each week to learn new skills and routines in preparation for Term 3! Both groups have been consistently showing such positive team work and support of each other, as their work with our Coach Annie and Year 11 students Sammy Scott, Isla Harvey and Olivia Uetake. Each week we also have our Robotics Teams who are working on a variety of tasks and their programming skills, the room is a hive of activity and these children are just dynamite in this field. Our various clubs in the secondary will continue into the next semester, and are designed to allow students to have a more personalised approach to assistance needed and sometimes an alternate method of explanation (these run either at lunchtimes or after school, teachers are able to provide timings for families to take advantage of these opportunities).

A busy term, hopefully followed by a relaxing holiday for our students. Please take time to recharge and nurture the mind, body and soul.

God Bless
Janine Walsh

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