Welcome Back

We extend a warm welcome back to all families! We hope the summer break provided a wonderful opportunity for rest, relaxation and reconnection. It has been fantastic to see the students return with energy and enthusiasm, ready to tackle the year ahead.

Semester 1 Continuation

A gentle reminder that our Headstart program late last year marked the official commencement of Semester 1 classes. Therefore, the work covered and the attendance recorded during that period are part of the current reporting cycle. Attendance percentage rates will reflect the entire semester, inclusive of the Headstart period.

Home Learning and Student Organisation

The Student Planner is an essential tool for organisation. We encourage you to review it with your child, as it contains valuable information regarding Home Learning expectations and the Submission of Work policy.

Home Learning is not limited to tasks explicitly set by class teachers. Effective independent learning is also student-driven and may include:

• Reading ahead or wider reading on a topic.
• Revising notes and practising material covered in class.
• Completing extension activities to deepen understanding.

Recommended Home Learning Allocations

To support a balanced lifestyle, our current time recommendations for focused home learning are as follows:

Year Level	Hours per School Day	Hours on the Weekend
Year 7	1 hour	1 hour
Year 8	1 ¼ hours	1 ½ hours
Year 9	1 ½ hours	2 hours
Year 10	2 to 3 hours	4 hours
Year 11	2 to 3 ½ hours	4 to 5 hours
Year 12	3 to 4 hours	5 to 7 hours

Partnership in Learning: Checking PAM

Transparency in assessment helps us work together to support student growth.

• Assessment Dates: All teaching staff are required to upload their major assessment tasks and due dates to SIMON/PAM by Friday 16 February. Please encourage your child to check their assessments via the student view in SIMON to plan their time effectively.
• Feedback: Timely feedback is crucial for improvement. It is our professional expectation that feedback will be entered for assessment tasks within a fortnight (two weeks) of the task’s due date. Parents and carers can view this feedback through PAM.

Establishing Routines

As we settle into the term, now is the ideal time to re-establish positive school routines. This includes ensuring students have a quiet place to study, are adhering to uniform expectations and are getting adequate sleep by managing screen time in the evenings.

Upcoming Events

VCE Information Night

Date: Monday 16 February

Time: 7.00 pm

Location: Auditorium

All parents and carers with a student enrolled in one or more VCE units are strongly encouraged to attend. This evening covers critical information regarding VCE policies, study scores and how to support your child through their final years. A separate communication with specific details has been sent to relevant families.

Year 10 Morrisby Testing

Date: Wednesday 18 February

To assist with future subject selection and career planning conversations, all Year 10 students will sit the Morrisby Test. This is a comprehensive profiling tool that helps students identify their strengths and potential career pathways. Please ensure your child is present on this day.

Stephanie Murphy

Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching