It has been an extremely positive start for Year 10 students!

During our Year Level assembly on Friday 31 January we spoke about the expectations of Year 10, and that this year is a big step up from Year 9. Year 10 is a very busy year; where students are beginning accelerated subjects, starting a VET course, working at a casual job, participating in their extra-curricular activities as well as all of the other exciting opportunities that young adults begin to partake in at this point in their lives.

As Year 10 students, they are now considered Senior students in the College and are now role models to our younger students. Many Year 10 students will begin their leadership journeys in different capacities, such as becoming a Peer Support Leader, nurturing and guiding our new Year 7 students to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. As such, Year 10 comes with an increased responsibility, and we aim to instil positive behaviours and attributes that can follow them into Years 11, 12 and beyond. This starts with how students are presenting to school each morning, both with their uniform and their punctuality to Homeroom each day. Jewellery is always a component of the Uniform Policy that is regularly reinforced, so I would welcome your support as parents/guardians by ensuring that your child arrives at school adhering to these expectations and modelling this to our younger levels.

As such, it is of the utmost importance that our students begin the year establishing positive routines that will ensure they are maximising every opportunity that is presented to them. Attached to this article are two references that explain the importance of self-care, as well as a useful template to assist with creating a self-care plan that your child can establish throughout the year. I encourage all Year 10 students to spend some time creating their own self-care plan, as the research suggests that without caring for ourselves, we will not be able to maximise our learning opportunities.

As indicated in our student planner that all students received last week, we encourage Year 10 students to dedicate three hours aside each day to focus on either homework, consolidating what they have learnt that day as well as revision or study. While three hours does seem daunting, I asked our Year 10 students to consider their screen time, especially over the summer break, and challenged them to analyse how much time they are spending on their phones and how they can make simple changes so that this time can be dedicated to their education. There has been a variety of resources provided and are available to students to assist them with their time management and organisational skills, which I encourage you as their parents to reinforce at home.

The first week of Year 10 has started tremendously well for each student in our cohort, and I hope that your child is proud of themselves for the great way they have started the year. During Homeroom we took ‘Homeroom Photos’ to begin to create a sense of Hospitality as a Year Level. These photos will be displayed in the Year 10 corridor space as a symbol of the welcoming environment we aim to provide together. These photos are a reflection of the fun and friendship that will continue to grow as the year progresses.

Caring for your mental health link here

Download Self-Care Planning guide here

Jessica Baddeley

Level Leader: Year 10