ERC Updates

From the Deputy Principal

Learning Focus / Student Diary (Y7-10)

As students and teachers settle into a regular timetabled learning it is an important process to establish a positive and productive learning routine. An important part of this routine would be for students in Stage 4 & 5 to utilise their College Diary more effectively and consistently. Recently we heard from our Distinguished Achievers from the Class of 2022, who emphasised the importance of planning, goal setting, good routines and positive learning habits as key indicators for their success in the HSC. Maintaining the student diary ensures that a learning routine is maintained.

Some of the reasons why it is seen a beneficial include:

a) planning ahead, having the ability to prioritise tasks using time more efficiently
b) Increased productivity when there is a clear plan for the day or week ahead, you are less likely to procrastinate or waste time on distractions.
c) Reduced stress and anxiety, being prepared can help you feel more in control of your responsibilities and reduce the stress of managing multiple tasks at the same time.
d) Provides a record of progress, a sense of achievement when you track or tick off a completed task. This can begin a discussion with your parents and upon reflection provide a sense of progress and achievement over time.
e) Assist with the goal-setting you have already begun in pastoral classes. A diary is a great tool for setting and achieving your learning and academic goals. Breaking down long-term goals into smaller achievable tasks i.e. week by week or term by term.

Students have been asked to enter their classes and associated learning tasks in their diary consistently, everyday. This can also provide a snap-shot of your learning and begin that conversation with parents when they are requested to sign it each week.

The following is an example of how the student diary should be maintained.

Student Transport / Travel

  • Students are reminded that, in most cases, the general public have a camera or a video in their pockets via their mobile phone (just as you do). As such, your behaviour in public areas must be in accordance with the high standards of the College. You are always ‘on show’ and it is your responsibility to make good choices with regards to your behaviour between home and school, mornings and afternoons.
  • Students are to ensure they continue to tap on with their opal cards. That is the only way to effectively monitor travel data to support possible route overcrowding. Remember that students without an opal card, MUST provide confirmation of order upon request of the driver.
  • General rules when travelling on public transport apply, these are clearly stated in the Code of Conduct on Buses and Trains (refer to Page 31 of the Student Diary).

Student Drop Off / Pick Up – REMINDERS

  • Parents should not be driving down the College driveway at the commencement or conclusion of the school day or parking at the end of the turning circle.
  • Parents, please adhere to the local road rules when dropping off or picking up in the surrounding streets. If you are picking your son up and are stopping, waiting in marked ‘No Stopping or No Parking Areas’ or across personal driveways the council parking rangers have indicated that they will be fining offenders.
  • Year 12 student drivers, must have completed the permission to drive to/from school form with the appropriate signatures. Students who already have permission to drive are reminded of our local arrangement with residents about where they can park, being courteous and following safe driving practises – especially with regard to their speed around the surrounding streets. Students are to ensure they park correctly and allow suitable travel time so they are not late, leading them to make poor parking decisions which evidently can be a financial burden.
  • Rangers have been called previously by local residents as a response to parents and student drivers parking illegally across driveways or too close to kerbs by residents. The College has not previously nor will it intervene or become involved with parking infringements and/or demerits actioned by authorities.

Contacting the College via email

ERC recognises that email is a fast and convenient way to communicate with your child’s teacher. We wish to remind you that teachers read their emails at various times throughout the school day. Further, teachers are generally not expected to respond to emails from parents or students outside of normal working hours. In the case of an emergency please contact the Front Office during business hours on office@erc.nsw.edu.au or phone 02 – 4228 4344. We appreciate your assistance and understanding. If you have any questions about the above please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Mr Walsh
Deputy Principal