Last week, students from the HSC Class of 2021 attended the Distinguished Achievers Assembly held at the College. Congratulations to all students who received an award. Following the assembly, the College held its first HSC Symposium. Students from Year 11 had the opportunity to listen to strategies that students from the HSC Class of 2021 used to support them achieve their outstanding results. Year 11 students also had the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice on how to best prepare for the HSC examinations.

The following is taken from the 2021 HSC Results Brochure and is written by 2021 College Dux and recipient of the John Pollock Science Scholarship, Matthew Moss. This is a very strong message for all students wanting to improve their learning.

Two traits critical to success are efficiency and organization; these are what pulled me through my HSC years and they will allow you to study smarter and make time for what matters to you. For me this took the form of daily schedules and goal setting. By creating these day plans I was able to realise how much spare time I had outside of study which I was able to put towards hanging out with mates, exercise, volunteering and work. When you study, remember that success comes from using all the tools available to you efficiently and effectively. My study regime had three parts: writing notes based on the syllabus (trust me when I say you need to understand and use your syllabus), completing practice questions under timed conditions and getting teacher feedback. DO NOT underestimate the power of feedback from your teachers. This year I will be studying medicine at University of Newcastle in the Joint Medical Program.

All families have access to the Study Samurai Library. The Study Samurai Library includes the Study Skills Module website which provides advice and resources on developing essential skills for academic success. This week, families are able to spend time watching a video included in each of the following Units on developing STUDY NOTES .

• Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8): Study Notes 1 
• Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10): Study Notes 2 
• Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12): Study Notes 3

Click on the above links to access the units. To access the Study Samurai Library website, go to www.studysamurailibrary.com and login with these details:

Username: edmundrice
Password: 13achieve

In addition, click here to access the Study Samurai Library document ‘Creating Positive Habits’.

Congratulations to all students at the College on the manner in which they are engaging in their learning. As included in the College Learning and Wellbeing Framework, students are encouraged to continue to seek opportunities to develop into curious, compassionate and courageous learners and critical thinkers.

Please do not hesitate to make contact if you have any questions.

LANGUAGE AND LITERACY FOR LEARNING

Teachers at the College continue to engage in professional learning to support the provision of quality learning experiences for our students. This year, the third group of teachers will participate in the Language and Literacy for Learning course. The course focuses on how student literacy is a capacity for making meaning across the curriculum, predominantly through language and visuals and ways that language underpins learning. The science faculty, along with new staff member, Mr Marco Panozzo, will work collaboratively under the facilitation of the course by Mrs Sofia Masters. We thank Mrs Masters for her continued commitment to this valuable course.

Mr Sozio
Director of Learning & Teaching