As we come to the end of Term 1, it is an opportune time for your son to reflect on his semester goals and study habits. Following are questions that you can ask your son to support his journey in achieving his goals:

• How much have you progressed towards your goals?
• What steps have you achieved and what steps have you had trouble with? • Have you included all the necessary steps or do you need to revise your actions?
• Is there anything you can do to improve the execution of your plan?

Following are strategies for your son to consider in managing his time in preparing for assessment tasks. Spend time speaking with your son about how he implemented the following strategies during Term 1 and possible strategies he may implement for Term 2.

• STUDY NOTES: If your son knows that he has a test approaching, then on the nights he has less homework he can commence working on his study notes and summaries. He can then file them in folders at home so they are ready for use when he needs them.
• ASSIGNMENTS: Your son should start the assignment the day it is given to him, even if it is just a little bit. He needs to make sure he understands the requirements and should ask his teacher straight away if he doesn’t. Brainstorming the steps on the first night and drafting a rough plan of when he will do each step will support him.
• ASK FOR HELP EARLY: Encourage your son to ask for help when he experiences a problem. He can keep a list of questions for his teacher on sticky notes on his computer or a list in his phone.
• CONSIDER YOUR WEEK: Encourage your son to plan ahead for busy times. If he knows he has nights where he can’t do much work or has a busy weekend, he should plan ahead and get things done early.

ELEVATE EDUCATION

Our Year 11 and 12 students found the recent Study Skills seminars delivered by Elevate Education informative. The Year 11 seminar provided students with strategies on how to work effectively throughout the year, how to take effective and efficient notes, how to develop deeper understanding and become an independent learner. The Year 12 seminar provided tips and strategies on how to best prepare for examinations, how to manage their time during the examinations and how to respond to questions. Following are the results of an evaluation completed by the students including written responses:

YEAR 11

94% of students would recommend this seminar to their peers. 95% of students considered the seminar time well spent. “The overall program was very useful and helped me find ways to study that suits me.” “I learnt how to organise myself in the most efficient way.” “I learnt how the brain remembers notes and how to memorise.” “I learnt that using colour and loose sleeve sheets for notes are a better way to study.” “I would rate this program very highly as it provides incredibly useful study skills in an engaging format – makes senior study less daunting”.

YEAR 12

93% of students would recommend this seminar to their peers. 92% of students considered the seminar time well spent. “The program was useful to evaluate study patterns and habits and identify ways in which to improve.” “I learnt Study techniques – tips and tricks.” “The overall program was fun and engaging. It also helps us with our study exam routines.” “More practice papers and time to prepare.” “Overall great, provided some useful skills. Good reflection on past HSC experiences.” “Very engaging.” “Good program, strategies to learn” “Useful, interactive seminar, the presenter was very confident in her answers.”

NAPLAN 2021

Students in Years 7 and 9 will participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The NAPLAN Online tests will be conducted next term from Wednesday 12 May to Tuesday 18 May 2021. To support Year 7 and Year 9 students familiarise themselves with the style of questions, they are able to access sample papers by clicking on the following link: https://bit.ly/3cv4k6V

DA VINCI DECATHLON

Congratulations to the students in years 7 to 10 who represented the College at the 2021 da Vinci decathlon held at The Illawarra Grammar School on Tuesday 30 March and Wednesday 31 March. The da Vinci Decathlon provides students the opportunity to participate in a stimulating and challenging competition across a range of disciplines. Thank you to Mrs Shumack, Ms Herrmann and Mrs Leate for enabling our students to participate in this exciting event. Further information and results can be found in a detailed summary below.

Problem of the Fortnight:

If 2 is subtracted from both the top and bottom of a certain fraction where the top and bottom sum together to total 7, its value becomes a half. What is the fraction?

A Solution to The Last Problem:

The hands of a clock point in opposite directions (in the same straight line) 11 times in every 12 hours. Therefore, 22 times in a day.