I trust the Year 7 students thoroughly enjoyed their first term holiday and were able to spend quality time with family and friends after an eventful Term 1, their first in the Senior School.

Term 1 culminated in the students’ first Parent Teacher Interviews. This was an excellent opportunity for students to receive feedback about their progress so far. This week, using the comments from the interviews as a basis, the Year 7s have been asked to set personal S.M.A.R.T goals in the areas of academia, co-curricular and social.

S.M.A.R.T goals are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Such goals are essential in identifying areas of improvement or change and can be monitored closely to ensure targets are met. Setting goals allows for clearer focus, optimum use of resources and effective use of time. Time is a factor of utmost importance for Year 7 students as they endeavour to adequately schedule for study, co-curricular pursuits as well as time with family and friends.

As well as S.M.A.R.T goals, the cohort will dedicate time during the Level periods throughout this Term to discuss the importance of the School values; Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity and Curiosity and how they can be embodied. Through contemplating and enacting these values, students will feel an even stronger sense of belonging to the Year level and School community. With such reflection,  students will continue to contribute effectively as integral members of the vibrant and hardworking Year 7 cohort.