The Year 11 students have approached the first weeks of their VCE journey with a sense of excitement and anticipation. During the first Year Level period, I talked with the group about what to expect this year – namely an increase in workload. This soon became a reality as students attended their new classes, with many realising that the next two years will require a greater level of focus.

This year, the pastoral program will focus on three key areas: making a positive start, looking after yourself and life beyond the classroom. The program addresses strategies to maximise their capabilities as students, ensuring that they take time to look after both their physical and mental health, and starting to think about what lies beyond their life at St Catherine’s.

English Teacher and Pedagogy Coach Miss Kristy Forrest spoke to the girls this week about study skills and how to effectively manage their time when completing homework tasks. This is an area that many students are still navigating and I trust that Miss Forrest’s session provided students with practical strategies.

Each student started the term by setting a goal – some short term and others extending to the end of next year. Their goals have been laminated and placed inside their lockers as a reminder of some of the areas they may be working towards. Much discussion is taking place with Form teachers about how to make incremental changes to achieve these goals and, later on this term, we will focus on what to do if the goals have not been met.

As the Head of Year, I shared with the girls that my goal was to meet with each student individually this term. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the girls, many of whom I have not taught, and getting to know them. These conversations are invaluable and assist in building positive rapport, while also allowing me to gauge how each of your daughters are feeling about VCE.

The Year 11 students made friendship bracelets with the Year 7 students as part of their mentoring program.

We have also spent time collaborating with the Year 7 cohort through a mentoring program, where Year 11 students have chosen to make friendship bracelets with their group. During these sessions, specific topics of conversation are initiated by the Year 11 mentors to assist with our youngest students’ transition into the Senior School. In addition, I was pleased to launch the boarder tutoring program, where a group of Year 11 students tutor our Year 7 boarders. This has been a wonderful way to promote connectivity between the Senior School and Illawarra and I look forward to building this program throughout the year.

A buzz of excitement was definitely felt amongst the cohort last week with the announcement of two upcoming events, House Arts and, of course, the formal. Each House will be presented with stimulus material in the coming weeks for the end of year production, which is a definite highlight in the calendar. They will spend the remainder of the year planning this production that involves Music, Art, Drama and Dance.

Year 11 St Catherine’s students.

Reflecting on the first half of Term 1, I feel incredibly privileged to be the Head of such a wonderful group and I look forward to working with them for the following two years.