Term 4

Term 4 is in many ways a short term with now only four and a half weeks before the Years 9, 10 and 11 examinations commence. Years 7 and 8 classes continue for longer as they do not have examinations, but it is for them also a busy Term with Beyond Boundaries camps and an end of year program. Girls are encouraged to approach the final Term of 2015 with a focus on their organisation and planning skills to ensure they are dealing with deadlines and well prepared for examinations, class assessments, Beyond Boundaries and, of course, House Arts. The term will proceed very quickly and for those who make the most of their time and are well prepared, will do well, providing a good foundation for 2016.

Our 2016 School leaders commence their leadership duties this Term. We wish them well as they embark on their new roles. Our 2015 Year 12 Leaders have completed an excellent year of service to the School under the guidance of our Captain Nicola Sitch and Vice Captain Jaquelin Cantarella. Each leader has brought strength to their position and left a legacy from which our new leaders can continue to develop. By far the greatest strength of St Catherine’s student leadership is their ability to engage, and their interest and compassion for other students. Whether it is on the sporting field, through the Environment or International Clubs, Community Service, leading the Houses or Boarding House, or assisting students with Debating, Music, Drama or Visual Arts, our 2015 leaders have led their peers with passion, commitment and a true representation of our School values: Empathy, Curiosity, Integrity and Perseverance.

2016 Dates

Parents are reminded the 2016 Term dates can be found on the Parent Portal. To reduce the impact of lost Mondays during the year, the Staff Developing Practice Conference Day (Student Free Day) will now be on Friday 12 August. This move will also help facilitate the 2016 Senior School Music Camp that weekend.

Year 12 Departure

The Units 3&4 trial examinations occurred over the last weekend of the holidays. It was very pleasing to see the girls taking these seriously and ensuring they were well prepared. Reflecting on their preparation and response to questions has enabled them to refine their approach and studies further. Girls are encouraged to seek clarification from their teachers when unsure, and to take heed of the advice given in classes in regards to both their preparation and the best method of response to different question types.

During the next week, there is opportunity for us to also reflect on our class of 2015, to congratulate students and to acknowledge the significant legacy of leadership they are leaving at St Catherine’s. We wish them all well as they approach the final week of their classes.

Years 9 to 12 Speech Night

The Years 9 to 12 Speech Night will be held in the St Catherine’s Hall on Tuesday 20 October at 7.00pm. All students in Years 9 to 12 are required to attend. Parents, guardians and friends are encouraged to attend this evening as we celebrate our Year 12 Class of 2015 and also the achievements of students in Years 9, 10 and 11. Students are required to attend in summer uniform including School blazers. An Awards Assembly will be held for Years 7 and 8 students at 9.00am on Tuesday 1 December in the St Catherine’s Hall.

Summer Uniform

With the early warm weather, girls are very pleased to be in their Summer Dresses in Term 4. Students are reminded the length of dresses should extend toward the knee. A number of girls have grown significantly since Term 1 and have been asked to have their hems taken down to a more appropriate level.

Mr Paul Cross
Deputy Principal