Newsletter Article: Term 2, Week 2 2024

Preparing for success in Term 2

It is wonderful to see students excited to return to classrooms, fresh from the Easter break.  As they say, “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet” so students are encouraged to give themselves every opportunity for success in Term 2 by preparing well and preparing early. Most students, especially those in younger year levels, will begin experiencing an increase in summative assessment to challenge them further in Term 2.  Dates and details for these tasks are provided to students in class and can be accessed by students and parents via the personalised online assessment calendar in myStuartholme.  Term 2 assessment dates are available to view via myStuartholme now.  For students in Years 9, 10, 11 & 12, Exam Block schedules will be released two weeks before the commencement of exams as per our assessment policy guidelines.

Developing academic strategies

Students are supported to develop their academic strategies throughout the term by participating in activities throughout the Wise Wellness program.  These are designed to equip them with new tools to manage their homework and study and to help them navigate their assessment. Students also have the opportunity to participate in The Hive Alunni Mentoring program.  Hive sessions are held in the Library from 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays across Weeks 2 to 8 inclusive this term.  All students are welcome to attend to connect with our past students and access support with developing academic strategies, career insights, and subject-specific advice.

Feedback on student progress

We have a strong partnership approach to teaching and learning where students, parents and teachers work together in support of educational outcomes.  An important part of this process is the Parent Student Teacher Conferences (PSTCs) that occur each semester with the first round being held this week.  The PSTCs were a great opportunity for students, parents and teachers to connect to discuss progress, feedback and aspirations to work towards.  At Stuartholme, we also provide formal reports twice a year as well as continuous feedback on student learning via myStuartholme.  Feedback and results for summative assessment are first provided to students in class and are then made available for students and parents to access via myStuartholme.

Teaching and Learning highlights

We know that our passionate and dedicated teachers do incredible work here at Stuartholme and many of them also contribute their expertise well beyond our gates for the benefit of the greater education community.  Several of our senior teachers will spend this coming weekend working as QCAA Confirmers.  This important work is not only crucial for Year 12 results, it also means that we benefit from a team of experts who are up-to-date in the nuances of the senior system.  On behalf of our community, I acknowledge the great work of these professionals and thank them for going above and beyond.

All the best for a successful and confident Term 2.

Annie Van Homrigh

Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation