Year 7

For many, this week has been the first full week of school for Year 7. By Wednesday 12 February 2020, the Year 7 students had been to every class on their timetable at least once. There is a lot for the Year 7 students to take in and I have been very impressed by how well the cohort have coped with the transition into high school. Navigating their way around campus, working out what they need for each lesson, and understanding how to work their locker locks is no mean feat. A number of staff have commented on this year group’s high level of resilience and positive, can-do attitude. I would like to commend the girls on their ability to ask questions when in need of help, to give everything a go, and to encourage and support the other girls in their year. These attributes show a strength of character that will lead to many successes for the class of 2025 in the future. 

Co-Curricular Activities

Many activities are underway for Term 1, but there are a number of lunchtime activities, clubs and committees which don’t require enrolment, that your daughter may want to join. Getting involved in lunchtime activities is an effective way of connecting with other girls of all year groups. These activities are listed in the 2020 Co-Curricular Handbook. 

Homework Guidelines

We try to ease Year 7 into the world of high school by not overburdening them with excessive amounts of homework, but we also believe it is important to begin setting up good habits early. With this in mind, we recommend students in Year 7 complete approximately sixty minutes of homework each night. This allocation includes working on assessment tasks and preparing for in-class assessments. If you have concerns about the amount of time your daughter is spending completing homework, please get in touch with me.

Organisation

Being organised is the key to working efficiently and effectively. The Luminaries have spent some time this week helping the girls with their organisational skills; in particular, how to use the School Diary appropriately. Classroom teachers encourage students to record homework and important dates in their School Diary, and it is essential that the girls utilise the Diary as a means to work steadily toward deadlines and to make sure all work is completed. I encourage you to please look at your daughter’s diary and make sure that she is using it in a way that establishes good study habits and routines. There is a space at the bottom of each page for parents to sign the diary and communicate with their daughter’s Luminary. The Luminaries will be checking the Diaries every Monday during Luminary Time. 

Parent Teacher Interviews

These will be held in the Senior Senior on Monday 24 February 2020 from 4pm to 7pm. 

– Karen Roberts
Head of Year 7