Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment – Lisa Romberg

Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment – Lisa Romberg

Trial HSC Examinations

Congratulations to the students of Year 12 as they complete their HSC Examinations over the coming weeks. It has been wonderful to see their drive and determination as they approach each examination. Thank you to the teachers of Year 12 for their continued support of their students prior to each exam and at the conclusion of each exam. 

We would also like to thank the staff at  De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah for their warm welcoming of our students and for the extra care and administration involved in the organising of these HSC Examinations.

The Power of Positive Self-Talk

Transform Your Inner Dialogue to Unlock Your Potential

The way you talk to yourself matters. Your inner dialogue—what you say to yourself when you’re facing challenges, setbacks, or achievements—shapes how you feel, act, and perform. Positive self-talk isn’t about ignoring difficulties; it’s about reframing them to build confidence, resilience, and motivation. Ready to harness the power of your inner voice? Here are five ways to turn self-talk into your superpower.

1. Recognise Your Inner Critic

The first step to positive self-talk is noticing when your inner critic is holding you back.

  • Pay attention to thoughts like “I’ll never get this right” or “I’m not good enough”. These negative beliefs often aren’t true—they’re just automatic responses to stress or fear.
  • Challenge these thoughts by asking, “Is this fact or just fear talking?”.

Tip: Write down recurring negative thoughts in a journal and reframe them into more balanced, constructive ones. For example, change “I always fail” to “I’m still learning, and I’ll improve with practice”.

2. Replace Negativity with Encouragement

Turn self-doubt into self-support with intentional, positive statements.

  • Replace “I can’t do this” with “I can figure this out”. Instead of focusing on what you lack, remind yourself of your strengths and past successes.
  • Practise affirmations, like “I am capable”, “I am resilient”, or “I can handle this challenge”.

Tip: Post your favourite affirmations where you’ll see them daily—on your mirror, desk, or phone lock screen.

3. Focus on Growth, Not Perfection

Negative self-talk often stems from perfectionism, which sets unrealistically high standards.

  • Instead of saying, “I’ll never be as good as them” focus on growth: “I’m improving every day”.
  • Recognise that mistakes are part of learning. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself that everyone has setbacks.

Tip: After a tough day, write down one thing you did well and one thing you learned. Over time, this practice builds a growth-oriented mindset.

4. Speak to Yourself as You Would a Friend

You wouldn’t call a friend ‘stupid’ or ‘a failure’, so why say those things to yourself?

  • Practice self-compassion by imagining you’re talking to a friend. What would you say to encourage or comfort them?
  • For example, replace “I’m so bad at this” with “It’s okay to find this difficult. I’m doing my best, and I’ll keep improving”.

Tip: When you’re feeling down, write a kind letter to yourself. Re-read it when you need a boost.

5. Stay Present and Positive

Negative self-talk often focuses on past mistakes or future fears. Positive self-talk keeps you grounded in the present.

  • When you catch yourself worrying about ‘what ifs’, refocus with a statement like, “Right now, I’m doing what I can”.
  • Pair positive self-talk with mindfulness practices, like deep breathing or visualising your goals, to calm your mind and build confidence.

Tip: Start your day with one positive intention, like “I will approach today with curiosity and patience”.

Rewrite Your Inner Story

Positive self-talk is a skill that takes practice, but it’s worth the effort. By recognising and reframing negative thoughts, speaking to yourself with kindness, and focusing on growth, you can transform your inner dialogue into a powerful tool for success.

Challenge: This week, pay attention to your self-talk. Whenever you catch yourself being overly critical, pause and reframe the thought into something constructive. Notice how it changes your mood, motivation, and confidence.

With time and effort, your inner voice can become your biggest supporter—and the key to achieving your best self.

You and your parents can learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

School username: OLMBurraneer

School password: Mercy

Tuesday Afternoon Open Learning

Tuesday Afternoon Open Learning has started. This will be held in the Library each Tuesday afternoon from 3pm until 4pm. 

This time will provide students with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students, complete any group tasks or learning experiences or provide a quiet space for study and home learning. In addition teachers will be available to assist students with their learning.
This includes:
* assistance with time management and planning
* tips and tricks to developing study tools such as mind maps, study notes, flash cards
* subject specialists who can help answer questions

CRITERIA FOR ACADEMIC AND OTHER AWARDS

As the end of  the year approaches, I am taking this opportunity to communicate the criteria for the awards that are presented to students on 10 December, 2025.

The Principal’s Acknowledgement Letter for Commitment to Learning

The Principal’s Acknowledgement Letter for Commitment to Learning is awarded to students who have achieved consistently in each subject for each component of Commitment to Learning. They have displayed learning dispositions at a high standard, demonstrating commendable levels of initiative, persistence and engagement with the learning process.

Determined by School Report – Consistently for every subject for every area, allowance made for ONE subject for ONE component

ACADEMIC AWARDS

First place in course: is awarded to the student who has ranked highest based on their assessment results throughout the course.

The Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence: is awarded to students who have attained an A grade in the vast majority of the subjects studied throughout Semester 2. 

Determined by School Report
7-10 Awarded to students who have attained an A grade in ALL but 3 subjects of the total number of subjects studied
– Year 7 a total of 6 or more subjects
– Year 8 a total of 7 or more subjects
– Year 9 & 10 a total of 5  or more subjects
11-12
– Six subjects – 4 or more subjects
– Seven subjects – 5 or more subjects

The Principal’s Medal for Academic Excellence: is awarded to students who have achieved a Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence for both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Outstanding Achievement Awards: is awarded to five students in each Year Group from Years 7 to 10 who have achieved consistently in the top 5 places across many of their subjects. 

SPORTS AWARDS

Outstanding Achievement in Sport NSW CCC Team

The following awards recognise students who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen sport, making a NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Team during 2025.

Outstanding Achievement in Sport NSW All Schools Team and NSW CCC Team

The following awards recognise students who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen sport, making a NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Team and a NSW All Schools Team during 2025.

Sportswoman of the Year Awards

The Sportswoman of the Year Award is presented to the student in each age group who contributes the most to a variety of Sports at OLM in one Year, contributing to both school teams and further representation. 

Students self nominate by Term 4, Week 5 via Google Form outlining the points they have received in the year.

Specific criteria can be found here.

SPECIAL AWARDS

The ANSTO Award is presented to a student who: has shown an excellent level of academic achievement coupled with a demonstrated enthusiasm, passion and dedication to Science.

The Long Tan Award, Year 10 – Leadership is presented to a student who: displays leadership ability and fosters cooperation. Demonstrates respect for the values of the school and the community. The ability to work effectively with both staff and students are important skills that this student possesses.

The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award, Year 10 is presented to a student who: has demonstrated motivation, innovation and achievement in a STEM related field. 

Mercy Award: School Spirit & Citizenship

The most significant of awards are presented to students who exemplify the best of the Mercy qualities that we cherish at Our Lady of Mercy:

  • Maintaining good relationships with others
  • Displaying outstanding school spirit through engagement in school activities
  • Demonstrating respect, dignity, hospitality and values social justice
  • They are highly regarded by staff, students and the community

Lisa Romberg, Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment